Saudi Arabia Observes National Day

SUSRIS Quarterly Summary - A Review of October 1 - December 31, 2009 Production

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 12:10:32 -0600

This compilation provides a summary of SUSRIS articles, interviews, essays, items of interest and special reports distributed between October 1 and December 31, 2009. You can find more news and resources in the weekly SUSRIS newsletters listed below and on the SUSRIS.org web site. We're also please to announce the introduction of the SUSRIS Blog, a new resource for you that will include commentary, video, articles and more. Check it out at http://blog.susris.org You may also find useful resources through the index to the SUSRIS Special Sections. These are compilations of SUSRIS articles and interviews, related media reports, web links, photos and more that address a significant topic in the relationship or developments in the Middle East that touch on US-Saudi interests. We hope you check these SUSRIS Special Sections when there are occasions you need references not found elsewhere. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for helping make the SUSRIS a top choice for news, analyses and interviews concerning US-Saudi relations. We appreciate your continued interest in receiving SUSRIS newsletters, in recommending SUSRIS to your friends and colleagues, and in visiting the SUSRIS Web site and the SUSRIS Blog. When you forward this "Quarterly" to your colleagues please recommend they sign up for our free e-newsletters by visiting SUSRIS.org. There's a signup box at the top left of the page. They'll thank you for it.

EXCLUSIVE - Saudi "Glasnost" A Conversation with Robert Lacey

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 12:10:31 -0600

Today we provide for your consideration part one of our exclusive interview with British historian Robert Lacey, author of "Inside the Kingdom: Kings, Clerics, Modernists, Terrorists, and the Struggle for Saudi Arabia," published in October. It updates the story of Saudi Arabia Lacey began telling in 1981 with the landmark book "The Kingdom." The interview focused on what he calls Saudi "Glasnost," the current pace and scope of reforms in Saudi Arabia and about the conflict between progressive elements and the religious establishment. Mr. Lacey was interviewed by phone and email from his base in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by Patrick Ryan during December 2009.

Copenhagen and Oil - Ryan

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:20:22 -0600

The largest assembly of world leaders in United Nations history, 119, arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark to tackle the challenge of global warming at the 15th Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15) this week. The convention wrapped up this morning with the parties "taking note" of the Copenhagen Accord and the lingering question of how many countries will sign on. The COP15 faced a breakdown until the accord, an eleventh hour non-binding agreement, was reached among the US, China, India, Brazil and South Africa. U.S. President Barack Obama praised the Accord, "For the first time in history, all major economies have come together to accept their responsibility to take action to confront the threat of climate change." The Accord calls for a mitigation target to limit warming to not more than two degrees Celsius, which Obama noted was nonbinding but a first step. The lack of a non-binding agreement was not the only important story to come out of Copenhagen. Oil producing countries had been expected to press their concerns that limitations on fossil fuels would cause them economic damage, but the failure to forge a stronger agreement appears to have muted those voices. Today Patrick Ryan provided perspective on those concerns in a posting on the SUSRIS Blog -- a new venue which you should check out if you have not yet looked over the offerings of articles, videos and other resources available there.

Letter to Makkah Governor - Khaled Almaeena

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:18:56 -0600

Frank talk. That's what today's item of interest from SUSRIS is about. Khaled Almaeena, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News and resident of Jeddah, has written an extraordinary letter to Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Govenor of Makkah. In it he describes the anguish of the people of Jeddah in the aftermath of last month's catastrophic flood that claimed over 100 lives in the Red Sea port city. He echoes much of the criticisms that have poured out in the weeks since the flood including a call from King Abdullah that "we cannot overlook the fact that there are errors or omissions from certain quarters" that must be "disclosed and dealt with firmly." Almaeena, in his letter, cites the King's call for transparency and accountability in dealing with the "degree of corruption, greed, nepotism and apathy in certain offices and institutions" that is said to have contributed to the lack of infrastructure and preparedness to deal with the deluge. He asks the Governor to lead a task force; calls for good governance; and challenges media to serve as a watchdog for "transparency and accountability and serving as a bridge between the government and the people."

Yemen troubles could stir wider confrontations - George Joffe

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:22:03 -0600

In November, Saudi Arabia became involved in the Houthi insurgency when rebels attacked and killed border guards precipitating a strong military response from the Kingdom. The conflict is documented on SUSRIS, in a special section, and on the SUSRIS Blog. Today we provide for your consideration an essay by George Joffe of the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge, courtesy of Bitterlemons. The Bitterlemons.org Web site is an excellent source for essays, interviews and articles on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and related regional developments. You can find more at Bitterlemons-International.org including this week's edition with the other articles on the topic.

What about the GCC itself? - Dr. Christian Koch

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:43:34 -0600

This week leaders from the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council met in Kuwait for the organization's 30th Summit. Dr. Joseph Kechichian, in a Gulf News op-ed today, called the summit "yet another search for security and stability, both of which hang by a bare thread." He noted that the "oft-repeated 'one Gulf, one destiny, one nation' slogan sounds good, but everyone knows that there are several Gulfs, fates and nations in the area, whose interests coincide as much as they diverge." He added, "To assume that member-states are on the same wavelength would be optimistic, and it remains to be determined whether those attending the summit will manage to implement palpable new decisions." As we review the results of the Summit we are reminded of a thoughtful essay by Dr. Christian Koch of the Gulf Research Center published by Khaleej Times on the eve of the summit which sounded concerns about the effectiveness of the Council similar to those addressed by Dr. Kechichian. Koch questioned the record of accomplishments noting results did not match the "lofty statements about common challenges, mutual traust and good neighborliness." He noted that King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, during the 2006 summit acknowledged that more needed to be done by the group, "What has been achieved so far is still far below the expectations of our people." Koch calls for the Council to undertake an assessment to define the way forward with a "bolder and more concrete strategic vision." Today we provide for your consideration Dr. Koch's essay, "What about the GCC itself?" and thank him for permission to share his perspectives with you.

Coed Saudi Campus is Focus of Reform Controversy - Patrick Ryan

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:02:15 -0600

The Saudi Gazette reported December 11, 2009 that Sheikh Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, head of the Hai'a, in Makkah – the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in the Kingdom – spoke in support of the "mixing of the sexes." His comments came in the wake of the highly publicized firing of a senior cleric who challenged the coeducational policy at the Kingdom’s newly opened, showcase postgraduate campus, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology at Thuwal. The KAUST campus’ coeducational studies policy is a concept not previously permitted in public institutions in the Kingdom. Today we provide for your consideration a report on the controversy.

Saudi Arabia unaffected by Dubai debt woes - Jadwa

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 13:01:20 -0600

Today we provide for your consideration an evaluation of the impact of Dubai World's announced debt "standstill" on the Saudi economy provided by Jadwa Investment of Riyadh on December 8, 2009. We thank Jadwa Head of Research Mr. Paul Gamble and Chief Economist Brad Bourland for sharing this important assessment with SUSRIS.

Saudi Economy - Jadwa Investment Monthly Bulletin - November 2009

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0600

Today we provide for your consideration the November bulletin from Jadwa Investment in Riyadh. It provides solid insights into the performance of the Saudi Stock Exchange, or Tadawul (TASI); a revised forecast for the Kingdom's budget -- expected to see a record surplus; an overview of Saudi economic performance; an insightful explanation of the change in the formula for oil pricing and a brief look at the oil market. We thank Jadwa Chief Economist Brad Bourland for sharing this valuable report with SUSRIS readers. [The Jadwa Monthly Bulletin for November was released prior to Dubai's announcement of a $60 billion debt "standstill."]

Special Report: Regional Fallout of Dubai's Credit Disaster - John Sfakianakis

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:58:47 -0600

"The Sun Never Sets on Dubai World" according to the banner across its Web site home page, but on Wednesday an eclipse darkened the skies over "Dubai's flag bearer in global investments." The holding company announced a $60 billion "standstill" asking for a six-month delay in repaying debt. The announcement shocked the global financial nervous system sending markets into declines by Friday over renewed fears that economic recovery could be hurt by a further credit squeeze. Banking analyst David Williams at London's Fox-Pitt Kelton told AP, "What we need for the economic momentum to continue is for banks to feel confident about lending, and clearly what has happened in the last 48 hours is not a step in the right direction." Analysts and investors seemed to catch their breath by later in the day Friday. AP reported Raymond James' chief investment strategist Jeffrey Saut as saying, "People will dig into this over the weekend, but I think balance sheets have healed enough to withstand a shock like this." On Sunday the UAE central bank announced it would stand behind Dubai banks providing a "liquidity facility" to reassure investors. The short term impact of the Dubai debt announcement may have been partially obscured by the long holiday weekend for U.S. markets and it will not be apparent until Monday. "The consequences of the financial crisis are going to play out for a while," according to CEO Mohamed El-Erian of global bond trading leader Pimco. He told the New York Times, "Dubai could be the beginning of a series of sovereign debt issues or crisis.. ..What Dubai is going to do is make people think more intensely about the lagging implications of last year's crisis. It's going to be a wake up call to the people who thought that the financial crisis was just a flesh wound." What does the Dubai World shockwave mean for the financial profile of the Gulf region and, of particular interest to SUSRIS readers, of Saudi Arabia? Today we are pleased to present answers to that question and more from John Sfakianakis, Chief Economist Banque Saudi Fransi - Credit Agricole Group. We thank Mr. Sfakianakis for sharing his analysis "Dubai: after the plunge" with SUSRIS.

