Arab Summit: King Abdullah's Opening Address
March 29,  2007

"..Disunity is not our fate, nor are we condemned to backwardness as an inescapable fate. The Almighty God has bestowed dignity upon us and given us brains to differentiate between truth and falsehood and a conscience that differentiates between good and evil. All that we need is to liberate our minds from fears and to exchange bonds of love and goodness.  Despite the causes of despair, I do feel hopeful; and in spite the causes of pessimism, I do feel optimistic; and regardless of the difficulty, I look forward for ease.  The first step on the path of salvation is the restoration of confidence in ourselves and in each other. Once confidence is restored, it will be accompanied by credibility. And if credibility is restored, then the winds of hope will blow. And when that happens, we will never allow any forces from outside the region to design the future of the region. Then no banner other than that of Arabism will hover over Arab land.."

The Saudi Vision for Peace in the Middle East
Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim El-Moneif
March 28, 2007  

"..Looking back at the peace-building initiatives for the Middle East, we can see that more is being heard of peace initiatives coming from outside than from inside the region itself. A major objective of Saudi Arabia's foreign policy is settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Among the Saudi efforts to bring peace to the conflict, there were two peace initiatives in 1982 and 2002. The initiatives offered solutions to the conflict based on United Nations resolutions. The strength of the two peace initiatives is rooted in recognizing Israel's right to exist by all Arab countries and offering normal relations with Israel as it accepts United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 asking for an end to occupation and withdrawal to 1967 borders.."

19th Summit of the Arab League Opens in Riyadh
March 28, 2007

This SUSRIS Special Report provides an overview of the 19th Summit of the Arab League that opened today in Riyadh.  An extensive compilation of news report links are provided as well.  SUSRIS will provide additional special reports and IOI articles during and after this important event.

Iran, Oil, and the Strait of Hormuz
Anthony H. Cordesman
March 27, 2007

The strong possibility of new UN sanctions on Iran, and the recent Iranian seizure of British marines in the Gulf, again highlights the importance of Gulf oil and the Strait of Hormuz.  The attached report provides summary data on the size of Gulf oil exports, flows through the Strait, and Iran's ability to "close" the Gulf. This report was created by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) a private, tax-exempt institution focusing on international public policy issues.

Friendship Warms the Heart
March 26, 2007

His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubeir, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, in partnership with Friends of Saudi Arabia (FSA), presented and honored Captain Joe Grant with Friends of Saudi Arabia�s 2007 Hart Award.  �In Saudi Arabia we have a saying,� said His Excellency Mr. Al-Jubeir, �Fire warms the body and friendship warms the heart.� In the first public address since he was appointed Ambassador in February, Mr. Al-Jubeir painted a vivid picture of the friendship shared between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.  Following his remarks, Mr. Al-Jubeir congratulated Captain Grant on a �well deserved award.� Captain Joe Grant was recognized for his longstanding contributions to fostering Saudi-U.S. relations. Named after late Ambassador Parker T. Hart, the Award recognizes an individual's achievements in fostering friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia. 

US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Nominee Appears Before Congress
March 22, 2007

"..President Bush nominated Ford Fraker, who is chairman of the London-based investment banking firm, Trinity Group Limited, to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia last month. Fraker once served as Head of Banking for Saudi International Bank. At a confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Fraker said Saudi Arabia has made and continues to make progress in the fight against terrorism.."

Saudi Businesswomen Seek Greater Participation
March 21, 2007

"..Princess Adelah bint Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz and Lubna Al-Olayan expressed their concerns and worries at the first session of the Khadija bint Khuwailid Forum yesterday. Both stressed that without utilizing 100 percent of Saudi society�s talents and abilities, the country would never develop, compete internationally or witness any real national economic growth.  'The situation has resulted in more than SR60 billion leaving the Kingdom because of expatriates being employed,' said Al-Olayan. 'I believe that we could save a third of this amount by increasing employment opportunities for women and then reinvesting the money to benefit our society.'.."

Saudi Arabia and Iranian Influence - Dr. Gregory Gause Talks with CFR
March 20, 2007

"..The Saudis are playing a delicate balancing game. On the one hand, they want to contain Iranian influence. There's not much they can do in Iraq right now. But certainly at the peripheries of Iranian influence they're trying to roll it back. On the other hand, they don't want an open confrontation with Iran. They remember the 1980s when Ayatollah Khomeini was castigating them and the Iran-Iraq war was going on. That wasn't a comfortable time for them. The Saudis are playing a pretty nuanced balance-of-power game. Bring the Iranians in, talk to them, try to make deals with them where deals can be made, say perhaps in Lebanon, but at the same time, try to -- in a sophisticated way -- limit Iranian influence in places where the Iranians seem to be getting stronger.."

