Can American Leadership Be Restored?
Chas W. Freeman, Jr.
May 31, 2007

"..When our descendants look back on the end of the 20th Century and the beginning of this one, they will be puzzled. The end of the Cold War relieved Americans of almost all international anxieties. It left us free to use our unparalleled economic power, military might, and cultural appeal to craft a world to our liking. We did not rise to the occasion. Still, almost the whole world stood with us after 9/11.  There is still no rival to our power, but almost no one abroad now wants to follow our lead and our ability to shape events has been greatly � perhaps irreparably � enfeebled. In less than a decade, we have managed to discredit our capacity to enlist others in defending our interests and to forfeit our moral authority as the natural leader of the global community. There is no need for me to outline to this expert audience the many respects in which our prestige and influence are now diminished. Historians will surely wonder: how did this happen?.."

For Cloaked Saudi Women, Color Is the New Black
By Faiza Saleh Ambah
May 30, 2007

"..JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia -- Manal Fageeh never liked the abaya, the long black cloak she was forced to begin wearing at 13. She resented the fact that it was obligatory for women in Saudi Arabia, and the black absorbed heat in the often-scorching climate. When Fageeh, a health industry executive, appeared at a recent business conference in a floor-length white abaya made of light cotton and monogrammed with an M, some of the attendees were shocked, she said. But others were inspired. 'When I saw her, I said to myself, "Yes! This is right,"' said Manal al-Sharif, an editor at al-Madina, a Jiddah-based newspaper. 'Nothing in Islam imposes black on us. And I decided to make a brown abaya for myself.'.."

Government Jobs for Saudi Women
P.K. Abdul Ghafour
May 29, 2007

"..Crown Prince Sultan [May 26] announced plans to allocate one third of government jobs to Saudi women and to create additional job opportunities for them. �The government depends on women for one third of its jobs,� the prince said. Prince Sultan underscored the government�s efforts to provide advanced education to Saudi women. �Saudi leaders have given women the right to education and employment within the Kingdom�s basic principles,� he explained.  The government has established hundreds of schools and colleges for girls in different parts of the Kingdom. Last year a women�s university was established in Riyadh. Women graduates currently outnumber their male counterparts, constituting 56.5 percent of the total..�

SABIC-GE $11 Billion Deal:
A Great Future in Plastics
May 22, 2007

"..Pundits, politicians and assorted crystal-ball gazers around the world predict with unquestioning conviction that the global economic future is Chinese. They exaggerate. That China has massive human resources and is an enormous market there is no doubt � but global economic domination will not be its alone. Other countries, not least Saudi Arabia, will share in that. That certainty was made abundantly clear this week in the $11.6 billion-purchase by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) of GE�s plastics unit. As GE chairman Jeff Immelt put it, the sale makes sense both for his own company, the world�s biggest in terms of capitalization � which he has been busy restructuring � and for SABIC. It will, he said, 'transform the plastics industry by combining SABIC�s low-cost materials position and global reach with GE Plastics� strong marketing and technology capabilities'..�

International Energy Outlook 2007
May 21, 2007

"..The US Government's Energy Information Administration released its annual energy outlook, the IEO2007, today. The report contains a great deal of information of use to those who follow the energy component of the Saudi-US relationship. Among the important findings is the projection that world liquids demand will rise 35 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 118 mbpd by 2030 with OPEC producers expected to account for 21 mbpd of the new production. This SUSRIS IOI provides an overview, provided in the agency's press release, as well as links to the full IEO2007 document and related reporting.."

Sudan-Chad Deal Another Saudi Diplomatic Win
Abdulaziz Sager
May 18, 2007

"..In a move that affirms its belief that regional problems need regional solutions, Saudi Arabia scored yet another diplomatic victory by brokering a deal between Sudan and Chad to quell spillover fighting from the Darfur crisis. While the impact will become clearer in the months ahead, there is no denying that the recent accord -- encouraging the two African neighbors to stop rebels and opposition groups from staging cross-border raids and support the African Union�s efforts to stabilize Darfur -- breaks new ground in a festering crisis.."

Foiled Terror Plot Update
May 16, 2007

"..The Al-Qaeda network had plans to carry out massive terrorist operations in the scale of 9/11 attacks targeting oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, according to captured militants whose confessions were published in the local media yesterday.."

Vice President Dick Cheney Travels to the Middle East
Meeting Saudi Leaders
May 14, 2007

"..Vice President Dick Cheney was in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 12 for meetings with King Abdullah and other leaders as we discussed in Friday's SUSRIS Special Report, "Diplomatic Rescue Mission." For a comprehensive report on the visit check out Todd Gilman's article, "Cheney turns to Saudis," in yesterday's Dallas Morning News. You can also review the index to stories, background materials and more provided below in this SUSRIS IOI. There are also photos (with links to larger images) of Mr. Cheney with King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan from the Saudi Press Agency.."

