This compilation provides a summary of SUSRIS articles, interviews, essays, items of interest and special reports distributed between October 1 and December 31, 2005.

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Kingdom's War on Terrorism
Two Wanted Terrorists Killed After Security Forces Suffer Five Dead
December 28, 2005

Authorities in Saudi Arabia say security forces have shot and killed two wanted terrorists, hours after the fugitives gunned down five policemen in a drive-by shooting.  The two dead men are said to have been involved in the al-Qaida terror network's operations in the kingdom.  Both men were on Saudi Arabia's list of most-wanted terrorists. Authorities say they killed five officers in a drive-by shooting in Qassim province.  [more]

Saudi Professional Women Advancing
A Victor in First Saudi Engineers Council Board Vote 
December 28, 2005

Results of the first-ever election to the Saudi Engineers Council were announced yesterday with a Saudi woman making history again by winning a seat on the 10-member board.  Nadia Bakhurji received 431 votes, the fifth highest among the winners, to join the hall of fame of women, who won elections in other organizations such as the Saudi Journalists Association and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  [more]

The Saudi and Gulf Stock Markets:
Irrational Exuberance or Markets Efficiency?
Khalid R. Al-Rodhan
December 21, 2005

The Gulf States are experiencing unprecedented growth in their economies and stock markets. The hope is that this growth is based on real economic growth, sound market fundamentals, and realistic economic policies. While the majority of companies that are listed on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock exchanges have solid track records, there is limited historical data to analyze the basis of this remarkable growth.  By all accounts, the stock markets are overheated, and may need to be forced to cool off. The question is not whether the GCC stock market bubble will burst, but when and at what cost. Economies and stock markets are cyclical, and market corrections are all too common in many of the world�s economies. The Gulf is no exception, but the consequence of a �bursting� of the bubble to the Gulf economies can have strategic and economic implications to the Gulf States. [more]

26th Summit of the 
Gulf Cooperation Council
Dec 18-19, 2005 - Abu Dhabi
December 20, 2005

The 26th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council was held in Abu Dhabi on December 18-19, 2005. Leaders from the six GCC states convened the organization's Supreme Council to review a host of issues including regional security, economic integration, education reform, and more. [more]

Arab Attitudes 2005
December 20, 2005

In October 2005 a project to interview citizens in six Arab countries -- Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the UAE -- was conducted under the aegis of Zogby International.   The respondents, randomly chosen from different neighborhoods in various cities of each country, were asked about a number of social issues including:  concerns facing  their country and personal life, the acceptability of women working outside the home, how one describes oneself to another Arab and a Westerner, attitudes toward the United States, likelihood of peace, and employment issues.  The project included 800 interviews in Saudi Arabia -- in Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca. [more]

More Saudi Students in U.S.
December 18, 2005

Urgently trying to improve relations with the United States, the Saudi Arabian government has been promoting a scholarship program that has more than doubled the number of Saudi enrollments at American colleges and universities since last year.  The program, aimed in part at reducing widespread hostility in the Saudi public toward the United States, has reversed a steady plunge in Saudi students here that started immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. The Saudi government offered 5,000 students full four-year scholarships, complete with living allowances. About two-thirds of the 5,000 students enrolled in American schools this fall, the State Department said, and the number would have been higher had the United States been able to process all the visa requests. [more]

Saudi Arabia's 2006 Budget,
2005 Economic Performance
December 16, 2005

The budget for 2006 the Saudi Arabian government released on September 13 contained a "number of superlatives" as highlighted in Riyad Bank's Weekly Economic Briefing: "..highest government budget surplus ever, highest private sector growth in the last twenty years, one of the highest economic growth for the overall economy, record current account surplus, and record non-oil exports."  Conditions for 2006 look equally bright. Oil revenues are likely to remain strong. We believe private sector growth will accelerate, business investment, including by foreigners, will grow strongly, consumer confidence and spending will remain high, and the fiscal stimulus of higher government spending will aid the growth.  [more]