U.S. Central Command Change at the Top
March 19, 2007

"..Adm. William J. Fallon took charge of United States Central Command here Friday replacing the retiring Gen. John P. Abizaid.  Fallon, the former chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, now leads more than 200,000 service members deployed in CENTCOM�s area of responsibility, which includes 27 nations throughout Southwest Asia, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.  Fallon is the first naval officer to assume command of CENTCOM, which began as the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force in 1980.."

Making Sense of Regional Developments: A Conversation with Rami Khouri
March 16, 2007

"..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.."

Visas and Trade on the Mind of Visiting US Official
March 15, 2007

"..The number of student visas for Saudis pursuing higher studies in the US shot up to over 11,000 last year, nearly three times more than the pre-9/11 figure of 4,359 in 2001, according to US Undersecretary for International Trade Franklin L. Lavin. The number of visas issued for all categories last year stood at 25,000, down from the pre-9/11 figure of over 60,000, he said. Lavin also announced at a press conference here yesterday that the US has proposed to the Saudi government that the duration of business visas be extended for up to three years. This would make it easier for the business community from both sides to have multiple-entry facilities instead of visas with three- to six-month duration.."

Strengthening the Relationship: Whose Job?  A Conversation with Chas W. Freeman, Jr.
March 14, 2007

"..we have bottomed out and maybe are making a bit of a comeback. But it comes in the context of a very severe deterioration in the United States� relationships with the Arab and Muslim worlds.. ..US-Saudi relations have always been viewed in the context of broader US-Arab relations. In many ways, as I have reminded those in the Arab world who tend to experience Schadenfraude when they look at the deterioration of US-Saudi relations, Americans really don�t make the same distinctions between Saudis and other Arabs as would be made by the Saudis. If Saudi Arabia is seen negatively that is  something that should be of deep concern to all Arabs and Muslims.."

National Security Issues and the Saudi-US Relationship: A Conversation with Jean-Francois Seznec
March 12, 2007

"..The key issue right now for Saudi Arabia is to stop the United States from inflaming the situation with Iran. I think the Saudis are very worried about it getting out of control. That worries them. The policy now for the Saudis is to find a way to calm down the game quite a bit, and I think that is what they are trying to do. That�s why they accepted the meeting with President Ahmadinejad. That�s probably one of the reasons they have been sending Bandar all over the place including the White House to delay any further problems. So I think the issue of the United States and Iran is key for Saudi Arabia.."

King Abdullah Financial District
March 10, 2007

"..Work on the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, which is designed to become the largest financial center in the Middle East, will start within a few weeks as KAFD�s executive committee has approved the master plan, it was announced yesterday. The financial district will be the headquarters of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), the Stock Exchange (Tadawul) and the Commodity Market, and for financial institutions and other service providers such as accountants, auditors, lawyers, analysts, rating agencies, consultants, and IT providers.."

King Abdullah Hosts Meeting with President Ahmadinejad
March 5, 2007

"..President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia concluded an extraordinary meeting early Sunday promising a thaw in relations between the two regional powers. But they stopped short of agreeing on any concrete plans to tackle the escalating sectarian and political crises throughout the Middle East.  Mr. Ahmadinejad said that the two countries had agreed to try to curb tensions between Shiite and Sunni Muslims and that they had discussed in detail issues related to the Palestinians and Iraq.  The leaders are believed to have focused on finding ways to end the political standoff in Lebanon between Hezbollah, backed by Iran, and the government of Fouad Siniora, which is supported by the United States.."

Attack on European Expats: "Evil in Action" - Arab News
March 3, 2007
"..The statement that Saudi Arabia is winning the war against terrorism will provide cold comfort for the families and friends of the four Frenchmen who were shot dead on Monday near Madain Saleh by still unidentified gunmen. Our first thoughts and prayers must be for these families in their deep pain and loss.  The attack was plain evil in action. Putting aside the horror of the incident � which is not easy � the fact is that, nonetheless, Saudi Arabia is winning the war against terrorism.."

The End of Brinksmanship?
by Rami G. Khouri
March 2, 2007

"..Suddenly, the diplomatic meetings season seems to have broken out all over the Middle East, perhaps because the main players saw the looming catastrophe that hovers over this region, and decided to pull back from the brink. The most important meeting is the one March 3, between Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Saudi leadership, including King Abdullah. Other significant gatherings include the March 10 meeting in Baghdad of regional states and world powers who will explore how to restore security and sovereignty in Iraq, the trip of an American assistant secretary of state to Syria to discuss humanitarian issues related to Iraqi refugee flows, last month's meetings of the Palestinian and Israeli leaders with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and the Hamas-Fateh leaders' meeting and agreement in Mecca under the auspices of Saudi Arabia.."

