This compilation provides a summary of SUSRIS articles, interviews, essays, items of interest and special reports distributed between October 1 and December 31, 2006.

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The View from a Majlis Ash-Shura Member - A Conversation with Usamah al Kurdi
December 31 , 2006

"..one area that I believe is important is the fact that the two countries have no alternative but to strengthen their relations. The importance of the United States is its role as the superpower of the world. The importance of Saudi Arabia is its international role, its good standing around the world, and its important voice among the Muslim countries as the host of the two holiest cities in all of Islam -- Mecca and Medina. There is also its importance as a major source of energy to the rest of the world.."

Over Two Million Pilgrims On the Move in Saudi Arabia: Hajj Off to Safe, Peaceful Start
December 29 , 2006

"..Pilgrims braved chilly weather conditions yesterday busying themselves in prayers and contemplation in the tent city of Mina on the first day of the five-day journey of a lifetime.  The valley was reverberating with verses from the Holy Qur�an. Pilgrims from nearly 170 countries were in the city. The Haj will climax today on the Plains of Arafat where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his last sermon more than 14 centuries ago.  Traffic from all around the Kingdom flowed smoothly into the city but there were huge queues at the entrance to Mina until late afternoon yesterday. Security forces checked every vehicle to keep pilgrims without permits away.."

The Hajj in Perspective:
A Conversation with David Long
December 27 , 2006

"..The Hajj is one of the five pillars or the foundation of Islam and therefore it is the obligation of everyone who is physically and financially able to do so to make the Hajj once in their lifetimes. Pilgrimages to Makkah actually predate Islam, but the Hajj is considered by all Muslims to be divinely inspired by God as set down in the Qur'an and the Sunna. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the others being: the profession of faith - "there is no God but God and Mohammed is the messenger of God"; Zakat or charity; prayer five times a day, and fasting during Ramadan. The rites are based on the instructions Muhammad gave in his Farewell Hajj just before he died. They have remained virtually unchanged to this day.."

The Hajj and Its Impact on Saudi Arabia
and the Muslim World
By David E. Long
December 26 , 2006

"..Each year, 2 million Muslims perform the Hajj, or Great Pilgrimage to Makkah. One of the Five Pillars of Islam, the Hajj is required of all believers once in their lifetimes provided they are physically, mentally and financially able. For the duration of the Hajj and the traditional visit to al-Madinah afterward, the Saudi government must insure that the Hajjis are provided with adequate housing (mainly in tents), food, water, health and sanitation, ground transportation, and public safety and security.  The government has spent billions of dollars on Hajj infrastructure from the two special Hajj air terminals which are the largest structures under a single roof in the world, to the extensive preventative and curative health and sanitation facilities at all the major Hajj locations. The Saudi government has also maintained a strict policy banning political activity so that militants do not desecrate this peaceful and joyous occasion. It is a task of almost unimaginable proportions.."

Saudi Arabia's 2007 Budget, 2006 Performance
Brad Bourland, Samba Chief Economist
December 21 , 2006

"On Monday, December 18, 2006 the Council of Ministers endorsed the government's budget for fiscal year 2007 (31 Dec. 2006 - 30 Dec. 2007) and announced economic and fiscal results for 2006. With oil revenues assumed to remain strong, the budgetary focus on enhancing expenditure on education, healthcare and infrastructural development as well as reducing debt is maintained.."

King's Foreign Affairs Advisor Adel al-Jubeir Said to be Next Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States
December 20 , 2006

"..Adel al-Jubeir will be the next Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States according to a report on "The Washington Note" a US-based blog.. ..Mr. Jubeir served as Foreign Affairs Advisor to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz following a long tenure at the Saudi Embassy in Washington, DC. He is well known among observers of Saudi-US affairs and has served as spokesman on numerous occasions representing the Kingdom's policies and positions to the media.  It is noteworthy that Mr. Jubeir is not a member of the Saudi Royal Family as has been typical of such high profile portfolios as chief Saudi diplomat in Washington.."