Organization of the Islamic Conference
Summit Wrap-up
December 11, 2005

The session provided the 56 nation intergovernmental organization -- representing over a billion of the world's Muslims -- the opportunity to refocus the OIC role in confronting challenges and crises.  About 40 heads of state represented their countries at the session, the first since the OIC met for the a regular triennial meeting in October 2003.  This extraordinary session was convened in response to a call from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.  The 3rd Extraordinary Summit concluded with agreement on an action plan to move the OIC forward in the face of numerous challenges. [more]

Organization of Islamic Conference
Summit Opens Today in Mecca
December 7, 2005

Saudi Arabia is hosting a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which opens today in Mecca.  The assembly of nearly 50 heads of state from among the 57 countries representing over a billion Muslims comes at a time when the Islamic world faces a host of profound challenges.  It is time for us to remind the world and ourselves of Islam�s true values and meaning. Nothing could be more far removed from this than the misinterpretations and spurious motives that such fanatics base their incorrigible behavior upon. If they are not in spirit �Muslims� then why is it that I have to bear the brunt of their callous, brutal and disgusting displays of cowardice? How is it that such crimes against the defenseless are termed as �Islamic� acts of terror when, ironically, such crimes are being committed against the faith itself?  [more]

Braibanti: A Man for All Seasons
Michael Saba
December 4, 2005

Nov. 24 was Thanksgiving Day in the United States. On that day, a truly great man passed away. Anyone who knew him or worked with him could certainly give thanks for that privilege. Dr. Ralph Braibanti was truly a man for all seasons.  He began his teaching career at Syracuse University in 1947. In 1949, he accepted a teaching appointment at Kenyon College and stayed there until moving to Duke University in 1953 where he remained until his retirement in 1990.  Braibanti was a man of firm convictions. �He became a very strong advocate of the university�s relationship with Saudi Arabia,� said Ole Holsti, an emeritus professor of political science at Duke. �He was not a shrinking violet. Anyone who had interactions with him had no difficulty discerning what his views were.� [more]

Community and Cooperation
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
December 2, 2005

Yesterday Prince Turki delivered a wide-ranging speech at the US Army War College in Pennsylvania. He discussed the issues confronting the United States and Saudi Arabia including the situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel and Palestine. He also spoke about the US-Saudi partnership in the war on terror and the recently inaugurated Saudi-US Dialogue, a byproduct of the April 2005 Bush-Abdullah Summit.  [more]

Women Create History in JCCI Poll
Maha Akeel, Arab News
December 1, 2005

Two women � Lama Al-Sulaiman and Nashwa Taher � created history yesterday by winning election to the board of directors of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In highly surprising and exciting results to the extremely competitive elections, the Lejeddah group, which included Lama Al-Sulaiman and Nashwa Taher, swept the 12 seats in the elections. A total of 17 women ran in the historic elections, but no one expected any of them to win. It was the first time ever that women were elected to the JCCI board. [more]

U.S. critics miss the real Saudi Arabia
By Tanya C. Hsu
November 30, 2005

Part of the kingdom's beauty is its inaccessibility and retention of Arab character. But many in the West are pushing Saudi to apologize, confess to its "unacceptable" culture and change according to their values. If the truth about this country were known, the anti-Saudi rhetoric from the West would stop and people might want to visit. But Westerners invariably see only abayas (black cloaks), women prohibited from driving and oppression with no context. [more]

Saudi Arabia in the Balance
Political Economy, Society, Foreign Affairs
Paul Aarts, Gerd Nonneman (Editors)
November 27, 2005

We are pleased to bring to your attention new books dealing with US-Saudi relations and developments in the region.  Today we present information about "Saudi Arabia in the Balance: Political Economy, Society, Foreign Affairs" -- Paul Aarts, Gerd Nonneman (Editors). [more]