2006 US-Saudi Trade
March 1, 2007

"..Trade between Saudi Arabia and the United States grew 16 per cent to a record 148.11 billion Saudi riyals ($39.49 billion) last year, compared to 127.52 billion Saudi riyals ($34 billion) in 2005. The trade balance remains heavily tilted in favour of Saudi Arabia with a surplus of 89.55 billion Saudi riyals which is an increase of 17 per cent compared to 2005 where the Saudi trade surplus with the US was 76.42 billion riyals. In 2006 also, the value of Saudi exports to the US touched 118.8 billion riyals compared to 101.9 billion riyals in 2005.."

Reflecting on Saudi-US Relations, Friendship and Trust
February 27, 2007

"..Some important home truths have been stated at the Jeddah Economic Forum in the past couple of days, notably the need to invest not for our own sake but for that of our children and our children�s children. The call was at the heart of the speeches by both Queen Rania of Jordan and Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former Saudi ambassador in Washington. The latter�s, however, contained another important message: the mutual benefit of good relations with the US. Al-Qaeda, he said, had almost succeeded in breaking bonds between the US and Saudi Arabia. He was referring not to diplomatic links but friendship and trust.."

Jeddah Economic Forum 2007
Update
February 26, 2007

"..The opening hours at the Jeddah Economic Forum (JEF) yesterday were like the weather outside � dull and dreary. Everything was in fairly bad shape. There were no star speakers. Moderator Sue MacGregor of BBC Radio did try to salvage the situation with her witty comments, but she couldn�t. Most of the speakers were Chinese, and so the language barrier created plenty of obstacles. The translation services provided through the electronic system were absolutely useless. And when MacGregor asked the sound managers to get it right, it got worse. Of course, what the Chinese speakers were saying was absolutely crucial. They were talking about the new Silk Route, reminding the participants how China and the Arabs once had a historic relationship, thanks to the old Silk Route. They talked about the need for a robust revival of the Sino-Saudi trade ties. They also spoke of the emerging role of the East in the global economy.."

Jeddah Economic Forum 2007
'Economic Reform: Flourishing Grounds and Expanding Horizons'
February 22, 2007

"..'Economic Reform: Flourishing Grounds and Expanding Horizons'.. ..Each year, delegates from around the world meet with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the region, to share their experience and employ their expertise to create new and innovative approaches to deal with regional and global challenges.."

Saudi Arabia 2006 Economic Performance
February 21, 2007

"..A correction in the stock market failed to have a major impact on Saudi Arabia�s economic performance last year. Saudi Arabia�s economy was in fact exceptionally sound and robust in 2006. After joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), Saudi Arabia embarked on the mammoth projects of economic cities which will have a long-lasting impact on the macro-economic policies and on the fundamental structure of the Saudi economy.."

The Holistic Picture of King Abdullah You Won't Find in Parade Magazine: A Conversation with Afshin Molavi
February 19, 2007

"Thank you for the chance to talk about this important leader. The first point I would make is about the title of the article itself, �The World�s Worst Dictators.� That approach is a critique of individuals instead of systems. If we were to put Saudi Arabia, as a system, to a test in terms of the criteria laid out I think perhaps Saudi Arabia would not fare well. However, if we put King Abdullah to the test he does pretty well among world leaders. King Abdullah is doing things for his country that dictators don�t do. A dictator wouldn�t be the champion of economic, social and political reform in his country. A dictator wouldn�t be sending 10,000 students to study in the United States and another several thousand to study in Europe and Asia on government scholarships. A dictator wouldn�t create the King Abdul-Aziz National Dialogue which is bringing together people from all walks of life -- people from different ethnic groups -- bringing Sunni and Shia together and engaging in discussions about the future of Saudi Arabia. These are just two of the many things he has done since he came into office which are very much reform minded.."

President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz - The Meeting at Great Bitter Lake: A Conversation with Rachel Bronson
February 14, 2007

"..Sixty-two years ago Allied forces were closing in on Nazi Germany and victory in Europe was just months away. For a week in early February, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt met Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin at Yalta in the Crimea to discuss the shape of post-war Europe. The summit ended on February 11, 1945 and FDR departed for a rendezvous at the Great Bitter Lake, a waypoint along the Suez Canal in Egypt, with Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud. The King, known as Ibn Saud, sailed from Jeddah aboard an American warship to the meeting with FDR. The two leaders' focus was shaping the future relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.."

