|
  Geo-political Dynamics: Iran and Iraq - Engagement is the Answer (AUSPC 2008) - Gen. Joseph P. Hoar "..As you recall, the subject is challenges and opportunities for Iraq and Iran. One of the difficulties that we face is that we can change neither geography nor history of the region, and both are really important. And I'm not going to go into any great detail, but with respect to the geography, and General Scowcroft touched on this a moment ago, the solutions to both of these problems are in some measure greater or lesser, dependent on the neighbors. And if you start over in Central Asia, with India, with Afghanistan, go up into Central Asia, Russia, the countries in the Caucuses, Turkey, Ukraine, obviously Syria, Lebanon, Israel, not to mention the GCC countries and Egypt, all of these countries have a role to play to a greater or lesser degree. And we can't expect that part of it to change.."
[more]
|
|
 Energy:
The Integral Element (AUSPC2008) Ms. Nabilah Al Tunisi
"..Energy is an essential driver of the world's economic health and social well-being. And in some shape or form energy touches the daily life of all of us.. ..Energy has been an integral element in the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the last three quarters of a century. This year, in fact, Saudi Aramco is celebrating the 75th anniversary of signing the original concession agreement between the Saudi government and the Standard Oil Company of California, predecessor of today's Chevron, which opened the Kingdom to oil exploration and marked the birth of our company.."
[more]
|
|
 Hajj Reflections - Siraj Wahab - Arab News
"It has been a hugely successful Haj. The efforts of the Saudi government have been lauded again and again by pilgrims in Mina. The organization of the stoning ritual through the use of the new Jamrat complex was excellent. It is inconceivable that there could ever be another stampede tragedy. As we write, it is 5 p.m. and the pilgrims who are leaving on Wednesday from Mina are rushing to avail themselves of transport and be out of the city within the hour. Pilgrims not outside the environs of Mina by sunset must remain in their tents for one more night."
[more]
|
|
 Election 2008 - Arab World Views - (AUSPC 2008) Media Panel (Part 1) "..As far as the Middle East is concerned the region that now during the George Bush reign we call it the Greater Middle East. after George Bush's tsunami, or rampaging years, it's more fragmented, politically, economically it's facing a great deal of uncertainty with few islands of exceptions, such as in the Gulf, but even there, there's new uncertainty on the horizon. There is something that you haven't seen in recent years, that is the rising tensions, the sectarian tensions between the Sunni and the Shia. Various entrenched Arab autocratic regimes as well as Iran, which is worse than autocratic, are facing tremendous social, economic challenges, not only from assertive and at times armed groups but also from the growing army of young men and women who are facing an uncertain future. Many of them are underemployed, many of them will be unemployed.."
[more]
|
|
 Energy: A Complex Interdependence (AUSPC 2008) - Ms. Karen Harbert "..There really is no issue that brings U.S.-Arab relations into starker relief than energy. It really highlights the opportunities and challenges of our relationship. It reveals a complex interdependence. It embodies the risks and rewards of collaboration. But most importantly, I think it shows the importance of maintaining and sustaining a healthy relationship between the Arab world and the United States people.." "..Demand for energy is going to go up by over 50 percent between now and 2030. Seventy percent of that demand is going to be in the developing world. Electricity demand is going to go up by 100 percent, and yet one and a half billion people don't have access to electricity.."
[more]
|
|
 Regional Defense: A Need for Credibility, Effectiveness and Transparency (AUSPC 2008) - Dr. Anthony Cordesman "..I have watched people in the GCC military now for more than twenty years set the right priorities. I watched U.S. commanders focus on the right goals. But the results, while they have often been a steady improvement in the military capabilities of individual states have not been to create an effective Gulf Cooperation Council or to create the climate where the role of the United States and outside powers can be minimized, and the role of the Gulf can be strengthened.."
[more]
|