"Diplomatic Rescue Mission" - Cheney to the Kingdom
May 11, 2007

"..Vice President Cheney faces a diplomatic rescue mission tomorrow in Saudi Arabia, where King Abdullah has told top State Department and Pentagon officials over the past six weeks that the kingdom no longer supports Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and does not believe the new U.S. military strategy to secure Baghdad will work, U.S. officials and Arab diplomats said. The oil-rich kingdom, which has taken an increasingly tough position on Iraq, believes Maliki has proven a weak leader during his first year in power and is too tied to Iran and pro-Iranian Shiite parties to bring about real reconciliation with Iraq's Sunni minority, Arab sources said.."

A New Regional Leadership
Thomas W. Lippman
May 10, 2007

"..King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia caused a lot of heartburn in official Washington with his speech [in March] at the Arab summit conference in Riyadh in which he referred to an "illegitimate foreign occupation" of Iraq. The Americans had good reason to be distressed after reading the speech, but not because of what Abdullah said about Iraq. After all, he was addressing an Arab summit conference; he could hardly have endorsed the American adventure there, which everyone in his audience knew he had opposed.."

Secretary Rice On Mideast Developments
May 10, 2007

"..our relations are very good with Saudi Arabia. We agree completely on the strategic direction here. We are both concerned about extremism in the region. We are both concerned about al-Qaida and terrorism in the region. And clearly, the Saudis -- for instance on Lebanon, we have had very strong policies that go in the same direction. Saudi Arabia was very generous for the Lebanese Government during the Paris conference. Saudi Arabia has been a leader in helping to get the Arab League Initiative re-launched again out of the Riyadh Summit so that we can use that as one of the foundations to help press forward on Israeli-Palestinian peace, something that we continue to be very dedicated to, something that the President is committed to and we're going to continue to work, so we and the Saudis are working there. Sometimes we have tactical differences, but that really doesn't matter when you're pushing in the same strategic direction.."

Vice President Cheney Touching Bases in the Middle East
May 9, 2007

"..Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may make the headlines with her high-profile diplomatic missions to the Middle East. But for a glimpse at the hidden power plays, follow Vice President Cheney's trip this week to Saudi Arabia. Saudi King Abdullah has emerged over the past nine months as the Bush administration's most important and strong-willed Arab ally. He launched an aggressive campaign last fall to contain Iranian influence in the Arab world and, in the process, buttress American interests in the region despite U.S. setbacks in Iraq. It's Cheney, whose blunt, unsmiling demeanor matches Saudi notions of American gravitas, who manages the Abdullah account.."

Why is Saudi Arabia becoming the
major power in the region?
Adel Al Toraifi
May 6, 2007

"..When the recent fight broke out between Fatah and Hamas militants in Gaza, the whole Middle East was affected by the brutal and unprecedented struggle over power in the Palestinian territories. Egyptian efforts to curb the deadly carnage failed and for the first time in the history of Egyptian mediation Hamas accused Cairo of siding with its opponents by supplying arms and ammunition to Fatah factions. The internal Palestinian war stopped only after King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia called upon both parties to negotiate a unity government in the city of Mecca. Surprisingly, both parties agreed within hours. For Fatah it was the only option to avoid the collapse of the Palestinian Authority, created by the Oslo Peace Process. As for Hamas, it sought to seize the opportunity of Saudi recognition due to what had been a cautious Saudi policy towards the rise of Hamas power after the 2006 elections.."

Country Reports on Terrorism
U.S. State Department
May 4, 2007

"..The Government of Saudi Arabia continued to experience a mix of successes and setbacks in its efforts to combat terrorism. Government security forces conducted successful operations against terrorist cells, capturing or killing large numbers of wanted terrorist suspects, as well as members of their support networks. The government has made some progress in other aspects of its counterterrorism effort, such as financing and education, but it still has significant ground to cover to address these issues.."

A Snapshot on the Road to Reform:
"Real Change Takes Time"
May 1, 2007

"..It was a scene to warm the heart of any democrat. Here in this autocratic kingdom, elected city councilmen vowed to stand up for poor fishermen and ask the government to ensure that a large section of seafront on which a new university is planned be left accessible to local residents. After an hour of vigorous discussion recently, Jidda�s City Council actually passed a resolution calling for the waterfront to remain open to the people.."

Foiling Al Qaeda Plots Highlights
Saudi Anti-Terror Campaign
April 30, 2007

"..In a stunning series of raids Saudi Arabian security forces arrested over 170 suspected members of Al Qaeda cells in the kingdom late last week. The seven simultaneous security operations netted weapons, over $5 million in cash, communications gear and documents, and revealed plans to attack the kingdom's oil infrastructure, military bases and officials as well as targets abroad. As Dan Murphy reported in the Christian Science Monitor today, the raids demonstrate not only the success of security forces in targeting Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia, but also highlight how Saudi citizens view terrorism as a threat to society..."