Hajj Diary: A Reluctant Pilgrim's Grudging Return Home - Faiza Saleh Ambah - Part 5

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 12:57:27 -0600

This week as millions of Muslims are in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj we are pleased to provide a series of articles that provide background information and perspective on the annual pilgrimage. This article which originally appeared in the online edition of The Christian Science Monitor, is part four of a five part Hajj "diary" series by reporter Faiza Saleh Ambah. You can find more articles, links and resources at a SUSRIS Special Section on "Hajj 2009."

A Hajj Diary: Pelting the Pillars, Again Faiza Saleh Ambah Part 4

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:55:47 -0600

A Hajj Diary: A Pilgrim Fends Off Temptation with Pebbles and Prayers Faiza Saleh Ambah Part 3

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:54:05 -0600

This week as the Hajj is about to begin we are pleased to provide a series of articles that will provide background information and perspective on the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This article originally appeared in the online edition of The Christian Science Monitor. This article is part three of a series that will be provided in SUSRIS over the coming days as we mark this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia. You can find more articles, links and resources at a SUSRIS Special Section on "Hajj 2009".

A Hajj Diary: On Hajj, Battling Sin and Doubt Faiza Saleh Ambah Part 2

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:51:35 -0600

This week as the Hajj is about to begin we are pleased to provide a series of articles that will provide background information and perspective on the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This article originally appeared in the online edition of The Christian Science Monitor. This article is part two of a series that will be provided in SUSRIS over the coming days as we mark this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia. You can find more articles, links and resources at a SUSRIS Special Section on "Hajj 2009".

Thousands of American Muslims Travel to Saudi for Hajj

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:39:06 -0600

This week as the Hajj is about to begin we are pleased to provide a series of articles that will provide background information on the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This article, from VOA News, provides perspective on the pilgrimage from an American viewpoint, as about 12,000 are making the Hajj this year. Also check the SUSRIS Special Section "Hajj 2009" on the SUSRIS web site.

A Hajj Diary: The Pilgrimage to Mecca - One Woman's Journey - Part 1 - Faiza Saleh Ambah

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:49:15 -0600

This week as the Hajj is about to begin we are pleased to provide a series of articles that will provide background information and perspective on the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This article originally appeared in the online edition of The Christian Science Monitor on January 30, 2004. This article is part one of a series that will be provided in SUSRIS over the coming days as we mark this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia. You can find more articles, links and resources at a SUSRIS Special Section on "Hajj 2009".

EXCLUSIVE - The Hajj in Perspective: A Conversation with David Long

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:48:31 -0600

This exclusive interview originally appeared in SUSRIS on January 23, 2005 and is reprinted today to mark the eve of this year's Hajj. You can find these reports and more articles, links and resources at a SUSRIS Special Section on Hajj 2009. The annual Hajj, the annual pilgrimage of Muslims performing one of the basic duties of their faith - a joyous profession of their faith, will begin this week, in Saudi Arabia. Today we are pleased to mark the Hajj with an interview with Dr. David E. Long. For more on the Hajj we suggest you also read Dr. Long's essay "The Hajj and Its Impact on Saudi Arabia and the Muslim World," which was reprinted yesterday (links below). A career foreign service officer before retiring to become a consultant on Middle East affairs, he is author of numerous books on the Middle East and his "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" is among the definitive texts on the subject.

The Hajj and Its Impact on Saudi Arabia and the Muslim World - David E. Long

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:47:32 -0600

This week as the Hajj is about to begin we are pleased to provide a series of articles that will provide background information and perspective on the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. "The Hajj and Its Impact on Saudi Arabia," by David E. Long, was originally provided in SUSRIS' on-line companion the Saudi-American Forum and is reprinted here as the Hajj begins in Saudi Arabia. We thank Dr. David Long -- diplomat, scholar and author -- for sharing his expertise with our readers.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 1979-2009: Evolution of a Pivotal State - "Viewpoints" Special Edition - Middle East Institute

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:49:07 -0600

The Middle East Institute recently released a special edition of "Viewpoints" addressing the "important developments in Saudi Arabia’s domestic and external affairs since" the watershed year of 1979. It was that year, according to Thomas Lippman in a "Viewpoints" essay, that "Saudis now remember .. as a difficult year because of distressing political events at home and overseas: the Iranian Revolution, the extremist takeover of the Great Mosque in Mecca, Shi‘ite rioting in the Eastern Province, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The compilation of insights on these developments is a great service by MEI to those who follow Middle East affairs in general and the US-Saudi relationship in particular. We are pleased today to provide information about the "Viewpoints" Special Edition, including the introduction and the table of contents. A link to the complete report and related material are also provided for your consideration.

SPECIAL REPORT - Border Fighting Update - Video

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:01:51 -0600

This report provides a VOA update to the fight against Houthi rebels by Saudi and Yemeni forces and a link to a video report featured today on Al Jazeera TV's "Inside Story" via YouTube. Additional reports on the fighting with Yemeni rebels along the Saudi border are compiled on a SUSRIS Special Section.

Saudi Economic Outlook Improving

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:00:25 -0600

The turn around of the world economy from global recession was marked in September by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) which said there were "clear signs of recovery" in all seven of the leading Western economies as well as in each of the "BRIC" (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. Leaders at the Group of 20 Summit in Pittsburgh in late September signaled the transition from crisis to recovery has been made but warned that a sense of normalcy should not lead to complacency and that repairs to the global economy remain incomplete. In its September Monthly Bulletin Jadwa Investment in Riyadh noted the Saudi economy was "on the brink of recovery" and expected a "sustainable recovery to take hold in the fourth quarter." It also noted that "as the external environment began to improve local business confidence was set back by high-profile troubles at two local companies," a reference to the problems at the Saad and Ahmed Hassan al-Gosaibi groups -- a situation discussed in Jadwa's July Monthly Bulletin. Today we provide for your consideration the recent Jadwa bulletin which provides an update on the improving Saudi economic situation and the lingering effects of a high visibility deal to repair the problems with the "troubled local company." SUSRIS thanks Jadwa Chief Economist Brad Bourland for sharing these important bulletins with our readers.

SPECIAL REPORT - Strikes on Rebels to Continue

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:09:25 -0600

Saudi Arabian military forces continued operations against rebels in the southwest border area calling for Houthi fighters to retreat "tens of kilometers" from the Saudi border. Rebel commander Abdul Malik al-Houthi said the fighters were not backed by Iran and called for a ceasefire with Saudi Arabia telling Al Jazeera TV the fighting was "not in the interest of the two countries." Iran, which has been named by Yemen as being behind the Houthi rebellion, called for a "collective approach.. to restore security, peace and tranquility" in Yemen according to Agence France-Presse. On Tuesday Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki told reporters, others in the region -- without naming Saudi Arabia -- "must seriously hold back from intervening in Yemen's internal affairs," adding that, "Those who pour oil on the fire must know that they will not be spared from the smoke that billows." Today we provide an update, courtesy of Arab News, reported by Muhammad Humaidan, on the situation along the border and in the region.

SPECIAL REPORT - Saudi Arabia Says Troops Take Back Land From Yemeni Rebels

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:08:12 -0600

Saudi Arabia launched strikes last week against rebels in the border area with Yemen in the southwest part of the Kingdom in response to an incident where armed Houthi rebels fired on Saudi border guards. The rebels have been fighting sporadic battles against Yemeni government troops over the past five years, but the conflict has intensified since August. Saudi Arabia's engagement of the Houthi rebels is complicated by charges by the Yemeni government that the rebels are backed by Iran, a warning by Iran's foreign minister against foreign intervention in the rebel battle, and underlying tensions between Tehran and Riyadh. The counterattacks have continued into this week as reported by VOA in an article provided here for your consideration. Additional reporting is provided in video news items through the links provided below.

EXCLUSIVE - Saudi Arabia's Role in Global Economic Leadership: The G20 Summit - A Conversation with Jean Francois Seznec

Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:09:34 -0600

The Group of Twenty key industrialized and developing countries completed a two-day Summit in late September agreeing to launch a new framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth by this month. This past weekend G-20 finance ministers and central bankers agreed to keep stimulus measures in place until economic recovery was assured. In the Summit communique the leaders, from the European Union and 19 countries that contain most of the world’s population and economic power, claimed success in pulling the global economy back from the “the edge of depression” faced when they last met in April. The Saudi Arabian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, and included Minister of Finance, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Assaf and the Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), Dr. Muhammad Al-Jasser. The Summit communiqué called for reform of the global economic architecture including designation of the G-20 as the “premier forum for international economic cooperation” and the establishment of a Financial Stability Board to coordinate and monitor progress in strengthening financial regulation. The International Monetary Fund quota system will be revised to reflect “dynamic emerging markets and developing countries” and recognize those countries that are currently under-represented. In the energy sector the communiqué called for the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies and promoting energy market transparency and market stability as part of a wider effort to avoid market volatility. To get insights into Saudi Arabia's role in the G-20 and measures at the Summit that affect the Kingdom we called upon Professor Jean Francois Seznec, a Visiting Professor at Georgetown University. He has over 25 years experience in international finance and banking, including a decade in the Gulf. He regularly shares his expertise on Middle East affairs through numerous articles and television and radio appearances, and previous SUSRIS interviews.