Painting and Patronage:
Building Cultural Bridges
November 26, 2005

The Painting & Patronage initiative was established in Riyadh in 1999 and is today one of the most prominent private cultural and educational exchange initiatives between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Europe. It was created by its founding patron and son of His late Majesty King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, in partnership with the initiative�s founding chairman, Mr. Anthony Bailey.  The principal aim and activity of the initiative is to build valuable bridges of cultural, artistic and educational understanding between the Arab world and Europe. Through doing so, the initiative aims to establish a higher and deeper level appreciation and understanding of each other's distinct and diverse cultures and traditions. 
[more]

Inauguration of the International
Energy Forum Secretariat
November 21, 2005

The International Energy Forum Secretariat (IEFS) was inaugurated on November 19, 2005 in Riyadh at a ceremony attended by King Abdullah.  The IEFS is the result of then Crown Prince Abdullah's effort to improve the dialogue between oil producing and consuming countries.  The ceremonies included the launch of the Joint Oil Data Initiative database, providing oil and gas information from about 90 countries. 
[more]

The Danger of a "Lonely American War"
Zbigniew Brzezinski - Keynote Address
Middle East Institute 59th Annual Conference
November 17, 2005

Dr. Brzezinski was the National Security Advisor for Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981. He crossed swords with the Nixon-Kissinger policy of over-reliance on d�tente and spoke out in favor of the Helsinki process, which focused on human rights and peaceful engagement in Eastern Europe.  Among the illuminating presentations made at the conference was the keynote address of Doctor Zbigniew Brzezinski. He outlined the scope of an American crisis of leadership and legitimacy in the world, especially in the Middle East, and he offered a prescription to address these profound challenges. [more]

Saudi-US Strategic Dialogue
Secretary Rice, Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal Meeting the Press
November 13, 2005

The Strategic Dialogue is designed in order to institutionalize the relationship between the two states, between the two countries. These dialogues are conducted through senior officials to discuss a variety of strategic issues and political issues -- security, financial, economic, cultural and social and other matters -- especially in light of the challenges that we both face at the same time and through the threat of terrorism and the misconceptions that exist among people on both sides, as well as the continuous crisis that face the region in the Middle East that would require a great deal of work in order to face and confront through exchanging of views and create more points of views and coordination and joint understanding to allow the institutions on both sides to work jointly. [more]

World Trade Organization
Accession
November 10, 2005

Saudi Arabia�s accession to the World Trade Organization as its 149th member will be formally agreed to tomorrow at a meeting of the body�s General Council in Geneva.  The accession, approved in principle by the WTO last month, brings to a close 12 years of tough and complex negotiations. The Kingdom originally applied in June 1993 to join the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT), which was then succeeded by the WTO. [more]

"Saudi Arabia: Friend or Foe in the War on Terror"
Testimony of Anthony Cordesman
Before the US Senate Judiciary Committee
November 9, 2005

It is both dangerous and misleading to single out Saudi Arabia. We need to remember that 9/11 was the exception and not the rule. Most of the prior attacks and attempted attacks on the US were by North Africans, Egyptians, and Arabs from the Levant.  I realize that this hearing focuses on one key issue: Whether Saudi Arabia is a friend or an enemy. The question we are here to address is not whether Saudi Arabia has flaws or needs reform, nor whether Saudi Arabia has a different culture and set of values. The question is rather what Saudi Arabia's relations with the US have been, are and will be. [more]

The Global Scourge of Terrorism:
Ambassador Prince Turki al Faisal Shares His Outlook
November 8, 2005

Prince Turki, the last son of King Faisal, was educated at Georgetown University, Class of 1968 and went on to serve Saudi Arabia as the Director General of the General Intelligence Directorate from 1977 through 2001. He most recently completed a posting as Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2003-2005 before replacing Prince Bandar bin Sultan in Washington in September of this year as the Kingdom's top diplomat in the United States.  Today we are pleased to share with you Prince Turki's presentation to the MEI conference where he provides an overview of the nature of the terrorism threat and Saudi Arabia's commitment to fight alongside the United States and the international community against it. [more]

