We need to be minding our own business Mr. President: U.S. Rebukes Saudis for Sentencing Blogger to 1,000 Lashes

From The Wall Street Journal:

WASHINGTON—The Obama administration publicly called on Saudi Arabia to rescind its sentencing of a political activist that includes the punishment of 1,000 lashes.

The unusual diplomatic rebuke is expected to further strain Washington’s relations with the Arab monarchy at a time of serious disagreements over strategic and economic policies.

The State Department regularly calls on foreign governments to respect human rights and to observe due process of law when confronting political opponents. But senior U.S. officials said Thursday it is extremely rare for Washington to demand the reversal of a legal decision, particularly by an important U.S. ally.

Current and former U.S. officials said the sharp rebuke against Saudi Arabia seems to highlight the changing nature of the alliance.

“This does seem to be tougher than the U.S. government usually is with Saudi Arabia,” said Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a top official in the George W. Bush White House. “Maybe it’s the product of $50 oil.”