Special Report - Saudi Forces Strike Back Against Rebels in Yemen

Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:03:16 -0600

Saudi Arabia launched air strikes against rebel positions in northern Yemen following attacks that killed two Saudi border security guards on Tuesday according to reports. Rebels claimed to have taken control of Jabal al-Dukhan in the mountainous region inside Saudi Arabia. A rebel spokesman, quoted by Al Jazeera today, described the Saudi counterattack as strikes on six locations inside Yemen. Shi'ite rebels, known as Houthis after the family of their leader, have accused Saudi Arabia of backing Yemen against the insurgents, according to Reuters. Last month Prince Naif, Saudi Arabia's Interior Minister and Second Deputy Prime Minister, told reporters the Kingdom was deeply concerned with developments in Yemen. Arab News quoted him as saying, “We are cooperating with our Yemeni brothers at maximum levels to ensure Yemen’s security." This special report provides an overview of this week's rebel attacks provided by Muhammad Humaidan writing for Arab News as well as links to related press reports on the fighting and its background.

"Facts Are Stubborn Things": U.S.-Saudi Relations - Ambassador Adel Al Jubeir

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:51:44 -0600

The 18th annual Arab-US Policymakers Conference (AUSPC) was held in Washington, D.C. on October 15-16, 2009. The conference addressed a host of issues under the theme, "Fresh Visions, Old Realities, New Possibilities: The Impact of Leadership Change on Arab-U.S. Relations." Among the panels was the "Ambassador's Roundtable" which featured remarks from U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James Smith, and five former American ambassadors to the Kingdom, as well as Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel Al Jubeir. Today we are pleased to present a transcript of his remarks, provided by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, for your consideration.

Arab-U.S. Relations: The Way Forward Chas. W. Freeman, Jr.

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:50:44 -0600

The National Council's annual Arab-US Policymakers Conference (AUSPC) was held in Washington, D.C. on October 15-16, 2009. The 900-plus conferees addressed a host of issues under the theme, "Fresh Visions, Old Realities, New Possibilities: The Impact of Leadership Change on Arab-U.S. Relations." On Friday afternoon Ambassador Chas Freeman provided the conference finale with his presentation on the way forward in the relationship between the United States and the Arab world.

A New Beginning: A Conversation with Ambassador James Smith, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:50:04 -0600

On June 4, 2009 the White House announced James B. Smith as nominee to follow Ford Fraker as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Smith, a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general, was sworn in on September 16, 2009. Today we are pleased to present for your consideration an interview Ambassador Smith gave to "US-Arab Tradeline," a publication of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce in which he focuses on his new role as a key steward of the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Enhancing Strong, Historic Ties: A Conversation with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 14:49:11 -0600

Ambassador Adel Al Jubeir presented his credentials as Saudi Arabia's top diplomat in the United States in February 2007 replacing Prince Turki Al Faisal who served two years in that post. He previously served as Foreign Affairs Advisor to then Crown Prince Abdullah starting in 2000 and was appointed Advisor at the Royal Court in August 2005 when Abdullah become King. Ambassador Al Jubeir has an extensive resume of challenging diplomatic posts (see below) including earlier service in Washington. Today we are pleased to present for your consideration an interview Ambassador Jubeir gave to "US-Arab Tradeline," a publication of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce in which he focuses on the business relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Exclusive - Opportunities and Change in the Kingdom: A Conversation with David Hamod

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:04:49 -0600

The launch of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia last month was witnessed by a host of distinguished visitors from around the world. On the list was David Hamod, President and CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, who wrote in "U.S.-Arab Tradeline", the Chamber’s quarterly newsletter "that Saudi Arabia is looking ahead to a world that revolves around knowledge, not hydrocarbons." He noted that, "For Saudis and Muslims all over the world, KAUST is intended to serve as a new House of Wisdom," referring to the Bait al-Hikma, the intellectual center of the Islamic "Golden Age." Hamod’s visit to the Kingdom included meetings with business people and officials as part of the NUSACC’s role as the "voice of American business in the Arab world." To get Mr. Hamod’s first hand impression of KAUST and his perspective on the business relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, we caught up with him by phone from Riyadh on October 9, 2009 for this SUSRIS exclusive interview.

KAUST: A Catalyst for Small Business Growth? - David Hamod

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:03:42 -0600

In our exclusive interview with David Hamod today we talked about the launch of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia on September 23, 2009. Mr. Hamod, President and CEO of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, was among the invited guests for the inauguration of this landmark institution. While in the Kingdom he shared his thoughts on the commercial prospects for the cutting-edge technologies expected to result from KAUST research and development in this op-ed. We thank Mr. Hamod for permission to share it with you.

Saudi Arabia and Syria: King Abdullah in Damascus

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:37:10 -0600

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia traveled to Damascus on Wednesday for a two-day summit with Syrian President Bashar Assad for discussions on international and regional issues and their bilateral relationship in his first visit to Syria since becoming King in 2005. He was accompanied by intelligence chief Prince Muqrin, Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nizar Madani. Diplomats in Damascus, according to Arab News yesterday, said an understanding between the Saudi and Syrian leaders could help forge a wider Arab stance helpful to boosting Middle East peace, promoting formation of a new government in Lebanon and assuaging Arab fears on Iran, an ally of Syria. Today we provide for your consideration an article that appeared in Arab News today outlining the results of the summit, including agreement on backing a unity government in Lebanon as well as other diplomatic, political and economic cooperative measures.

Saudi Arabia: National Security in a Troubled Region Anthony H. Cordesman

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:19:23 -0600

On the bookshelf this month is Anthony Cordesman's latest contribution to our understanding of Saudi Arabia's defense and security challenges, in the form of "Saudi Arabia: National Security in a Troubled Region." Dr. Cordesman, the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), has written over 60 books including a four volume series on the lessons of modern war. At CSIS, Cordesman has been director of the Gulf Net Assessment Project, the Gulf in Transition study, and principle investigator of the Homeland Defense Project. He directed the Middle East Net Assessment Project, acted as codirector of the Strategic Energy Initiative, and directed the project on Saudi Arabia in the 21st century. Readers here have benefited from the numerous articles, interviews and reports that he has shared through SUSRIS and we look forward to reading his latest offering. Today for your consideration we provide the CSIS release about the new book and provide links to the many SUSRIS articles contributed by Dr. Cordesman.

A New Paradigm? - "Saudi's Cookin'!": Robert Lacey on the Opening of KAUST

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 14:17:01 -0600

Today we provide for your consideration the Arab News interview with author Robert Lacey on the opening of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology last week. Lacey, who wrote about Saudi Arabia in "The Kingdom" (1981), is author of "Inside the Kingdom: Kings, Clerics, Modernists, Terrorists, and the Struggle for Saudi Arabia, set for release in October.

Opening the 64th United Nations General Assembly

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:14:48 -0600

This week world leaders were in New York City for the opening of the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Saudi Arabia was among the countries that participated in the UN festivities, as well as in the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh on Thursday and Friday. Saudi Arabia issued a statement that opened with congratulations to the incoming General Assembly President Dr. Ali Abdussalam Treki of Libya. The statement, which is provided today for your consideration, issues a call for cooperation in the spirit of the UN Charter in the face of a "multitude of issues, the plethora of dangers and.. ..successive crises" and to use the criterion of "international legitimacy, international law and universal justice."

Group of Twenty Summit Concludes

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:13:47 -0600

The Group of Twenty key industrialized and developing countries completed a two-day Summit agreeing to launch a new framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth by November. In the Summit communique the leaders, from the European Union and 19 countries that contain most of the world’s population and economic power, claimed success in pulling the global economy back from the “the edge of depression” faced when they last met in April. The Summit leaders said the largest and most coordinated financial stimulus ever undertaken was behind the transition from crisis to recovery. However, they warned that a sense of normalcy should not lead to complacency and that the process of recovery remains incomplete.

Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Gets Underway

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:12:37 -0600

Delegations from the key industrialized and developing nations landed here throughout the day as the Summit of the Group of Twenty prepared to tackle a host of pressing global economic issues. Saudi Arabia’s delegation arrived Wednesday evening. The G-20 host, American President Barack Obama with his wife Michelle, arrived mid-afternoon today following the historic first of presiding over a session of the United Nations Security Council in New York. Many of the leaders at the two-day G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh participated in this week’s opening ceremonies of the United Nations General Assembly.

Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal Leads G-20 Delegation

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:23:22 -0400

Today's agenda at the G-20 Summit is dominated by the arrival of official delegations and an evening at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh hosted by President and Mrs. Obama. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal who underwent back surgery earlier this month is leading the deleation from the Kingdom which arrived yesterday evening. The opening plenary is set for Friday morning at the Pittsburgh Convention Center. SUSRIS will provide special reports from the Pittsburgh Summit through email, updates to a SUSRIS.org special section and through the SUSRIS blog. Check the SUSRIS.org homepage for all the Summit update links.