Anniversary of Historic Meeting between
Ibn Saud and FDR
February 14, 2007

"..To the rest of the world, Saudi Arabia was still largely unknown and the Middle East a sideshow in the great war against the Axis powers, but the Americans were soon to see how the country's profile had been elevated in the official Washington.  On February 14, 1945, Abdul Aziz met President Roosevelt aboard the USS Quincy in Egypt's Great Bitter Lake.  Photographs of that encounter - the king in his robes, laughing as he talked, and Roosevelt, listening intently, only two months from death, his famous cloak over his shoulders - were published around the world.."

Ford M. Fraker Named Next
U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
February 13, 2007

"..The President intends to nominate Ford M. Fraker, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mr. Fraker currently serves as Chairman of Trinity Group Limited and consultant to Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation. Prior to this, he served as Managing Director of MeesPierson Investment Finance (UK) Limited. Earlier in his career, he served as Head of Banking for Saudi International Bank. Mr. Fraker received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University.."

Russian President Putin's Historic Visit
Boosts Moscow-Riyadh Ties
February 12, 2007

"..President Vladimir Putin met King Abdullah in Riyadh during a high level delegation visit on February 11-12, 2007 marking the first official visit for a Russian leader to the Kingdom. The visit was an opportunity for Moscow to further its relations with Riyadh in a broad range of areas including regional security issues, energy, trade, transportation, scientific cooperation and exchanges. King Abdullah's visit to Russia in 2003, as Crown Prince, marked an opening in high level contacts between the countries which did not have diplomatic ties from 1938 until 1990.  President Putin departed Saudi Arabia today for visits to Qatar and Jordan.."

Saudi Arabia Brokers
Palestinian Deal
February 9, 2007

"..A deal was reached Thursday in talks between Hamas and Fatah to form a Palestinian unity government in an effort to end months of deadly street battles in Gaza. The United States and other members of the Quartet (the European Union, Russia and the United Nations), welcomed the role played by Saudi Arabia in bringing the parties together this week but reiterated the position that the Palestinian government must remain 'committed to nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap'.."

Saudi Officials Seek to Temper the Price of Oil
Jad Mouawad, New York Times
January 29, 2007

"..Saudi Arabia, which benefited immensely from record oil prices last year, has sent signals in the past two weeks that it is committed to keeping oil at around $50 a barrel -- down $27 a barrel from the summer peak that shook consumers across the developed world.  The indications came in typically cryptic fashion for the oil-rich kingdom. In Tokyo last week, Ali al-Naimi, the Saudi oil minister, said Saudi Arabia�s policy was to maintain �moderate prices.� The previous week, on a stop in New Delhi, he effectively put his veto on an emergency meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to prop up prices after oil briefly dropped below $50 a barrel, the lowest level in nearly two years.."

Regional Crises in the Context of Saudi-US Relations:
A Conversation with Flynt Leverett
January 24, 2007

"..It is critical for Americans to understand that the relationship with Saudi Arabia is the most important strategic relationship that the United States has in the region.  It is obviously important from a standpoint of energy security but it is also critically important in terms of being able to manage the challenges to US interests in the region. It is really important that the United States work with the Saudis in a way that the collaboration is going to be genuinely productive because its going to be very hard, if not impossible, for the United States to meet its policy objectives in this part of the world without very close cooperation with the Kingdom.."

Challenges and Opportunities: Saudi Arabia in the 21st Century - Ambassador Turki Al-Faisal
January 23, 2007

"..The Kingdom, as you know, holds a unique position in the world. As home to the two Holy Mosques of Islam, we have natural religious responsibilities. Our stability, influence and geopolitical position make us a political leader in the Middle East. And our energy resources make us a nation of global economic significance as well.  In my travels across the United States, I have met so many people with questions about all of these areas. I hope that my remarks today will lead to a greater understanding of the role Saudi Arabia plays in each of them.. ..In Saudi Arabia, we are also faced with interesting challenges. Our eyes are open to new opportunities. Many of the challenges we face are shared with the United States. For example, the deterioration of security in Iraq is a great challenge � as it affects the stability of not just the region but the entire world.  This is why Saudi Arabia and its international partners, particularly the United States, are working together to find a solution.."

Support for Iraq, Middle East Peace Process: Ambassador Turki al Faisal on Relations and More
January 19, 2007

"..Saudi Arabia is absolutely committed to helping the Iraqi people � all the Iraqi people. The Kingdom stands behind a sovereign Iraqi government. And our objective is to see a stable, peaceful, united Iraq that is representative of all factions. Ultimately, though, success lies in the hands of the Iraqi people. Their willingness to trade violent means for diplomatic ones is the key to a resolution. Our foreign minister has just endorsed the aims of President Bush�s new strategy for Iraq. As you know, Secretary Rice�s visit to the Middle East also brings her to Palestine. Her aim is to promote efforts to speed up the peace process. Saudi Arabia applauds any US involvement in this area, just as we always have. American mediation of diplomatic negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis is critical to a just and lasting peace.."

