The dictionary defines double standard as a rule or principle applied more strictly to some than to others. Double standards are seen as unjust because they violate fairness, that everyone is equal before the law. When this basic principle is violated, it creates anger and resentment. U.S. policy in the Middle East has long engaged in the practice of double standards. Washington's staunch ally Saudi Arabia is one of the most theocratic, puritanical countries in the world. The Riyadh regime, a family-run dynasty, is a state sponsor of religious intolerance, discrimination, homophobia, and misogyny. It has notoriously funded some of the most extreme madarssas, Islamic seminaries, which have been incubators of jihadis. Not withstanding all that it gets a free pass from Washington.

Rami Khouri
Rami Khouri is a well-known journalist in the Middle East. Based in Beirut, he is editor-at-large of The Daily Star. He is also the Director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut. He appears on NPR, CNN, BBC and his articles are syndicated in major newspapers around the world. He is recipient of the Pax Christi International Peace Award for his efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. AR's David Barsamian interviewed him in Beirut.