Group of Twenty Summit in Pittsburgh - Patrick Ryan

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:20:57 -0400

It was overcast with occasional showers in Pittsburgh -- the city which sits at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongohela Rivers in Western Pennsylvania, the starting point of the Ohio River -- seeming to damped the mood throughout the day yesterday. Pittsburgh area officials had done a superb job putting out the welcome mat to the leaders and delegations from the world's top 19 industrialized and developing nations and the European Union -- the Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Satellite broadcast trucks took up positions around the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Police units moved around in strength downtown and in areas where demonstrations were being organized -- 14 arrests have been recorded already. Local businesses prepared for two days of reduced activity as traffic restrictions start to take hold. And come Thursday morning the G-20 Summit will be called to order, and despite the weather and the demonstrators outside leaders of countries controlling 85 percent of the world's financial wherewithal will pick up where they left off in London in the spring, continuing to put the pieces of the global economy back together. SUSRIS will provide special reports from the Pittsburgh Summit through email, updates to a SUSRIS.org special section and through the SUSRIS blog. Check the SUSRIS.org homepage for all the Summit update links.

Saudi Arabia Observes National Day

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:22:04 -0400

Today is the National Day of Saudi Arabia marking the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz in 1932. This is the fifth year the date is celebrated as a holiday in the Kingdom. We are pleased to offer for your consideration a report on National Day from P.K. Abdul Ghafour, writing in Arab News, reflecting on Saudi Arabia's achievements.

Prince Turki On Middle East Peace - "Land First, Then Peace"

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:46:31 -0600

A New York Times editorial this morning points out that, "Unless something happens soon, Israelis, Palestinians and other Arabs may squander the best chance for Middle East peace in nearly a decade. President Obama is committed to serious negotiations and, for now, there is a lull in regional violence. But all of the region's major players are refusing to do what is needed to keep their own people safe and move the peace process forward." Among the steps the Administration seeks to move the process forward is a freeze on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories and "gestures" by countries like Saudi Arabia as confidence building measures. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government recently approved hundreds of new building permits in the West Bank and called for completion of 2500 units under construction. This issue was explored in an Arab News editorial, discussed in a SUSRIS Blog posting September 4th, calling on the Obama Administration to pressure Israel on the settlement question, "Simply announcing a resumption of the peace process will not be enough. It has been resumed so many times before to no effect. Without a bold and imaginative step, Arab and Muslim trust in Obama will wither.." A few weeks earlier, as reported in the SUSRIS Blog of August 3rd, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal, at a Washington press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, "Temporary security, confidence-building measures will.. ..not bring peace. What is required is a comprehensive approach that defines the final outcome at the outset and launches into negotiations over final status issues: borders, Jerusalem, water, refugees and security." In a July interview Ambassador Chas Freeman shared his assessment of the Saudi view on "reciprocal gestures." He told SUSRIS, "The Saudis and others feel that they have been repeatedly subjected to blandishments from well-wishers of Israel. Some were sincere efforts toward peace in the Middle East; some were disingenuous. People have said if the Arabs do something nice for Israel this will somehow get you something in terms of an Israeli gesture -- progress towards peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In fact absolutely none of the gestures that have been made, including the very important one of the Arab League’s Beirut Declaration of 2002 -- the so-called Arab Peace Initiative -- has resulted in any positive response from the Israelis. They have been content to pocket whatever has been offered and to do nothing in return. There is no predisposition whatsoever -- in fact a lot of predisposition to the contrary -- on the Arab side to pay for what Israel, in its own interest, ought to do. Moreover, the matter at issue is much less than Israel pulling settlements out of the Occupied Territories. The United States is now simply asking Israel to stop their expansion. While that would be a very useful first step in getting back into a dialogue or process that could lead to peace, in itself it doesn't produce peace. It doesn't undo the damage that Israel has done to the prospects for peace by building settlements all over the place." Freeman, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia among other major diplomatic and national security posts, also noted that Netanyahu and "probably the majority of Israelis as well, do not accept the premises that the United States is putting forward." This assessment preceded Israeli's settlement expansion announcement. In the SUSRIS exclusive Freeman said the Saudis, and other Arabs, "have offered what they believe is a very reasonable quid pro quo for peace in the form of a bonus to Israel for reaching an agreement with the Palestinians. They believe that it is in Israel’s interest to do so. The Arabs are not prepared to make down payments, to bargain or to haggle over the details of what the Israeli and Palestinian peace is going to look like." Today we add a valuable contribution to this important discussion in the form of Prince Turki Al-Faisal's op-ed from last week. In it he reiterates the position on "gestures" from the Saudi side and calls for removal of "all" settlements from the Occupied Territories before there should be expectations for reciprocal measures from Riyadh.

A Review of the Saudi Economy: On the Brink of Recovery Jadwa Investment - Monthly Bulletin - September 2009

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 13:30:29 -0600

In July SUSRIS provided a report from Jadwa Investment which highlighted the impact of problems at the Saad and Ahmed Hassan al-Gosaibi groups on economic recovery in the Kingdom. Although most businesses in Saudi Arabia were showing signs of overall business and revenue growth in the second half of 2009, according to a report from SABB, there was a drag on the economy in the form of increased caution among lenders. Last week Jadwa updated its economic forecast calling for a "sustainable recovery to take hold in the fourth quarter" based on the assumption that external conditions will continue to improve, "barring any other major public financial events at family businesses." Today we provide for your consideration the current Jadwa Investment bulletin which addresses the Saudi economy and the prospects for recovery and growth. We wish to thank Mr. Brad Bourland, Jadwa's Chief Economist, for sharing this valuable report with SUSRIS readers.

Health of the Saudi Banking Sector - SAMA Chief Addresses Saad, Al-Gosaibi Woes

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 13:28:53 -0600

Today SUSRIS is providing a report ["A Review of the Saudi Economy: On the Brink of Recovery"] on the Saudi economy in which Jadwa Investment forecasts a sustainable recovery will take hold in the fourth quarter "barring any other major public financial events at family businesses." This SUSRIS IOI provides an update to the major family business financial event that was the source of trouble referred to in the Jadwa report last week and discussed at length in July. [Links below]

Ramadan: "A Month of Fast and Feast" - Faiza Saleh Ambah

Sat, 5 Sep 2009 10:08:04 -0600

Since the holy month of Ramadan began two weeks ago SUSRIS has shared stories of personal reflection of spirituality and fasting by Faiza Saleh Ambah. Today we provide the third selection from her "Ramadan Diary" for your consideration.

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 09:28:26 -0600

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, or KAUST, was chartered in December 2006 as "an international, graduate-level research university dedicated to inspiring a new age of scientific achievement" in Saudi Arabia. According to KAUST it is "the realization of a decades-long vision" of King Abdullah. Today we provide for your consideration P.K. Abdul Ghafour's article from Arab News providing an overview of the university and reporting on the arrival of the first students at KAUST.

Gulf Threats, Risks and Vulnerabilities:Terrorism and Assymetric Warfare - Anthony H. Cordesman and Adam C. Seitz

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:03:58 -0600

The Burke Chair in Strategy, held by Dr. Anthony H. Cordesman, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies released a briefing on Gulf security that will be of great interest to SUSRIS readers. "Threats, Risks and Vulnerabilities in the Gulf: Terrorism and Asymmetric Warfare," authored by Dr. Cordesman and Adam Seitz, provides a comprehensive understanding of the threats in the Gulf that challenge U.S. and Saudi defense and security establishments. We commend it for your review and addition to your Gulf information resource bookmark list. This SUSRIS item provides the introduction and link to the complete report, an update to a report circulated earlier this year.

Ramadan: "A Month of Fast and Feast" - Faiza Saleh Ambah

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:37:12 -0600

The holy month of Ramadan -- a special time of prayer and fasting -- began last week in Saudi Arabia. Today SUSRIS presents for your consideration the second selection from a series by Faiza Saleh Ambah entitled, "Ramadan Diary." We will present additional parts in the coming days.

Suicide Bomber Attacks Saudi Prince

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:10:46 -0600

Prince Muhammad bin Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs, escaped an assassination attempt on Thursday night when a wanted terrorist blew himself up inside the prince's house here. The minister escaped with minor injuries in the suicide bombing that was staged by the terrorist posing as a well-wisher. The body of the terrorist, the only death in the incident, was shattered into bits and pieces. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah visited Prince Muhammad at the hospital soon after the incident to inquire about his health and safety. The king thanked God for saving the minister's life, and commended his services to the country. The king asked Prince Muhammad why was the terrorist allowed in without proper checks, to which the prince replied, “It was a mistake.” According to a statement issued by the Royal Court, the suicide bombing took place at 11.30 p.m. while Prince Muhammad was receiving well-wishers who came to greet him on the occasion of Ramadan at his house in Jeddah.

Senator Edward Kennedy: In Memoriam -John Duke Anthony

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:34:40 -0600

SUSRIS presents for your consideration a personal remembrance of Senator Edward Kennedy on the occasion of his passing from Dr. John Duke Anthony, National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations President and CEO.