Japan and Saudi Arabia:
Recasting the Relationship
April 29, 2007

"..Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Saudi Arabia for meetings with King Abdullah and senior officials Saturday fresh from his first visit as Prime Minister to the United States. Abe met with President Bush at the White House on April 26 and at Camp David on April 27 for wide ranging talks on the Washington-Tokyo relationship. The new Japanese Prime Minister similarly engaged his hosts in the Kingdom on an agenda of bilateral issues that is expanding, as Abe told a business gathering in Riyadh, "..beyond traditional economic relations that focus on oil." While it is true the Kingdom provides 35 percent of Japan's oil imports and Japan is Saudi Arabia's second largest trading partner, behind the United States, the nature of the relationship is being refashioned.."

Japan�s Chance to Build
Mideast�s �Corridor of Peace�
April 29, 2007

"..When Shinzo Abe succeeded Junichiro Koizumi as Japan�s prime minister late last year, he was widely expected to make a foreign policy declaration, including a key statement on Tokyo�s Middle East policy. It isn�t an overstatement to suggest that there couldn�t have been a better message to deliver than his visit this week � accompanied by a delegation of over 100 businessmen � to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, as well as Egypt. Just how assertive the Japanese administration�s foreign policy is and how serious it is about the region was also evident in a defining speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso in February that expanded on his �Corridor of Peace and Prosperity� comments made a few months earlier. The minister listed three reasons highlighting the importance of the Middle East, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, to Japan � oil, economic transformation that is throwing up lucrative investment opportunities, and value of Middle East stability for global peace.."

Terrorist Sweep:
US State Department Reaction
April 27, 2007

"..this shows that the Saudis are continuing their efforts to be a good partner with us in the war on terror. It's important that they and other countries continue to do everything they can not only to try and deal with those who are responsible for acts of violence, but to break up those cells and break up those individuals who are intending to commit acts of violence or who, in any other way, whether through financial means or otherwise, are supporting terror networks. So we welcome the arrests by the Saudis today and certainly, again, I think it shows their strength and commitment to the war on terror.."

Maintaining the Regional Balance of Power:
Confidence and Urgency
April 27, 2007

"..Saudi Arabia has undergone a remarkable political rebirth in the past few months, emerging as the Middle East's most assertive Arab power. Until recently, various internal and international pressures constrained the kingdom's ability to pursue its interests effectively. Deadly al-Qaeda-inspired violence, an emboldened domestic reform lobby and the ratcheting up of post-9/11 anti-Saudi hysteria in the United States forced Riyadh to direct its political energies inward. Even though many of these pressures remain, the kingdom feels increasingly confident (warranted or not) in its ability to manage, co-opt or deflect them.."

Mass Arrests of Terrorist
Suspects Foil Attacks
April 27, 2007

"..Police arrested 172 Islamic militants, some of whom had trained abroad as pilots so they could fly aircraft in attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil fields, the Interior Ministry said Friday. A spokesman said all that remained in the plot "was to set the zero hour." The ministry issued a statement saying the detainees were planning to carry out suicide atttacks against "public figures, oil facilities, refineries ... and military zones" _ some of which were outside the kingdom.."

A Journalist's Odyssey Ends:
Jamal Khashoggi Returns to Al-Watan
April 26, 2007

"..Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi last worked in the media in 2003 when he followed four years as Deputy Editor of Arab News with appointment as editor of Al Watan. There, according to Asharq Al-Awsat, controversial press coverage in Al Watan of terrorist attacks in 2003 in the Kingdom led to his dismissal. Mr. Khashoggi worked as media advisor to Prince Turki al Faisal during his postings as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and to the United States (2004-2007). He returned to the Kingdom when Prince Turki completed his posting in Washington in February 2007 and was recently reappointed as Al Watan's editor. His interview was published in the English edition of Asharq Al-Awsat, which claims to be the leading Arabic international daily, on-line on April 25, 2007.."

National Dialogue Chief Says
No Boundaries in Forums
Raid Qusti, Arab News
April 26, 2007

"..Preparations will begin next month for the Seventh National Dialogue in Saudi Arabia which will be held at the end of the year. But just what is the National Dialogue and what significance does it have to Saudi Arabians and to the reform measures instituted by King Abdullah?.."

Education System Undergoing Major Overhaul
P.K. Abdul Ghafour, Arab News
April 25, 2007

"..'Saudi Arabia is a nation undergoing dramatic self-examination. Every aspect of Saudi Arabia's society and culture is being openly debated. We have recognized that a comprehensive, modern and open educational system -- with new and revised textbooks -- is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of our country. A thoughtful revision of this system is necessary, and indeed well underway.'  .."