Regional Issues from the Foreign Minister's Perspective: 
Prince Saud al-Faisal's Remarks to the Press
December 20 , 2006

"..Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said yesterday that Saudi Arabia would not take sides in Iraqi sectarian violence, denying press reports that Riyadh would support Sunnis in the wake of a US withdrawal from the war-torn country. 'Since the start of the crisis in Iraq.. ..the Kingdom has said it will stand at an equal distance from all Iraqi groups and does not describe itself as the guardian of any group or sect,' he said to reporters in Riyadh. He said Saudi Arabia would continue its efforts to bring about security and stability in Iraq. 'We cooperate with all those who want a united, independent and sovereign Iraq,' he said. 'And we hope all Iraqi citizens receive equal rights and duties under the law'.."

The Changing Dynamics of Energy in the Middle East
Anthony H. Cordesman and Khalid R. Al-Rodhan
December 20 , 2006

"..The recent rise in global demand for energy and the resulting spike in energy prices have illustrated just how important Middle Eastern energy exports are. This book, the first on the subject since the hike in energy prices impacted the global energy market, outlines current facts that shape the ability of Middle Eastern producers to supply energy exports. It explores the possible future causes both of major interruptions in supply, and failures to maintain and expand export capacity, and, though it does not predict a major energy crisis, it does describe factors that could produce one.."

Secretary Rice on Middle East Democracy
By David McKeeby
December 19 , 2006

"..The United States remains committed to supporting people across the Middle East who reject extremism and embrace democracy, Rice said. Across the region, she said, a "new strategic context" is taking shape from the convergence of greater political freedoms and a debate within Islam about the role of religion in politics and society.  As a result, mainstream states such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf states that are committed to progressive reforms now find themselves confronted by more extreme views from countries such as Iran and Syria as well as from groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.."

The US � GCC Relationship
Dr. John Duke Anthony
December 15, 2006

"..Although some would go back as far as the granting of Saudi Arabian oil concessions to the Americans in 1933 as the start of what would become the US relationship with the six countries that joined to forge the GCC, the foundations for the (�official�) relationship in the modern era were laid over sixty years ago when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, met aboard the USS Quincy on Great Bitter Lake, Egypt, on the 14th February, 1945. That was the date when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and King Abdalaziz met for the first and only time.."

Perspectives on the U.S.-Gulf Relationship
John Duke Anthony
December 14, 2006

"..In looking back over the year that is rapidly coming to a close, a glance in the rear view mirror as to what had occurred during the immediately preceding twelve months is illuminative. It reveals insight into not only the highlights and low lights of what transpired in terms of major events and developments. It also enhances understanding of what happened, for which the implications and ramifications were not clearly perceived or assessed at the time. The exercise provides numerous signposts, warnings, and indications of what would continue to unfold, and in some cases would suddenly erupt, in the period that followed which have led to the uncertain and in many ways dangerous and unsettling present.."

27th GCC Supreme Council Summit Wrap-up
December 13 , 2006

"..The 27th Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council met December 9-10, 2006 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The gathering, dubbed the Sheikh Jaber Summit after the ruler of Kuwait who died in January, included the leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.  A broad field of topics were headlined in the media as each being the highlight of the two-day annual council session: regional issues, a common market, a monetary union -- even the focus on Gulf citizenship was touted by the press as the summit's hot issue. However, few could deny that regional security questions were the centerpieces of discussions, especially after King Abdullah, in his opening remarks said, "Our Arab region is besieged by a number of dangers, as if it was a powder keg waiting for a spark to explode." The summit did provide the six heads of state the opportunity to address economic unity issues but the most pressing questions were how to address the troubles in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq, and relations with Iran.."

Riyadh and Washington Maneuver
Over Iraq Fears
December 13 , 2006

"..Saudi Arabia has told the Bush administration that it might provide financial backing to Iraqi Sunnis in any war against Iraq�s Shiites if the United States pulls its troops out of Iraq, according to American and Arab diplomats.  King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia conveyed that message to Vice President Dick Cheney two weeks ago during Mr. Cheney�s whirlwind visit to Riyadh, the officials said. During the visit, King Abdullah also expressed strong opposition to diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran, and pushed for Washington to encourage the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, senior Bush administration officials said.."

