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Saudi Arabia has long been a major supporter and financer of Islamic extremism at home and abroad, including in some cases financial support for terrorist organizations. Recently the Saudi government has declared that it is cracking down on terrorist financing and support for extremism, but its actions do not yet match its rhetoric. Today, John Kerry called for accountability. The US must do everything possible to ensure that Saudi reforms are real, not just window-dressing. He pointed to three major concerns: hate speech in Saudi textbooks and sermons, support for Hamas, and the anti-Semitic, 9/11 conspiracy theory of the Saudi Minister of Interior, Prince Nayef. Unfortunately, he said, we have too little leverage right now because of our nation’s deep energy and financial ties to the country. To alter the balance, John Kerry will reduce our dependence on foreign oil so that we are not held hostage to these interests. The Bush Administration has all but gone the other way. He will also consider other actions, including financial sanctions to nations that harbor terrorists.