One can find some degree of empathy for Al Gore. When a candidate has lost the presidency by a mere 520 votes, it could well have an emotional and psychological effect on his personality. While those 520 votes tossed the Electoral College toward George Bush, the former vice president clearly knows he won the popular vote in 2000, so his defeat must be particularly grating.

Under such stress, perhaps he should return to his spiritual roots and read Psalms or Proverbs or even the book of Job for consolation. Or perhaps seek a secular therapist.

However, this week he told a Saudi audience that the United States has committed "terrible abuses" against Arabs. After 9-11, America began "indiscriminately rounding up Arabs" and held them in "unforgivable (prison) conditions." The former vice president also said the tougher standards the State Department now has for handing out visas "was a mistake."

Ignoring the fact that it’s bad taste to criticize your own government when you’re overseas — and hardly in a land of Jeffersonian democracy — Mr. Gore is just wrong.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers on 9-11 were Saudis, so the government should be very careful in approving any more Saudi visas. A number of Arabs were rounded up after 9-11 and most were found to be in violation of immigration laws. Usually, that is a misdemeanor but it became a serious matter after the World Trade Towers were attacked. The Arabs rounded up were held in routine prisons under the same conditions as other inmates. Almost all were given written notice of their charges within 30 days. (A courtesy many other governments — including the one in Saudi Arabia — would not have bothered with.)

Plus, President Bush hasn’t exactly played hardball with the Saudis. We’ve urged them to democratize their institutions but only Al Gore could complain we’ve been too tough with the Saudi government.

As noted, one can extend understanding to Mr. Gore due to the traumatic events of 2000, but our patience is wearing thin.