Background on the News
Leading Saudi Arabian Diplomats
December 12 , 2006

"..Earlier today SUSRIS provided news of Prince Turki al Faisal's resignation as Ambassador to the United States.  Robin Wright in a Washington Post report reprinted by SUSRIS mentioned the illness of Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal.  The Saudi government is expected to confirm the departure of Prince Turki from his Washington Post later today.  This SUSRIS Item of Interest provides background information on personalities connected with this story: Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal, Prince Turki al Faisal and Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the immediate predecessor to Prince Turki as top Saudi diplomat in Washington.."

Saudi Ambassador Abruptly Resigns, Leaves Washington
By Robin Wright
December 12 , 2006

"..Prince Turki al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, flew out of Washington yesterday after informing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and his staff that he would be leaving the post after only 15 months on the job, according to U.S. officials and foreign envoys. There has been no formal announcement from the kingdom.  The abrupt departure is particularly striking because his predecessor, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, spent 22 years on the job. The Saudi ambassador is one of the most influential diplomatic positions in Washington and is arguably the most important overseas post for the oil-rich desert kingdom.."

Iran and Iraq in Focus on
Eve of Riyadh GCC Summit
December 8, 2006

"..Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal yesterday said that the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states will express their concern to Iran about the prospect of nuclear power plants being developed on its side of the Arabian Gulf coast.. ..Prince Saud also addressed the situation in Iraq, and warned against sectarian violence and the �perils of partition.� The minister called for ending outside interferences in Iraq.."

Solving the Saudi
Succession Puzzle
Thomas W. Lippman
December 6, 2006

"..If there is one thing the ruling princes of Saudi Arabia have shown they are good at, it is self-preservation. They demonstrated their skill once again last month with an adroit political maneuver that drew little media notice in this country because of the carnage in Iraq, but could have long-term significance for the Gulf region and for the United States. King �Abdullah announced a new system for choosing future kings, designed to ensure smooth continuity whenever the monarchy is vacated. He issued a new �Allegiance Institution Law� designed to cover every eventuality: death of the king; simultaneous death of the king and crown prince; temporary incapacity because of illness; and long-term disability.."

Perspective on Regional Developments
A Conversation with Gregory Gause
November 30, 2006

"..On US-Saudi relations:  '..they stake their foreign policy very much on a strong relationship with the United States.. ..facing a potential regional power like Iran they need an outside ally. But they are very nervous that we will not take into our account, of our interests in Iraq, their interests. They see this continuously in Arab-Israeli questions where they don't think the United States takes into account the interests of friendly Arab states.. ..they fear that's going to happen in Iraq.. ..if they think we're pursuing a policy that harms their interests they'll take their own steps in Iraq'.."  [SUSRIS Audio & Highlights]

A Voice of Peace; A Move Towards Stability
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
November 30, 2006

"..It concerns me that so many of Saudi Arabia�s neighbors are struggling to find peace and stability. Terrorism continues to plague us all. Al Qaeda and its offshoots take advantage of the political turmoil to advance their agenda and ethos. We have worked with your government and other allies to bring them to heel. By taking a global approach, that includes police action, financial tracking and religious challenges to them, we can definitely defeat the terrorists. In Lebanon, the threat of greater instability increased with the assassination of cabinet minister Pierre Gemayel. In Palestine, the Israeli occupation continues to humiliate the Palestinians and deny them their inalienable rights to an identity and a country. Iran�s nuclear program continues to create concern for the world. And we all know of the daily turmoil and suffering of the Iraqi people.  When looking at these situations -- many of them lasting years, even decades � we can only ask ourselves: where can we find hope?.."

Stepping Into Iraq:
Saudi Arabia Will Protect Sunnis if the U.S. Leaves
Nawaf Obaid
November 29, 2006

"..In February 2003, a month before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, the Saudi foreign minister, Prince Saud al-Faisal, warned President Bush that he would be "solving one problem and creating five more" if he removed Saddam Hussein by force. Had Bush heeded his advice, Iraq would not now be on the brink of full-blown civil war and disintegration.  One hopes he won't make the same mistake again by ignoring the counsel of Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki al-Faisal, who said in a speech last month that "since America came into Iraq uninvited, it should not leave Iraq uninvited." If it does, one of the first consequences will be massive Saudi intervention to stop Iranian-backed Shiite militias from butchering Iraqi Sunnis.." [Nawaf Obaid - Washington Post op-ed, Nov. 29]