"Energy Independence" and Kissing Babies: The Politics of Oil Prince Turki Al-Faisal

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:33:09 -0600

On his sixth day in office, January 26, 2009, President Barack Obama gave a speech at the White House in which he talked about the extraordinary challenges to the U.S. economy and said that "no single issue is as fundamental to our future as energy." He went on to talk about plans to achieve energy independence with these introductory remarks: "America's dependence on oil is one of the most serious threats that our nation has faced. It bankrolls dictators, pays for nuclear proliferation and funds both sides of our struggle against terrorism. It puts the American people at the mercy of shifting gas prices, stifles innovation, and sets back our ability to compete. "These urgent dangers to our national and economic security are compounded by the long-term threat of climate change, which, if left unchecked, could result in violent conflict, terrible storms, shrinking coastlines, and irreversible catastrophe. "These are the facts, and they are well-known to the American people. After all, there is nothing new about these warnings. Presidents have been sounding the alarm about energy dependence for decades." We are reminded of a SUSRIS report last fall in which Dr. Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, introduced a briefing document on USCENTCOM regional strategic priorities with, among other comments, the note that: "The U.S. must broaden its efforts to focus on energy security on a pragmatic basis, understanding that politics may call for "energy independence" but that U.S. dependence on the global economy and real-world U.S. energy needs mean that the U.S. will remain strategically dependent on Gulf petroleum exports for the foreseeable future." This week former Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, took on President Obama's "proselytizing about energy independence" in an essay in which he says that U.S. politicians are as addicted to energy rhetoric as they are to "kissing babies." Here today for your consideration is Prince Turki's essay and an extensive collection of links to other SUSRIS articles and interviews about and with him and a host of links to energy articles.

Saudi Arabian War College Planned

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:41:05 -0600

The United States Military Training Mission (USMTM) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will assist the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces in establishing a war college to provide advanced military education programs, according to a press release yesterday by SAIC. USMTM was established in 1953 to administer assistance furnished by the U.S. Government to the Saudi Arabian Government under the terms of the Defense Assistance Act of 1949 and the Mutual Security Act of 1951. USMTM's charter includes assistance in equipping, plans, organization, administrative procedures, training methods and the conduct of training through coordination of the Saudi Arabian Minister of Defense and Aviation (MODA) and the Chief, USMTM, a U.S. general officer. Details of the Saudi War College programs and plans were not available but in the United States, war colleges' missions are to educate future leaders of the Armed Forces, and other government officials, for high-level policy command and staff responsibilities through senior-level courses of study in national security policy and strategy. American war colleges include the National War College in Washington, DC; the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island; the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; and the Air University at Montgomery, Alabama. This SUSRIS IOI provides information about the prime contract for the Saudi War College contained in a August 25, 2009 press release from SAIC.

Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:11:21 -0600

Complimentary Conference Fee for First 25 SUSRIS Subscribers to Register 18th Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference Fresh Visions, Old Realities, New Possibilities: The Impact of Leadership Change on Arab-U.S. Relations October 15-16, 2009 Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON - We are pleased to inform you that on Oct. 15-16th the National Council on US-Arab Relations will host its 18th Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, located at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington, DC. Thnaks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the first 25 SUSRIS subscribers returning a completed registration form to the National Council will be able to attend the Council’s Conference free of charge Included in this complimentary registration are all Conference sessions, two Luncheons, and access to the world’s top policymakers. Full information about last year’s program can be found at the National Council’s web site. Published versions of select presentations to last year’s Conference and previous ones as well can be viewed via SUSRIS. To register for the conference, simply complete the on-line registration form -- or to access the form here and send it to the National Council via fax (202-293-7770) or regular mail to NCUSAR, 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 503, Washington, DC 20036. In order to have your registration fees waived, please note on the registration form that you are a SUSRIS Subscriber

Spirituality Not Hunger: Understanding Ramadan

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:05:34 -0600

The holy month of Ramadan -- a special time of prayer and fasting -- began Saturday in Saudi Arabia. Today SUSRIS presents for your consideration the first selection from a series by Faiza Saleh Ambah entitled, "Ramadan Diary." We will present additional parts in the coming days.

Holy Month of Ramadan Begins This Week

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:49:34 -0600

Ramadan is the most sacred holiday of the Muslim year and is mandated by the Qur'an. It occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the holy month of fasting. Fasting is considered to be the third pillar or religious obligation of Islam and provides many benefits including learning self-control. This results from a lack of preoccupation with satisfying bodily appetites during the daylight hours. Ramadan is a time of worship, reading the Qur'an, charitable acts, and the purification of individual behavior. This is also the time in which the Qur'an was revealed to Mohammed as guidance for the people. Ramadan begins when a trusted witness testifies that the new moon has been sighted. Consequently, the fasting may be delayed if the moon is not visible. During this period, Muslims must abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk each day. Ramadan is a time of atonement somewhat similar to Yom Kippur and Lent. Ramadan ends with Eid-al-Fitr or the Festival of Fast-Breaking which is joyous celebration marked by a special gift of charity. Muslims dress in holiday apparel and attend a community prayer in the morning. Today we mark the approach of the holy month by sharing an article from Arab News on the preparations for Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Sukuk Market)

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:10:20 -0500

If you haven't heard of the Sukuk market before you should definitely read today's SUSRIS IOI that explains the Sharia-compliant instrument. It shows signs of becoming more important in the Saudi financial sphere with the potential "to become a major funding tool for companies and avenue for portfolio diversification for investors." This review of Sukuk, written by Haitham al-Fayez of Jadwa Investment, explains the concept of Sukuk and its current position and expected growth in the Saudi marketplace. This IOI provides the overview and background of the Saudi Sukuk market. Check the related links below for a full text version of the report, accompanied by insightful charts. We thank Jadwa's Chief Economist Brad Bourland for sharing these reports with SUSRIS readers.

Secretary Clinton Meets Prince Saud Al-Faisal at State Department

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 20:56:27 -0500

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcomed Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal to the State Department this week to discuss a host of bilateral issues including Middle East peace, where American and Saudi leaders hold divergent views. As discussed in recent SUSRIS articles and interviews, the Obama Administration has sought confidence building measures from Riyadh in response to Israeli movement on issues like expansion of settlements in the Occupied Territories. However, Saudi officials have indicated that they were not prepared to offer "reciprocal gestures" from the Arab side, that the 2002 Beirut Declaration, the so-called Arab Peace Initiative, which offered normalization of relations with Israel was already on the table. With those positions staked out by Washington and Riyadh as background today we offer for your consideration the frank remarks of Secretary Clinton and Prince Saud Al-Faisal in this SUSRIS IOI. You can watch the press conference on the SUSRIS blog, a new online resource currently in its Beta version.

U.S. Ambassador-Designate Smith Confirmation Hearing

Sun, 2 Aug 2009 20:52:05 -0500

The White House announced James Smith, a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General and defense industry executive, as the nominee to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Last week General Smith's nomination was considered by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Smith will follow Ambassador Ford Fraker as America's top diplomat in the Kingdom. Fraker served in the post from April 2007 through April 2009. This SUSRIS IOI provides General Smith's statement to the committee and links to related material.

Saudi Economic Health Check - Jadwa Investments July Report - Bourland

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:18:09 -0500

A majority of businesses in Saudi Arabia expected overall business and revenue growth in the second half of 2009 according to last month’s SABB report on second quarter business confidence in the Kingdom. This month’s bulletin from Jadwa Investments in Riyadh points to a set back in the Kingdom’s economic recovery due to problems at the Saad and Ahmed Hassan al-Gosaibi groups which resulted in increased caution among lenders. The strangled credit situation has caused Jadwa to amend its forecast for Saudi economic growth for 2009 from -0.5 percent to -1.0 percent despite what it had seen as a revival in the oil market. This SUSRIS IOI provides the July Jadwa report for your consideration and includes an examination of the Saad/Gosaibi story as well as analyses of other important economic developments. Among the indicators showing the weakness of the economy is the downturn in trade marked by an 18 percent decline in imports for the first five months of the year compared to 2008 figures, as well as an overall slip in non-oil exports of 1 percent. Petrochemical exports showed growth offsetting the 30 percent decline in all other goods. The “Oil Market Watch” segment provides insight into conditions expected through 2010 with Jadwa’s oil forecast of $70 per barrel and an uptick in their 2009 forecast to $58 per barrel. The report also discussed demand forecasts for 2010 and the disparities between estimates from the IEA and Opec. Nevertheless Jadwa’s forecast calls for increased demand and a resulting boost in production of Saudi oil from 8.1 million b/d in 2009 to 8.4 million b/d in 2010. The report concludes with a breakdown of stock market performance which was disappointing in the second quarter, with uncertainty following the Saad/Gosaibi episode – and lack of transparency therein – earning much of the blame. Jadwa concluded that it will update its market forecast in a forthcoming report but that it was with their forecast that the TASI would end the year down at a mark of of 6,200. SUSRIS wishes to thank Mr. Brad Bourland, Chief Economist at Jadwa Investment, for sharing these timely and important reports with our readers.

