December 29, 2008
Did you read about the millions of dollars given by Arab governments to the Bill Clinton Foundation? Saudi Arabia alone donated at least $10 million and possibly as much as $25 million. And now Hillary Clinton is going to be secretary of state. Does anyone else see a potential conflict of interest and a possible attempt to buy the allegiance of Mrs. Clinton, especially in matters related to Israel?
Forty-one million dollars came from other governments, including Kuwait, Qatar, Brunei and Oman. Donations of $1 to $5 million came from Saudi businessman Nasser Al-Rashid; Ethiopian-Saudi business tycoon Sheikh Mohammed H. Al-Amoudi; former Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Issam Fares; oil and gas entrepreneur Lukas Lundin, who has extensive business interests in Syria; the Friends of Saudi Arabia and the Dubai Foundation.
Why would these governments and individuals donate so much money to the Clinton Foundation unless they hope to get a return on their investment?
When the Senate Foreign Relations Committee holds confirmation hearings next month, Mrs. Clinton should be asked about this and she should not be allowed to give evasive answers as she has so many times before.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