US Visas for Saudi Students
November 21, 2006

"..Saudi students approved for US scholarships by the Ministry of Higher Education can expect to receive notices by the end of this month, said a US Embassy official in Riyadh.  
In a presentation given yesterday at the Dar Al-Hekma College for girls urging students to apply for US universities early, Vice Consul Carrie Giardino said that officials at the embassy had been told by the ministry that names of students approved for 10,000 US scholarships announced months ago would be disclosed at the end of November. The ministry plans to announce the names in groups every two weeks.  The problem arose when the ministry announced scholarships, which caused the embassy to block appointment times for students in order to process their visas as quickly as possible thus reducing the number of interviews for other types of visas from the usual 200 a day to 80 a day. This created a backlog of interviews for other visas and many people complained that it took months just to schedule an interview.."

Global Energy Security
Anthony H. Cordesman
November 15, 2006

"..--The global energy debate focuses far too much on Saudi Arabia to the exclusion of other energy suppliers, and oil to the exclusion of other sources of energy. Such risk assessments often ignore the fact that Iran and Iraq, with more than 20% of the world's proven conventional oil supplies, have presented real supply problems since the fall of the Shah in 1979, and Iraq's defeat in the Iran-Iraq War.   --There is little reason to believe Saudi Arabia will run out of oil, will not meet its production goals, or has serious investment and oilfield management problems.   -- Global dependence on increased Saudi exports is often grossly exaggerated because of the use of demand models based on low-price oil rather than more realistic high-priced cases.."

Focus on Education: Bill Gates
Partners with Saudi Institutions
November 9, 2006

"..Microsoft founder Bill Gates concluded 14 separate development agreements with Saudi universities, businesses and ministries yesterday during a whirlwind visit to Riyadh. Speaking at the First Global Competitiveness Forum, Gates urged the Kingdom and its people to make a solid commitment to educational excellence and encouraged partnerships to develop energy-sector software to leverage the country�s expertise in oil and gas production. He said the people of Saudi Arabia already had a partner in Microsoft. The agreements we signed today will help public- and private-sector organizations in Saudi Arabia to empower people to reach their full potential,� Gates told business leaders, academicians and government officials gathered at the forum.."

Making Sense of Regional Developments
A Conversation with Rami Khouri
November 8, 2006

"..It strikes me that the Saudi-American relationship has passed through its most difficult moments and there is a serious attempt on both sides to try to get back to normal. 9-11 was a difficult time obviously because there were Saudis among the terrorists. The Bush Administration responded with talk of draining the swamp -- you have these Middle Eastern countries from which terrorism emerged and attacked the United States. Therefore these societies need to radically reform. That initial broad-brush simplistic approach has shown its weaknesses and limits. I think there is now a much more realistic understanding of the facts. The terrorists are attacking Arab countries as much as they are foreign countries, and Saudi Arabia has been a victim numerous times. There is an appreciation in the United States that the Saudis are seriously fighting the terrorism threat, while six, eight years ago the Americans probably felt they weren�t doing enough. That was obvious. There has been a clear change in the Saudi approach to fighting terrorism.."

Saudi Arabian Constitutional Evolution
Prince Turki al Faisal
November 6, 2006

"As you know, last week King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, announced the establishment of the Bay'ah Council, which is to formalize the succession process. To call it the Allegiance Council, as I�ve seen now in currency, is a misnomer because allegiance is one-sided and connotes total obedience. The Bay'ah is actually a compact, and it is a contract between the ruler and the ruled whereby the ruler obliges himself to protect, promote, and enhance the lives and property of the ruled; and the ruled, in return, oblige themselves to protect, promote, and obey the ruler on everything but that which counters the teachings of God. The announcement is significant both because it is an important amendment to the Basic Law of Governance and because it is illustrative of the principles which have guided Saudi Arabia's constitutional evolution ever since King Abdulaziz brought together what was to become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.."

