And we are friends with them because......?

Came in this morning to this article

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/23/saudi.arabia.child.marriage/index.html

So this begs the question: Why are we friends with the Saudis?
I know the underlying reason is because they have the oil. But come on, an 8 year old? It's just inconceivable that our government would keep up friendly relations when the Saudi government treats half their population like chattel.

I'm sure other countries say the same things about us when it comes to Iraq and our love of the death penalty.

I hope this enrages you as much as me.