Exclusive Interview - Gestures and Illusions: Assessing Obama's Riyadh Visit - A Conversation with Chas Freeman

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:57:02 -0500

In “Revisiting Obama’s Riyadh Meeting,” on the Foreign Policy blog The Cable, Laura Rozen wrote on July 17 about the President’s meeting with King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia early last month. From Obama’s perspective the visit, according to sources cited by The Cable, did not “go well” in “persuading the King to be ready to show reciprocal gestures to Israel, which Washington has been pushing to halt settlements..” and that special assistant Dennis Ross said Obama was “upset [about the meeting] because he got nothing out of it.” Administration officials, Rozen wrote, “pushed back hard” on the allegations “disputing every aspect of the accounts.” She also talked with former U.S. Ambassador Chas Freeman who offered that he was not surprised there may have been different expectations for the meeting, but that he “spoke to the king's advisors on the topic not long after the meeting, and they thought it went extremely well." Meanwhile, The Cable reported on July 26, 2009 that President Obama recently sent letters to leaders of seven Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, “seeking confidence building measures toward Israel which Washington has been pushing to agree to a freeze of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.” To provide additional context to The Cable reports on the Obama visit and “reciprocal gestures,” SUSRIS talked with Ambassador Freeman about the President’s June 3, 2009 meeting with King Abdullah. In addition to the views he shared on U.S.-Saudi relations vis a vis the peace process he asserted that President Obama's Middle East diplomatic efforts were being deliberately undermined in Washington -- including among some in his Administration -- with the goal of reducing American pressure on Israel over settlements in the Occupied Territories.

Saudi College Women Build Social Entrepreneurship Skills -- A Conversation with Jan Shubert

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:28:34 -0500

Last week thirty women from colleges in Jeddah were hosted at Babson College outside Boston for the summer symposium component, the second student event, of the U.S.-Saudi Women’s Forum on Social Entrepreneurship. The summer symposium runs from July 10 to 25, 2009. The Forum, organized by the U.S. State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), is a one-year public-private partnership joining Dar Al Hekma College, Babson College and the Wellesley Centers for Women, along with project managers from ICF International, the MEPI contractor. The forum's goals are to: increase Saudi participants' knowledge of social entrepreneurship; increase participants' involvement in socially-responsible community activities; and to provide Saudi and American women an opportunity to communicate via interactive online tools. The Forum’s opening student event was a four-day program for about 100 women at Dar Al Hekma College in April 2009. To find out how the Forum was going, SUSRIS talked with Babson College’s Center for Women’s Leadership Director, Dr. Jan Shubert, who described the concept and elements of the program, the professional development of women through social entrepreneurship and the experiences working with the Saudi women involved in the Forum. Dr. Shubert was interviewed by phone from her office at Babson College on July 15, 2009.

Challenges to Human Security in the Arab Countries -- Arab Human Development Report - 2009

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:53:57 -0500

The 2009 edition of the Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) was released today in Beirut. At the ceremony Mrs. Amat Al Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations And Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, called the report "an independent platform for scholars in the Arab region to present their vision on the most critical challenges facing the Arab countries in their quest to deepen human development." Mrs. Alsoswa noted the report was a platform for dialogue and the launch was "a starting point for a series of dialogues on the report's themes and messages. The report, which follows a series begun in 2002, focuses on seven key dimensions that affect people's lives: environmental security, the state’s performance in guaranteeing human security, the personal security of vulnerable groups, economic security, nutrition and food security, health and human security, and the impact of conflict and occupation on human security. Today, SUSRIS is pleased to provide for your consideration three items, this special report consisting of an article by Ghazanfar Ali Khan of Arab News, which summarizes the AHDR; Mrs. Alsoswa's remarks at the Beirut ceremony; and the UNDP summary. Each of these items will be supplemented by links to SUSRIS items and related materials to provide background and context to this important report.

Arab Human Development Report - 2009 -- Launch Ceremony - Mrs. Amat Al Alim Alsoswa

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:53:02 -0500

This is the second of three SUSRIS items today addressing the release of the 2009 Arab Human Development Report. This "IOI" provides remarks from Mrs. Amat Al Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations And Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau, at the "launching" ceremony in Beirut. In addition to her comments about the scope and purpose of the AHDR and the main challenges, you can read an article by Ghazanfar Ali Khan of Arab News about the report and the overview from the UNDP, both provided separately.

Arguing for "Human Security" - Arab Human Development Report - 2009

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:45:35 -0500

This is the third of three SUSRIS items today addressing the release of the 2009 Arab Human Development Report. This "IOI" provides an overview of the "Human Security" dimension of the AHDR. In addition you can read an article by Ghazanfar Ali Khan of Arab News about the report and the remarks of Mrs. Amat Al Alim Alsoswa, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations And Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau, at the "launching" ceremony in Beirut, both provided separately.

U.S.-Saudi Women's Forum on Social Entrepreneurship - Summer Symposium Opens

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:38:14 -0500

The U.S.-Saudi Women's Forum is a one-year public-private program sponsored by the U.S. State Department that provides an opportunity for Saudi women to explore civic action -- to enhance business and leadership skills to solve social problems. The forum's goals are to: increase Saudi participants' knowledge of social entrepreneurship; increase participants' involvement in socially-responsible community activities; and to provide Saudi and American women an opportunity to communicate via interactive online tools. The Forum is funded by a grant from the Women's Empowerment Pillar of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) of the U.S. Government to ICF International to design and implement the program. Partnerships were developed with Dar Al Hekma, a private all-girls college in Jeddah; and Babson College's Center for Women's Leadership, and Wellesley Center for Women in Massachusetts. The MEPI, located in the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, assists efforts to expand political participation, strengthen civil society and the rule of law, empower women and youth, create educational opportunities, and foster economic reform throughout the Middle East and North Africa. According to the MEPI web page the program "works with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and academic institutions, as well as governments." The introductory seminar of the forum was held in April at Dar Al Hekma at which 100 students from three Jeddah colleges participated. The second major event in the forum is underway at Babson College from July 10-25th with participation of 30 students from the first seminar, three Dar Al Hekma faculty members, ICF project managers, and Babson faculty. Today we are pleased to introduce you to the U.S.-Saudi Women's Forum on Social Entrepreneurship by sharing for your consideration the program description provided by ICF International. SUSRIS will follow up with additional reports about the forum and the summer symposium as it progresses.

Building Bridges Through Business Connections

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 09:16:39 -0500

The business component of the relationship between Americans and Saudis is always on the radar at SUSRIS and its importance was summed up concisely in our interview with Khaled Al Seif, a leading Saudi businessman on the occasion of a major trade delegation he helped organize to the United States. "The business relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia is an old and historic relationship, which has been very beneficial for both Saudis and Americans. Over the years America has been Saudi Arabia's primary trading partner. Most of the things you see in Saudi Arabia are a result of this relationship -- American technology starting from oil exploration to infrastructure and public works. You even see American influence in our standards due to the success of this relationship over the years. The development that has happened in Saudi Arabia we owe to American companies that have worked hard in the Kingdom. They have gained and we have gained. American exports to Saudi Arabia have provided hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US. Likewise, our economy has benefited from American business involvement so it has been the perfect partnership over all those years." Today we are pleased to offer for your consideration an article from Arab News by Galal Fakkar that outlines recent efforts to build understanding and strengthen ties among American and Saudi business people.

State Department Revises Employees' Family Residency Policy in Kingdom

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:44:02 -0500

SUSRIS -- June 28, 2009 -- The U.S. State Department, citing a "greatly improved security environment" in Saudi Arabia, revised its policies governing residency of employees' family members in the Kingdom in a June 26 announcement. The Bureau of Consular Affairs "Travel Warning," posted to the Department's Web site, said all family members were authorized to return to the Consulate General in Dhahran and adult family members and non-school age children were authorized to return to the Embassy in Riyadh. The State Department employees at the Consulate in Jeddah will continue to serve unaccompanied tours.

The Events in Iran: Arab Reactions - Entering a New Era

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:12:00 -0500

The post-election turmoil that erupted in Iran this month stands to reshape not only the domestic landscape, but also Tehran's behavior in the region and its relations with the West. This is the argument made by Gamal A. G. Soltan, a senior research fellow at Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies in Cairo and a visiting professor of political science at The American University in Cairo, in this weeks issue of Bitterlemons. Soltan calls for new approaches by the United States in its relationship with Iran as he sees the Tehran regime's loss of legitimacy resulting in increased regional adventurism. We thank Bitterlemons for permission to share this article with you today.

Quiet in the Kingdom, Reacting to Turmoil in Iran -- A Conversation with Jon Alterman

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:45:54 -0500

As the post-presidential election strife and government crackdown in Iran continue through a second week we took a look at the reaction to and impact of the turmoil on Saudi and American interests in the Gulf. We turned to Dr. Jon Alterman, Director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. for his perspectives. Here for your consideration is the SUSRIS exclusive interview conducted by phone with Dr. Alterman on June 23, 2009. We invite your attention to the comprehensive bank of links covering US-Saudi-Iranian issues that follows the interview.

