Creating a "Normal" U. S.-Saudi Relationship

Since there is time, the United States can afford to deal carefully and prudently with the Saudis on domestic issues. Those issues can be divided into three categories – economic, political and social. They call for three different approaches from Washington. Economic issues are the least sensitive issues in terms of potential backlash from Saudi public opinion, and the area where the Saudis need the most serious American prodding. The Saudis have to create job opportunities for the growing numbers of Saudi youths, among whom unemployment is becoming a serious problem. Saudi economic reformers would welcome American input on opening up their economy, attracting both foreign investment and, more importantly, the billions of dollars Saudis keep abroad. One important avenue through which to raise these issues is Saudi accession to the World Trade Organization. In those negotiations, the United States can prod the Saudis to be more open to investment, to make their legal system compatible with economic change, to be more transparent in financial and budgetary matters, and to attack the problem of corruption, including within the ruling family. There are important forces within Saudi Arabia, including the Crown Prince, who want to move this way. The United States can help push these economic issues, and can do so openly.                        
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The Saudi-American Forum wishes to thank Dr. Gause for permission to share this important contribution to the dialogue on US-Saudi relations with you.  This paper was originally published by the Brookings Institution, Saban Center for Middle East Policy. 

"The Approaching Turning Point: The Future of U.S. Relations with the Gulf States" is being provided to Saudi-American Forum members in weekly serials due to the length of the report.  A complete version is posted to the Saudi-American Forum library.

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These are difficult days in the Saudi-US relationship. Voices of reason are being drowned out by shrill rhetoric from extremists — both East and West. In the midst of the madness, two websites have been launched to provide resources for those still interested in maintaining and growing the fruitful ties, developed over many decades, which have served both nations well.       [more]

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Look Who's Talking...  The Saudi-US Relations Information Service web site features a discussion forum for you to post your ideas, opinions and questions.  To sign on and speak up Click Here.   Among the posts in current threads:

"I am an American, who believes that the choices that the Saudis make, with respect to the conduct of their own lives, are none of his business. Just as I tolerate and respect the right of people to congregate in the mosques, temples, synagogues, and churches that abound in my neighborhood, I must tolerate and respect the right of people in other nations to form governments that I might disagree with. Just as I don't need or want everyone in the world to be exactly like me, I don't need or want every nation in the world to be exactly like the United States."

Sign up for the forum and contribute to the dialogue.

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