A Vision for the Future of Saudi-US Relations
Prince Turki al Faisal
November 4, 2006

"..our enduring relations are bound by much more than oil. We have a number of important pillars that support our relationship. Without preference for their order, there are six of them: the war on terrorism, oil, trade, Middle East stability, military cooperation and the longstanding interpersonal relationships shared between the people of our nations � which have, in fact, endured longer than any official relationship. These pillars form our foundation. They define our interaction and provide us with concrete reasons why our nations continue to work together successfully.."

The GCC and the Management of Policy Consequences
Chas W Freeman, Jr.
November 3, 2006

"..The US military have developed the useful concept of "consequence management." The idea is to set aside for later study the questions of why and how widespread devastation followed the use of weapons of mass destruction or a large-scale natural disaster, and instead to acknowledge the damage while focusing on actions to mitigate it and prevent it from worsening. It is time to apply consequence management to the mounting wreckage of our policies in the Middle East.."

US Ready to Help Saudi Arabia Defend Oil Facilities 
Meredith Buel
October 27, 2006

"..Britain's Royal Navy says coalition forces in the Gulf have been deployed to counter a possible threat to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.  Officials say this has resulted in stepped-up security at Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura terminal, the world's largest offshore oil facility.. ..On the fifth anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 attacks on the United States, a videotaped message from al-Qaida's deputy leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, was broadcast.  In the video the terrorist leader warned the Persian Gulf region and Israel would be the group's next targets. He also accused Western powers of stealing what he called Muslim oil.  State Department spokesman Sean McCormack says the United States is ready to help Saudi Arabia fight threats from terrorist groups.."

National Council On U.S.-Arab Relations
15TH ANNUAL ARAB-U.S. POLICYMAKERS CONFERENCE
October 30-31

"..The National Council on U.S. Arab Relations announced today that its conference on Saudi Arabia and the GCC Oct. 30-31 is sold out and over-subscribed.  The popular TV channel C-Span also announced today it would broadcast most of the Monday Oct. 30 proceedings on Saudi Arabia "live". Major keynote speakers include energy expert Daniel Yergin, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Dr. Anthony Cordesman, and six of the world's top oil executives.."

Gulf Region Makes Strategic Shift 
in New Global System
Dr. Christian Koch, Arab News
October 23, 2006

"..Given the realities of America's quagmire in Iraq, all the suggestions that, during the second term, the Bush administration became more realistic in its assessment of Middle East situation and more sincere in reaching out for the assistance and input of the allies is simply nonsense. The bottom line is that the US has not changed its policies on the Arab-Israeli conflict over the past three decades. This means the US will never exert sufficient pressure on Israel to reach an agreement on the Arab-Israeli conflict despite the fact that the outlines of an eventual accord are known to everyone and have been around for some time. It is land for peace.."

The Arab League Initiative: Another Look at King Abdullah's 2002 Peace Plan
October 20, 2006

"..The Arab League's peace initiative came some time after the eruption of the Aqsa intifada and followed a plan conceived of by then Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The plan was actually leaked to the NY Times' Tom Friedman in advance over a private dinner with the crown prince and was then adopted as an Arab peace plan at the Arab League Summit in Beirut in March 2002.  In one simple stroke the plan offers all parties what they need while falling entirely in line with international law and legitimacy. It asks for the return of all lands occupied by Israel in 1967, i.e., the Gaza Strip, the West Bank including East Jerusalem, to serve as a future independent Palestinian state, and the Golan Heights to Syria. It also alludes to a "just and fair" resolution of the Palestinian refugee problem, though it is not clear whether the right of return refers to the state to be created or historic Palestine.."

Saudi Arabia Hosts Iraq Reconciliation Talks
October 19, 2006

"..Iraqi Shiite and Sunni religious leaders have been in Makkah for most of the week trying to find a way to halt sectarian violence that is threatening to escalate into an all-out civil war. Key leaders of Iraq�s Shiite majority community have given their blessings to the meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia but analysts voiced skepticism about its chances of influencing the sectarian death squads at work in Iraq.  Gathering under the auspices of the 57-member OIC, the summiteers will work from a 10-point text that draws on verses of the Qur�an and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) highlighting that 'spilling Muslim blood is forbidden'.."