The "State of the Kingdom" Address
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
April 18, 2007

"..King Abdullah delivered a speech on April 14, 2007, billed in advance as a major policy address, at the opening of the third year of the fourth Majlis ash-Shoura, the Consultative Council of the Kingdom. The 150 member council heard the King outline major foreign and domestic policy issues facing the country. Today SUSRIS presents a transcript of the address and links to on-line materials related to the speech and the issues discussed.."

What Saudi Arabia Wants - Good Neighbors
Rachel Bronson
April 17, 2007

"..In the SUSRIS conversation with Prince Turki al Faisal, while he was serving as Ambassador to the United States, he referred to his mission as the Kingdom's top diplomat in America as including reaching out to Americans and to Congress. He told SUSRIS on March 2, 2006, 'Our severest critics are in the Congress. And that is part of my brief from the King when I was coming here. I asked him how do you want me to deal with President Bush and the American people and he said, 'Just be frank with them.' Since the government-to-government issue is going so well -- it is practically handled by the King and President Bush, they call each other on the phone, they send emissaries between them -- my concentration is more on reaching out to Congress, both houses, and meeting with the critics of Saudi Arabia.'.."

Let's get to know the Saudis
Lee Hamilton
April 16, 2007

"..The U.S.-Saudi Arabian relationship has long been important, sensitive and opaque. Over the last few months, it has also been tested by a newly assertive Saudi Arabia.  A simple deal has driven U.S.-Saudi relations for decades: The Saudis provide access to affordable oil; the United States provides security for the Saudi royal family. Yet tensions intrude upon this marriage of convenience. Americans have questioned Saudi Arabia's autocratic government, opposition to Israel and financial support for radical Islam. The Saudis have chafed at our lectures on democracy, support for Israel and the war in Iraq.  Lately, Saudi King Abdullah has shown a surprising willingness to go his own way.."

People-to-People Contact Key to Success in
US-Saudi Relationship: Prince Turki Reflects on Ambassadorship
April 11, 2007

"..In the SUSRIS conversation with Prince Turki al Faisal, while he was serving as Ambassador to the United States, he referred to his mission as the Kingdom's top diplomat in America as including reaching out to Americans and to Congress. He told SUSRIS on March 2, 2006, 'Our severest critics are in the Congress. And that is part of my brief from the King when I was coming here. I asked him how do you want me to deal with President Bush and the American people and he said, 'Just be frank with them.' Since the government-to-government issue is going so well -- it is practically handled by the King and President Bush, they call each other on the phone, they send emissaries between them -- my concentration is more on reaching out to Congress, both houses, and meeting with the critics of Saudi Arabia'.."

Finding Space to Meet The Challenge of Youth

April 11, 2007

"..In 2005, according to the US Census Department International Data Base, of a population just over 26 million in Saudi Arabia, 15 million were younger than 25 years old. Cordesman, writing about economic stability in the Kingdom in August 2005 said, "Saudi Arabia has a very young population. Some 37.3% of its population is in the 0-14 years of age group, which compares to 20.8% for the US, 17.9% for the UK, and 14.3% for Spain." Most discussions of demographics in the Kingdom are tied to issues of education, job opportunities and social stability, and rarely touch on the issues most important to young people themselves, the quality of life questions that arise from growing up in a conservative society. Today we present a snapshot of that aspect of Saudi Arabia's demographic challenge from Dan Murphy, of the Christian Science Monitor.."

The New Silk Road
Afshin Molavi
April 10, 2007

"..The new Silk Road is largely the result of the confluence of China's and India's economic growth and high oil prices. China and the six oil-rich members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) -- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates -- are flush with cash. What's more, Chinese and Indian energy needs will ensure that the GCC region -- the equivalent of the world's 16th-largest economy -- continues to grow. By 2025, forecasts show, China will import three times as much oil from the Persian Gulf as the United States.."

Speaker Pelosi Visits Saudi Arabia
April 5, 2007

"..US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met here last night with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for talks aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process.  Her visit to the Saudi capital came in the wake of her controversial meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad..."

U.S./Saudi/Chinese Five Billion Dollar Energy Deal
April 1, 2007

"..Last year King Abdullah traveled to China for his first foreign visit after assuming the throne. The trip was characterized as a "watershed" and, as Jean Francois Seznec told SUSRIS last month, signaled that Saudi Arabia's future involved "being much closer to Asia." At the time of the visit there were reports of pending deals among Chinese, Saudi Arabian and American energy organizations for joint ventures in China. This week one of those deals, the first "fully integrated refining, petrochemicals and fuels marketing project with foreign participation" was formalized in Beijing.."