Bush in Arabia. Did you see the footage of Bush's arrival in Saudi Arabia on Al-Arabiya TV? It was quite a show. Najwa Qasim (formerly of Hariri TV) could not contain herself. She kept saying that it was Air Force One: she asked the audience to hold their breath until the plane engine stops. It is a signal, she added that Bush would now disembark. What a scene: the King who does not prostrate in mosque during prayers (he sits on his golden chair instead), was prostrating. He looked as if he was offering to shine Bush's shoes. The anchorwoman told the audience with pride that the relationship is also familial between the Bush family and the House of Saud. What a scene and what a sight. I was subjected to the grotesque coverage upon arriving here in London. For a second, I thought Arab armies reconquered Andalusia, Palestine, and Alexandretta. US media should have aired Bush's second inaugural (and his empty rhetoric about liberty and freedom ad nausea) to accompany Bush's image in UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. His second inaugural should have been a celebration of polygany, autocracy, oppression, and oil calculations. But the Arab peoples were not fooled: even the lousy CNN correspondent noted that the UAE's press was expressing cynicism and skepticism regarding this visit. Those corrupt princes and kings would do anything to please Bush: they would move the Black Stone to Crawford, Texas, if asked. Anything for Mr. Bush.