Defense Secretary Gates Confers with Saudi Leaders
Second Cabinet Official Visit in Days Marks Urgency of Regional Security Issues
January 18, 2007

"..The Bush Administration's high level consultations with the Saudi leadership on pressing regional security issues, especially in Iraq and Iran, continued with the January 17 visit of Defense Secretary Robert Gates to the Kingdom just days behind Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's meeting with King Abdullah and other top officials. Gates stop in Saudi Arabia, on a day that began for him in Afghanistan and ended in Bahrain, was the first visit by a US Defense Secretary since Donald Rumsfeld was in the Kingdom in April 2003. Among the officials present when Gates met with King Abdullah were Saudi Defense Minister Crown Prince Sultan and Saudi Intelligence Chief Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz. The talks were said to focus particular attention to checking Iranian regional ambitions with Gates noting that the United States "can always use Saudi cooperation on these issues" in response to a question about support from the Kingdom.."

Conversation in Riyadh
Secretary of State Rice and Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal Press Conference

January 16, 2007

"..On our part, we agree with President Bush on the need of the situation in Iraq to a new approach and strategy with clear purposes and objectives that respond to the current developments and applicable in the field. Saudi Arabia agrees to the objectives sought in: halting security deteriorations through dealing with all sources of violence and terrorism and armed militias in all regions without discrimination or bias; ensuring achievement of national unity between all Iraqi people, segments, races and political groups on principles of equality and equivalence between all in rights, duties and sharing treasure -- through this objective we hope to introduce some amendments to the Iraqi constitution that ensures integration of these groups in the political process; maintaining independence and sovereignty of Iraq and its territorial integrity by stopping external meddling in the Iraqi affairs that aimed at tampering and disintegrating its national fabric. We hope that President Bush's plan goes forward to achieve these objectives.."

The Year Ahead for Saudi Arabia - The Economy
Khan H. Zahid
January 15, 2007

"..As we start the year 2007 and gaze into future, what do we see? The dazzle of the Gulf economies continues to attract global attention as investment in infrastructure, industry and other projects picks up speed, thus solidifying on the ground the benefits of the accumulated oil revenues of their fourth oil boom.  The Saudi economy will become more energetic as investment in massive new infrastructure projects, economic cities, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and other industries become reality. Although, high oil prices have been the initial stimulant, the baton of growth is shifting to the private sector, driven by reinvigorated confidence, growing domestic demand and rationalization, institutionalization and deregulation of its economic structure.."

National Security in the Age of Terrorism - Freeman
January 11, 2007

"..This is not a happy time for national security policy. There is the strategic ambush of Iraq to manage before it explodes into a wider war. North Korea is back to trying to get our attention, and this time it's got missiles and the bomb with which to do so. Iran is well along in replacing us as the dominant influence in the Middle East and is widely believed to be working on a nuclear deterrent to the air raids on it by Israel or us that leaders there and here are threatening. Hamas, which has never run an operation against Americans, and Hezbollah, which hasn't done so for decades, seem to be psyching themselves up to respond in kind to our violent efforts to crush them. The Taliban are making a comeback in Afghanistan, which just brought in the largest poppy harvest in history. The Venezuelans are replacing the Cubans as our adversaries in this hemisphere, and, unlike the Cubans, they've got oil and money to buy allies for their endeavor. China is rising and the dollar is declining. We have never been so politically estranged from or so much in debt to foreigners. Our only committed ally in Europe, Tony Blair, is about to leave office. And this is just a partial list of the problems threatening the general welfare, domestic tranquility, and liberties of Americans.."

Riyadh a Stop on Rice's Mid East Conversation Trip
January 10, 2007

"..Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be visiting the Middle East and Europe beginning January 12 for consultations with regional leaders on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iraq and other issues, the State Department announced January 9.  According to spokesman Sean McCormack, the secretary will be visiting Jerusalem; the West Bank city of Ramallah; Sharm El Sheik, Egypt; Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; London and Berlin before returning to Washington January 19.  McCormack later said Rice is expected to have �extended conversations� with her counterparts and regional leaders on how to confront common threats such as Iranian activities and violent extremism, as well as how to �exploit this opening that we believe exists� in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and supporting moderate governments in the region such as Lebanon and Iraq.."