Saudi Press Marks King Abdullah Anniversary

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:28:26 -0500

As he celebrates the fourth anniversary of his accession to the throne, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah can join with his people in looking back on some truly groundbreaking achievements and look forward to further advances to bring Saudi Arabia to Developed Country status.

New Media in the Gulf

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:27:56 -0500

Questions about press reporting in the Kingdom were taken on from two perspectives in Arab News articles this week. Omaima Al-Fardan reported on reactions among Arabic-language editors in the Kingdom to Saudi Arabia's press freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders. Fardan's report, "Opportunities for journalists laudable," focused on red lines in journalism and featured comments from five current and former editors and scholars. It is provided separately via email and on the Web site. Also in Arab News on-line on June 17th a report from Samar Fatany, a Saudi radio journalist, talked about new media, citizen journalism and blogging in the Gulf and the relationship of these emerging methodologies to traditional media business models as discussed at a recent workshop. Here for your consideration is Ms. Fatany's report.

Red Lines in the Press

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:26:41 -0500

This is one of two articles covering questions about the practice of journalism in the Kingdom that were reported in Arab News on June 17. They tackle media challenges from different perspectives. Samar Fatany, in an article about on-line journalism in the Gulf, talked about new media, citizen journalism and blogging in the Gulf and the relationship of these emerging methodologies to traditional media business models as discussed at a recent workshop. It is provided separately via email and on the Web site. Omaima Al-Fardan reported on reactions among Arabic-language editors in the Kingdom to Saudi Arabia's press freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders. Fardan's report, "Opportunities for journalists laudable," focused on red lines in journalism and featured comments from five current and former editors and scholars. It is provided here for your consideration.

U.S.-Saudi Trade Relations - John Sfakianakis

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:22:59 -0500

On the occasion of President Barack Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia last week, SABB Chief Economist John Sfakianakis published a report on the trade component of the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom. The report provides a very good overview of this important element of the ties between Americans and Saudis but it also includes a concise and informative analysis ("What we think") of the nature of the overall relationship. We are pleased to share Dr. Sfakianakis' report with you today and thank him and SABB for permission to reprint it here.

"A New Beginning" - Dialogue Between America and the Muslim World - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S CAIRO ADDRESS

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 07:30:43 -0500

President Barack Obama opened a dialogue with the Arab and Muslim world in January with an interview on Al-Arabiya television when he said, "My job is to communicate the fact that the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world," adding, "We are ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest, then I think that we can make significant progress." The President continued the dialogue today with a much anticipated address to the Muslim world delivered in Cairo in which he called for "a new beginning." SUSRIS is pleased to present a transcript of President Obama's address for your consideration.

Ready to Initiate a New Partnership and a Hand of Friendship: President Obama Al-Arabiya Interview - Background on the News

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 07:29:48 -0500

President Barack Obama delivered a major address today, June 4,. 2009, calling for a new beginning in relations between the United States and the Muslim world from Cairo. The dialogue was said to have begun with the President's first televised interview after taking office. SUSRIS is pleased to reprint that interview for your consideration.

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Alliances Between Nations, Friendship Between People - President Barack Obama's Ankara Address - Background on the News

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 07:28:32 -0500

President Barack Obama's dialogue with the Arab and Muslim world began in January when he gave his first television interview with Al-Arabiya television choosing to address the challenge of building bridges with America. The dialogue continued through his April visit to Turkey and his address to the Turkish Parliament in which he said, "We seek broader engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We will listen carefully, we will bridge misunderstandings, and we will seek common ground. We will be respectful, even when we do not agree. We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over the centuries to shape the world -- including in my own country." Today President Obama delivered a much anticipated address to the Muslim world which aimed to further the dialogue. In the Cairo address he referred to his earlier remarks in Ankara. SUSRIS is pleased to present those remarks here to provide context on today's address from Egypt.

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Warm Welcome to Barack Obama - Arab News Editorial

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 16:09:34 -0500

President Barack Obama began a six-day, four-country tour today with a stop in Riyadh for meetings with King Abdullah and Saudi officials with a welcome of "high hopes" in an Arab News editorial. SUSRIS is pleased to reprint it here for your consideration. Arab News was founded in 1975, the first English-language daily newspaper in the Kingdom, and is one of the most widely read and respected sources of news on developments in Saudi Arabia. ..click for more..

President Barack Obama Arrives in Saudi Arabia

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 10:11:30 -0500

The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama arrived here today on a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At King Khalid International Airport, he was received by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who welcomed the President and the accompanying delegation. ..click for more info

President Obama's Visit to the Kingdom - Setting the Scene A Conversation with Jean-François Seznec

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:07:19 -0500

President Barack Obama arrives today for his first official visit to Saudi Arabia with a very full plate of bilateral and regional issues to discuss with King Abdullah. To help us set the scene we talked with Jean-Francois Seznec, a Visiting Professor at Georgetown University. He has over 25 years experience in international finance and banking, including a decade in the Gulf. He regularly shares his expertise on Middle East affairs through numerous articles and television and radio appearances, and his earlier SUSRIS interviews. We are pleased that we were able to talk with Professor Seznec by phone from his Maryland home on May 31, 2009, to share his expertise with you and wish to thank him for his time.

Saudis, Others Looking Forward to Obama Visit By Edward Yeranian

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:06:34 -0500

The White House announced this week that President Obama would begin his trip to the Middle East with a visit to Riyadh to meet with King Abdullah for discussions. Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the leaders would talk about important issues including "including Middle East peace, Iran and terrorism." This SUSRIS IOI provides a report on the prospects for the visit and a link to our newly created special section on President Obama's visits. Articles, interviews, reports, photos, links and more will be added before and after the President's trip. ..click for more.

Threats, Risks and Vulnerabilities in the Gulf: Terrorism and Asymmetric Warfare By Anthony H. Cordesman and Adam C. Seitz

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:05:16 -0500

Rehab the Terrorists .. With Love - Robert Lacey

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:04:08 -0500

In August 2007 Christopher Boucek's comprehensive article on the Saudi extremist rehabilitation program was shared with you on SUSRIS. At the time few Americans had heard of the program which Boucek described as an effort to combat the support of extremist ideology in the kingdom through a series of lesser-known "soft" counter-terrorism measures aimed at combating the appeal of extremist takfiri beliefs. The rehab program, combined with more traditional security measures, has contributed to the counter terrorism successes seen in the Kingdom. ..click for more

U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Keynote Address William J. Burns Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 23:03:03 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the keynote address by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William J. Burns.. click for more

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Tue, 2 Jun 2009 22:58:42 -0500

U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 -- Introduction

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:11:57 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and what the perspective on these challenges look like from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the introductions by Steve Clemons of the New America Foundation and Abdulaziz Al Fahad of the Committee for International Trade; and the first panel, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve. Separate emails will provide each panelist's remarks and the question and answer period transcript.

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U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Peter Robertson

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:11:06 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve," which began with comments from Mr. Peter Robertson, Vice Chairman of Chevron and Co-Chairman, U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council.

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U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Senator Chuck Hagel

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:10:18 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve." Among the featured speakers was former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel, Chairman of the Atlantic Council of the United States and Distinguished Professor in the Practice of National Governance, Georgetown University.
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U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:09:17 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve." Among the featured speakers was Doctor Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter and Trustee, Center for Strategic and International Studies.
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U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Prince Turki Al Faisal

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:08:46 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve." Among the featured speakers was Prince Turki Al Faisal, former Saudi Ambassador to the United States and former Director, Saudi Arabia General Intelligence Service, and currently Chairman, King Faisal Center for Research & Islamic Studies.

U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Dr. Rita E. Hauser

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:07:35 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve." Among the featured speakers was Doctor Rita E. Hauser, Chair, International Peace Institute and Chair, Director's Council, New America Foundation.

U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Abdullah Alireza

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:06:57 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve." Among the featured speakers was H.E. Abdullah Alireza, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Saudi Arabia.

U.S.-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Conference Transcripts -- Session 1 Questions and Answers

Sun, 10 May 2009 21:04:54 -0500

Last week a major forum addressing the state of and prospects for the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was convened in Washington by the New America Foundation (NAF) and the Committee for International Trade (CIT) of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Distinguished speakers spent the day providing perspectives and insights on what the relationship should look like, how economics was shaping the national security picture vis a vis the relationship, the challenges for America in the region and how the perspective on these challenges look from the Saudi Arabian point of view. Today we are pleased to provide the transcripts from the question and answer period of the first session, "A Forward Projection of What the Saudi-U.S. Relationship Should Look Like and Needs to Achieve." The panel included: Senator Chuck Hagel, Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Prince Turki Al Faisal, Dr. Rita Hauser, Minister Abdullah Alireza, Mr. Peter Robertson, and Mr. Steve Clemons. Click on title for the transcript.

