Daniel Politi
State Department officials are increasingly frustrated by the resistance being put up by allies in the Arab world to cut the sources of terrorism financing. Washington is well aware of the diverse ways terrorist financiers get their hands on cash but are often powerless to stop the flow. One of the biggest sources of frustration is Saudi Arabia that “remains a critical financial support base” for terrorist groups, says a cable signed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “Donors in Saudi Arabia constitute the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide.” Qater, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are also listed as terrorism-financing sources, reports the Guardian, which emphasizes how militants often slip into Saudi Arabia disguised as holy pilgrims and then proceed to create front companies that can launder money from government-sanctioned charities. The New York Times notes that U.S. officials “appear to have divided views” on al-Qaida’s fundraising abilities.
Story Complimnets Of Slate.com / The Guardian
