November 6, 2003

WHAT ABOUT THE WAHHABI PREACHER SHORTAGE:

Saudis 'fear sand shortage' (BBC, 11/5/2003; via Adam Smith Institute weblog)

Saudi Arabia has reportedly imposed strict border checks to enforce a ban on the export of sand.

There are fears that the growing demands of the construction industry could lead to a shortage in the desert kingdom.


If we could get them to fear a terrorist shortage, it would greatly advance the war on terror.

Posted by Paul Jaminet at November 6, 2003 12:40 PM
Comments

This must be a hoax. I worked in the KSA in the construction industry, and can tell you that windblown desert sand is useless for most construction use (sandblasting, concrete, etc) as its particles are too small and smooth.

Posted by: MG at November 6, 2003 1:18 PM

If windblown desert sand is useless for construction, doesn't that make the story plausible? Their supply of useful sand may be small.

Posted by: pj at November 6, 2003 1:28 PM

That's possible, pj, but there's another odd thing in that story. They have to bag the sand?

In the civilized world you just dump the stuff in a gondola or barge.

It could be that the convenient sand (near water transportation) is salty, too.

Posted by: Harry Eagar at November 6, 2003 5:21 PM
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