Eid al-Fitr:
Celebrating the Breaking of the Fast
November 5, 2005

Eid al-Fitr - "celebration of the breaking of the fast" - marks the end of the month of Ramadan in the Muslim world, the month of fasting and reflection, one of the five pillars of Islam.  The Eid holiday is generally marked by celebration, family gatherings and gift giving.  In his address to some 30,000 worshippers, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh invoked the blessings of Allah on those who had observed the fast during the holy month of Ramadan and hoped that they would carry forward the spirit of fasting, which they had imbibed during the period. [more]

U.S. Exports to Arab Countries Projected
To Continue Surge in 2006
November 4, 2005

The National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) is projecting a continuing surge of U.S. exports to Arab countries in 2006, with opportunities "across the board" for doing business in the region, according NUSACC President David Hamod.  U.S.-Arab Tradeline, a publication of the chamber, predicts that U.S. merchandise exports to Arab countries will reach $37.9 billion in 2006, an increase of 40 percent compared to the expected figure for 2005.  In its September/October edition, Tradeline projected that U.S. merchandise exports to the Arab world in 2005 will reach $26.7 billion, a 38 percent increase over the 2004 level. [more]

Saudi Arabia Economic Update
An Economy Watch Report From Samba
November 3, 2005

The Saudi economy is booming and it is at its best performing period ever. The advent of King Abdullah brought a new climate of hope about the pace of economic reforms and several developments have occurred early in his reign. Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO is now visibly close, as the final hurdle, a bilateral trade agreement with the US, was reached in September. The King instituted a 15 percent salary increase for government employees as well as announcing how a portion of the excess oil revenue will be spent. [more]

Saudi Arabia Under Attack
by Dr. James Zogby
November 2, 2005

Saudi Arabia is under attack again, with critics going to new lengths to not only portray the Kingdom as hostile to the US, but to smear any groups and individuals who have even remote connections with Saudis.  A new study on what American school children are being taught about Islam and Arab history produced by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) demonstrates the dangerous direction taken by this assault. Arguing that "teaching programs funded by Saudi Arabia [are making] their way into elementary and secondary classrooms." The JTA report attacks any and all materials being proposed to help broaden understanding of Arabs and Islam in the US. [more]

US Foreign Policy, Petroleum And The Middle East
Robert E. Ebel
November 1, 2005

No discussion of the Saudi-US partnership can be considered complete without an understanding of the energy security dimension -- a component that undergirds relations between the countries.  Recognizing the importance of the energy issue SUSRIS frequently provides timely articles and reports on developments in the field.  Such is the case today as we share with you the recent testimony of Robert E. Ebel, Chairman of the Energy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.  He provided the context for understanding how US energy needs fit into the global scheme in general and the Middle East in particular. [more]

The Implications of WTO Membership:
A View from the Kingdom
October 30, 2005

On October 28, 2005 World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy announced the conclusion of "Working Party" negotiations for Saudi Arabia's accession to the global trading organization. Closing the Working Party phase, a process that began in July 1993, was the last significant hurdle on the path to WTO membership for the Kingdom. The final step, said to be merely a formality, is referral of the accession request to the WTO General Council, expected to occur on November 11, 2005.  Today Arab News, the largest English daily in the Kingdom, in an editorial, discussed the implications of WTO membership and globalization on businesses in Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to share it with you. [more]

Two Books, Same Country?
Reviews of Murawiec and Khan by Gause
October 29, 2005

In August 2002 the Gulf Wire e-newsletter service distributed an article called, "Don't Make Saudi Friend Into Arab Foe," by David Silverberg, managing editor of "The Hill."  The introduction to the article mentioned the "official Washington" flap of the week: Two days earlier Jack Shafer writing in Slate on-line provided more details on Murawiec's briefing, including the PowerPoint slides: We present for your consideration a review of both books by Doctor F. Gregory Gause, III, associate professor of political science at the University of Vermont.  This review appeared in the Washington Post on-line on October 16, 2005 and is reprinted here with permission. [more]

