UK training forces used to crush Arab spring
The the UK's Guardian newspaper:
Britain is training Saudi Arabia's national guard – the elite security force deployed during the recent protests in Bahrain – in public order enforcement measures and the use of sniper rifles. The revelation has outraged human rights groups, which point out that the Foreign Office recognises that the kingdom's human rights record is "a major concern".
In response to questions made under the Freedom of Information Act, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that British personnel regularly run courses for the national guard in "weapons, fieldcraft and general military skills training, as well as incident handling, bomb disposal, search, public order and sniper training". The courses are organised through the British Military Mission to the Saudi Arabian National Guard, an obscure unit that consists of 11 British army personnel under the command of a brigadier.
The MoD response, obtained yesterday by the Observer, reveals that Britain sends up to 20 training teams to the kingdom a year. Saudi Arabia pays for "all BMM personnel, as well as support costs such as accommodation and transport".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/28/uk-training-saudi-troops
what does this have to do with friendship? A service is needed and offered...that's all.
agreee with Milky............... No friends...
All in the name of Interest. There are no friends of Foes but only Interests (oil)..:)
Agree with Milky_BarKid. No hypocrisy on the part of the UK so long as they state they are just looking after their own interests.
Obviously the MOD and Foreign Office need better communication with each other.
The UK has a long history of supplying arms and training with Saudi arabia. As do the USA, France and Germany. The UK trains Saudi Forces in may areas. I have been part of such a mission in the past.