Gates Trip Aims to Reaffirm Ties With Egypt, Saudi Arabia

Tue, 5 May 2009 14:07:01 -0500

In December 2008 American Defense Secretary Robert Gates spoke about regional security issues at the Manama Dialogue, an international forum that brings together the various elements of national security establishments representing Gulf countries and key external powers. Among the issues he raised was the case of Iran, about which he said it is "a country whose every move seems designed to create maximum anxiety in the international community." He cited Tehran's support -- training and supplies -- to groups undermining the Iraqi government and development efforts for long range missiles and nuclear weapons. What to do about Iran, he asked? Gates gave two suggestions. First was to support the diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran including implementation of financial measures called for by the United Nations. Second was "by welcoming the new Iraq into the Arab fold," as a way to inhibit Iranian influence. With Secretary Gates' Manama Dialogue remarks as background we are pleased to present for your consideration a report from the Pentagon on his visit this week to Egypt and Saudi Arabia to discuss developments regarding Iran -- and renewed calls for stronger ties to Baghdad -- along with an emphasis on America's relations with its partners and consultations on the challenges in the region.

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State Department Annual Report on Terrorism

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:16:35 -0500

The Saudi government continued to build its counterterrorism capacity and efforts to counter extremist ideology. In the first six months of the year, the Ministry of Interior arrested 701 militants who had allegedly been planning to attack oil fields and other vital installations. In large scale sweeps, the Kingdom confiscated weapons, ammunition, sophisticated electronics equipment, and money. As of late summer, 520 of these suspects were still being held, awaiting trial on terrorism charges. The Saudis are developing a facilities security force following an unsuccessful attack in 2006 against one of the world’s largest oil processing plants in the Eastern Province.. click title for more..

Counterterrorism Collaboration with Saudi Arabia

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:15:09 -0500

The United States and Saudi Arabia have an ongoing dialogue on a full range of counterterrorism issues, which include regular high-level discussions and close working-level collaboration. Saudi cooperation is significant, and U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies have benefited and continue to benefit from Saudi information and intelligence on individuals and organizations. U.S. law enforcement agencies have provided counterterrorism training to Saudi security services in both Saudi Arabia and in the United States.. click on title for more..

Saudi Contributions to Counterterrorism

Mon, 4 May 2009 13:13:09 -0500

The United States Department of State has recognized in its 2008 Country Reports on Terrorism the counterterrorism efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The annual study cited ongoing steps taken by the Saudi government to publicly combat extremist ideology and to effectively eliminate terrorist threats. The report also noted the level of international cooperation being made by Saudi government and intelligence officials.. click on title for more..

Saudis and Americans Work to Support Student Family in the Midst of Tragedy - Patrick Ryan

Sun, 3 May 2009 19:43:52 -0500

Cookeville, Tennessee – When Ibrahim Alghamdi drove his wife Eman to the Cookeville Regional Medical Center Emergency Room last month it was with the expectation that the birth of their second child would be routine. It was not. Ibrahim, a Saudi engineering student at nearby Tennessee Technological University, learned his wife was suffering from Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, or ARDS, which is frequently fatal. [Click title for more]

Big Stuff Is Up

Sun, 3 May 2009 19:39:39 -0500

US-Saudi Relations in a World Without Equilibrium Steve Clemons, New America Foundation "..Because of cultural dissimilarities and almost a purposeful "remoteness" that has become institutionalized in the US-Saudi relationship, except when behind closed doors -- or perhaps in the privacy of the oval office or big estates here or there, or in Riyadh -- the US-Saudi relationship remains "overly exotic" -- and is not acted out in public view to the degree it should be. "The conference that follows below will hopefully become a starting point for a more regular, public exchange of views on the key strategic and economic challenges that face the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East and international system. "Whether many Americans want to acknowledge it or not, the fact is that the US-Saudi relationship is vital to America's geostrategic and geoeconomic interests today -- and like all diplomatic frameworks between key geostrategic players, this relationship as seen from both the American and the Saudi sides has warts and shortcomings. Nonetheless, it is not healthy to allow a vital relationship to be perceived and discussed through only very narrow lenses. "What we have coming up on Monday is pretty significant in my view, and I am grateful to officials in the Obama administration and in the Saudi Kingdom -- as well as other private sector speakers -- for supporting the kind of open encounter we are promoting in this meeting.."

The Gaza Crisis: Different This Time Dr. Abdulrahman H. Al-Saeed

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 13:01:34 -0600

"..Last month Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Saeed, advisor to the Saudi Arabian Royal Court, writing in Newsweek magazine and Arab News defined the Gaza crisis as different from those that came before and posed catastrophic consequences for the parties and the world at large. However, he had a positive outlook on the early moves of the Obama Administration, especially the appointment of Senator George Mitchell as America's Middle East envoy. Today, as the major players converge on Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for talks on Gaza relief, we provide for your consideration Dr. Al-Saeed's op-ed from February 14, 2009, which was printed in Arab News.." [More.. click on title]

EXCLUSIVE - Leadership in the Kingdom: Prince Nayef Named 2d Dep PM A Conversation with Jean-François Seznec

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 12:59:21 -0600

The immediate cause for Prince Nayef being named is probably the illness of the Crown Prince Sultan. The Crown Prince is reportedly extremely ill and may not be able to resume his responsibilities. Normally, as the King leaves the Kingdom, the Crown Prince, as First Deputy PM, is placed in charge of the government. Lately the King has been abroad for numerous conferences, leaving the government without leadership. Hence, the most senior cabinet member was slated to become the 2nd deputy PM. This of course, in true Saudi fashion, has been a long time in the making. Prince Sultan has been ill for a number of years, and the present move could have been expected sometime ago, but it was probably subject to extensive consultations between the King and all the parties within the royal family. [More.. click on title]

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - The Vital Triangle: China, the United States, and the Middle East - A Conversation with Jon Alterman

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 12:46:25 -0600

Note: With yesterday's announcement that Chinese President Hu Jintao will visit Saudi Arabia next week it seemed appropriate to provide you with another look at the SUSRIS exclusive interview with Jon Alterman of CSIS from October that addressed the "Vital Triangle" of interests among Saudi Arabia, China and the United States. We also invite you to visit the SUSRIS Special Section with information about his book "The Vital Triangle" and links to selected chapter excerpts.

A SUSRIS Reprint from October 13, 2008 Editor's Note: We last caught up with CSIS Middle East Program Director Jon Alterman in May on the sidelines of the Arab-US Economic Forum in Washington where he took time to talk about U.S.-Saudi relations and a host of issues of interest to SUSRIS readers. [Link below] We were pleased to have a chance to get an update the other day on his recent work, a book, written with John Garver, examining the multi-dimensional relationships among China, the United States, and the Middle East. Today we present for your consideration our conversation with Jon Alterman which will be followed later this week with excerpts from “The Vital Triangle: China, the United States, and the Middle East.” You will also find a collection of articles, interviews and special reports on the developing Saudi-Sino relationship in the pages of SUSRIS through the links below. Among them we suggest, "The Arabs Take a Chinese Wife: Sino-Arab Relations in the Decade to Come" by Ambassador Chas Freeman and "The New Silk Road" by Afshin Molavi.

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SUSRIS Special Section - President Obama and the Middle East

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:13:21 -0600

Check this new SUSRIS Special Section to view videos of President Obama's Al-Arabiya interview and his inaugural address as well as the compilation of articles, interviews, special reports, on-line links and more covering the new Administration and America's relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

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President Obama Engages the Arab World - Reactions

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:09:44 -0600

Veteran journalist Hisham Melham got a phone call from the White House Monday morning, according to Scott MacLeod writing for "Time," asking if he would like to chat with President Obama later in the afternoon. The Al-Arabiya interview he had with Mr. Obama was the first since the President's inauguration last week and it set the marker for a new dialogue between the U.S. Government and the Arab world. He said, "..if we are looking at the region as a whole and communicating a message to the Arab world and the Muslim world, that we are ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest, then I think that we can make significant progress." That message generated a flurry of reactions from the Arab and Muslim world and among analysts. Today we provide a snapshot of reactions published yesterday and today and links to a video of the interview as well as other related on-line material. We also invite you to visit a new SUSRIS special section ["President Barack Obama and the Middle East'] that will be your resource for articles, interviews, videos, photos, links and more concerning the Obama Administration and America's relationship with Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region. According to Time's MacLeod, "Obama's aides cut Melhem off before he could finish all his questions," and that, "As they concluded the interview and shook hands, Melhem recalls, Obama told him, 'There will be more.'" And so it will be on SUSRIS too.
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Ready to Initiate a New Partnership and a Hand of Friendship: President Obama

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:25 -0600

President Barack Obama's Interview with Hisham Melham broadcast on Al Arabiya on January 27, 2009..

excerpt..

what I want to communicate is the fact that in all my travels throughout the Muslim world, what I've come to understand is that regardless of your faith -- and America is a country of Muslims, Jews, Christians, non-believers -- regardless of your faith, people all have certain common hopes and common dreams. And my job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives. My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. But if you look at the track record, as you say, America was not born as a colonial power, and that the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that. And that I think is going to be an important task. But ultimately, people are going to judge me not by my words but by my actions and my administration's actions. And I think that what you will see over the next several years is that I'm not going to agree with everything that some Muslim leader may say, or what's on a television station in the Arab world -- but I think that what you'll see is somebody who is listening, who is respectful, and who is trying to promote the interests not just of the United States, but also ordinary people who right now are suffering from poverty and a lack of opportunity. I want to make sure that I'm speaking to them, as well.
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