Faustian Bargain?

It didn't take long for the French to fill the vacuum in Saudi Arabia.

French Firms Eye Big Stake in Saudi Market

RIYADH, 17 May 2004 — The French are coming. French investment in the Kingdom is estimated at $1.2 billion, making France the third largest investor in Saudi Arabia. Late last year, a consortium led by Total of France and Royal Dutch-Shell signed a landmark agreement with the Kingdom for gas exploration and production in Rub Al-Khali (or Empty Quarter).

Now French Foreign Trade Minister Francois Loos, leading a 30-member business delegation, has been here to drum up even more business
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Three months ago, Finance Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf signed a contract with a consortium of Saudi, French and Canadian companies to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of a 1,600-km railway to link the northern region with the eastern region via the capital.

“France is the world leader in the field of roadways, water distribution, manufacture of automobiles and telecommunications, and we would like to exchange experience with the Kingdom’s private sector,” the minister said. A similar Saudi delegation will visit Paris in September this year and more deals are expected then.

Dr. Al-Assaf needs to get out more. I can't quite imagine the Saudi's giving up their MB's, Porsche's, Suburbans, Jeeps and Hummers for a Peugeot, Renault or a Nissan. The French may soon discover that the Saudis have another export that they may not have bargained for: Splodydopes.

It is difficult to imagine two groups who more deserve each other.