Fragmented Iraq: Implications for
Saudi National Security
Final Report from the SNSAP Iraq Project
October 16, 2006

"..Iraq is at a crossroads and faces a myriad of challenges, including economic, social and most importantly, security issues. The 2003 US invasion opened a bloody Pandora's Box of deep-rooted sectarian tensions as well as rival communal interests. It also ignited a tinderbox of violence brought on by an insurgency that is proving difficult to contain and even harder to eradicate -- to date, the country has seen no respite from violence, which has targeted US and Iraqi forces and terrorized civilians with almost daily bombings, drive-by shootings, kidnappings and assassinations. A civil war may well be inevitable. Such a development would have the gravest implications for the entire region, especially Saudi Arabia, which shares its longest international border with Iraq.."

The Saudi Economy at Mid-Year 2006
Office of the Chief Economist, Samba
October 13, 2006

"..The economic boom in Saudi Arabia continued to gather strength, with 2006 likely to see record oil revenues, and record trade and budget surpluses in an overall context of 20 percent growth and low inflation. Now in its fourth year, we still believe this boom is only beginning, with signs that strong oil prices and revenues will last many years, a government fiscal position that can support growth in spending for years, and mega projects just getting underway that will carry high growth through 2010 and beyond.."

�Saudi-U.S. Relations and the Way Ahead�
Prince Turki al Faisal - Part 2 - Q & A
October 11, 2006

"..Saudi Arabia talks to Iran frequently and frankly. And we exchange views with them on every issue that can come about of interest to both our countries.  We've talked about nuclear proliferation. We've talked about influence and interference in Iraq. We've talked about Hezbollah.  We've talked about Gulf security. Everything that you can think of, we've talked about.  And we hope that, by talking to them, that we'll be able to at least open their eyes to what concerns us in the area about the possibilities that may arise from whatever action they may take. And I think for the United States not to talk to Iran is a mistake.  We've found, in our experience, that when we did not talk to Iran --our relations were broken for a period of a few years in the '90s -- we had more troubles with each other. But since then, our relationship has improved dramatically and beneficially for both our countries.  So we think that negotiation and talking to people is more important than shutting the doors on them.."

�Saudi-U.S. Relations and the Way Ahead�
Prince Turki al Faisal

October 4, 2006

"..Right now, on an official level, relations between our countries are stronger than they have ever been. Indeed, the terrorists miscalculated in their attempts to drive our nations apart. They only stirred a resolve that has resulted in greater cooperation and coordination between us. This has come to extend far beyond the war on terror.   Most importantly, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have even come to recognize that our enduring relations are bound by much more than oil. We have a number of important pillars that support our relationship. I can think of six: oil, trade, the war on terrorism, Middle East stability, military cooperation, and the mutual fondness that we have for each other. These pillars form our foundation. They define our interaction and provide us with concrete reasons why our nations continue to work together successfully.."

Rice Meets With Saudi King on Trip
to Rally Arab Allies
Robin Wright
October 4, 2006

"..Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will travel to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, October 1-5, 2006. At the President�s request, Secretary Rice will lead a diplomatic effort to engage moderate leaders across the region.  In Saudi Arabia the Secretary will meet in Jeddah with Saudi King Abdullah. In Cairo she will meet with President Mubarak and Foreign Minister Aboul Gheit. Later in the trip she will meet with Palestinian Authority President Abbas and with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Foreign Minister Livni.."

Secretary Rice and Foreign Minister
Saud al Faisal Meet the Press
October 3, 2006

"..We have talked also about the need to support the young states of Lebanon and Iraq, young democracies that are under considerable pressure, Lebanon in particular, after the war to support its reconstruction, to support its rearming and reform of its armed forces, which now are being used to extend Lebanese authority throughout the country.. ..We have also discussed in considerable detail the support that Saudi Arabia is providing to the Iraqis as they try to find their way toward national reconciliation. We appreciate that support very much as do the Iraqis.. Finally, of course, we discussed our concerns about Iran, about the Iranian nuclear program..."

Secretary Rice Starts Middle East Engagement:
First Stop Saudi Arabia
October 2, 2006

"I've directed Secretary of State Rice to lead a diplomatic effort to engage moderate leaders across the region, to help the Palestinians reform their security services, and support Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts to come together to resolve their differences."

President Bush [Sep 19, 2006]