World Trade Organization Accession: Saudi Arabia Gets "Green Light"
October 28, 2005

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pursued membership in the world's leading international organization dealing with the rules for trade between nations since June 1993, about a year and a half  before the formation of the World Trade Organization.  In 1993 it was the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or GATT, that was responsible for formulating international trade rules until the end of the Uruguay Round and the inauguration of the WTO on January 1, 1995.  Since July 1993 Saudi Arabia's progress has been governed by a "Working Party" that oversaw every twist and turn of the multilateral and bilateral negotiations required to meet WTO accession requirements. Today that "Working Party" completed its work on negotiations for Saudi Arabian accession -- turning on the green light -- leaving only approval by the WTO Governing Council to complete the membership process.  That step will come on November 11, 2005 and is viewed as being a formality.  [more]

National Security in Saudi Arabia: Threats, Responses and Challenges 
October 25, 2005

We are pleased to bring to your attention new books dealing with US-Saudi relations and developments in the region.  Today we present information about "National Security in Saudi Arabia: Threats, Responses and Challenges," by Anthony H. Cordesman and Nawaf Obaid.  Anthony H. Cordesman holds the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at CSIS and is a national security analyst for ABC News. Nawaf Obaid is a Saudi national security and intelligence consultant based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and an adjunct fellow at CSIS. [more] 

Karen of Arabia: I, Mom Meets the Imams
by Jonathan Karl
October 23, 2005

Ambassador Karen Hughes, the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, visited Saudi Arabia during her travel to the Middle East in September. The objective of the visits, according to the US State Department, was to hear the views of officials, students, and other leaders and to discuss the mutual challenges faced by the US and the Arab world. [more]

King Abdullah Interview
October 22, 2005

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on August 1, 2005 on the passing of King Fahd.  Abdullah, in his capacity as Crown Prince, has been recognized as the de facto leader of the country since Fahd suffered a stroke in 1996.  The transition from Fahd to Abdullah was a smooth affair, in full accordance with the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia and was followed by pledging of allegiance to the new King by officials and citizens in the Kingdom.  In his first television interview since assuming the title and role of King, Abdullah chose ABC News reporter Barbara Walters.  The interview was conducted at the new king's palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and aired on ABC in the United States on Friday, October 14, 2005. [more]

Richard Haass Comments on King Abdullah Interview
October 22, 2005

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz granted his first interview since his ascension to the throne on August 1, 2005 with ABC News reporter Barbara Walters.  The interview was aired in the United States on October 14, 2005 in segments broadcast on ABC's 20/20 and Nightline.  Following the Nightline segment, Walters talked with Ambassador Richard Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations about King Abdullah's comments in the interview and other issues in the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia. [more]

King Abdullah GulfWire Interview
October 22, 2005

GulfWire is pleased to present a summary of a meeting with H.R.H. Crown Prince Abdullah, First Deputy Premier and Commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard, on February 4, 2001. Gulf Wire Publisher John Duke Anthony and Managing Editor Patrick W. Ryan are escorting a prominent defense delegation to Saudi Arabia. Earlier today, they were granted an audience with the Crown Prince at his office in Riyadh. Crown Prince Abdullah shared his observations of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States, the Middle East peace process, regional defense and other current issues. [more]

WTO Accession: One Step Closer
October 12,2005

Saudi Arabia has completed the requisite documents for its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Hashem Yamani said yesterday.  The Saudi documents would be submitted to a key meeting on Oct. 28, the sources said. At that session, the working team, which has steered the marathon talks, is almost certain to support the package, clearing the path for the Kingdom�s entry.  [more]

Ramadan
October 8, 2005

The holy month of Ramadan is a special month. For over one billion Muslims worldwide, it is a time of inner reflection and devotion to God. It is the month of fasting.  For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for inner reflection and devotion to God. The Siam Ramadan, or fasting, is intended to teach patience and self-control as well as to remind one of the less fortunate. [more]

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� 2005
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