This compilation provides a summary of SUSRIS articles, interviews, essays, items of interest and special reports distributed between January 1 and March 31, 2008.  You can find more news and resources in the weekly SUSRIS newsletters (link here).

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Arab Summit - Damascus
Mar 31, 2008

"A controversial and partly boycotted Arab League summit has ended in the Syrian capital, Damascus, with no progress on the Lebanese political crisis and a summit declaration that Iraq refused to endorse. Despite the obviously sharp divisions among the delegates, Syrian officials have portrayed the meeting as a success. VOA Correspondent Challiss McDonough has more from our Middle East bureau in Cairo.  The Arab summit broke no new ground on the most critical regional issues, in the absence of nearly half of the leaders of Arab League states.."

Arab Summit Opens
Mar 29, 2008

"As a divided Arab Summit opened in Damascus yesterday, Saudi Arabia accused Syria of blocking Lebanese peace efforts and called on the Arab League to address members that do not honor its resolutions. At a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said that previous Arab Summits had taken the lead in solving regional issues. �We have not found that spirit in this summit. And that is why there has been an absence (of leaders) and a low-level representation,� he said.."

Security Challenges and Threats in the Gulf: A Net Assessment
Anthony Cordesman
Mar 25, 2008

"Both Gulf and US policymakers need to reassess the priorities in dealing with the threats to the Gulf. Regardless of the outcome of the war in Iraq, both the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will need to adapt their forces to deal with the real-world threats in the region, and to make more effective efforts at cooperation, creating forces that are focused on real-world needs for deterrence and defense, and that examine the full range of threats and not the most obvious military and security issues.."

Vice President Cheney in Saudi Arabia
Mar 22, 2008

"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah welcomed US Vice President Dick Cheney and presented the King Abdul Aziz Sash to him at his Janadriya ranch on the outskirts of Riyadh yesterday. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal earlier received Cheney at King Khaled International Airport. According to sources, issues such as Palestine, Iraq and Lebanon figured high in the discussions between the king and Cheney. They also discussed where the US now stands in the global energy market.."

The Arab Summit: Success measured by attendance
Rime Allaf
Mar 20, 2008

"Despite their proven futility, Arab League summits have always managed to create a modicum of expectation over the last couple of decades, with several big events shaking the Arab world to its core. But apart from the few exceptions when actionable resolutions were adopted, like the expulsion of Egypt at the 1979 Baghdad summit (following its peace agreement with Israel) or the emergency Cairo summit of 1990 in the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait (where a leaked recording exposed Arab leaders disgracefully shouting insults across the table), Arab League summits have mostly been opportunities to prove the cliche that 'Arabs agree to disagree.'.."

The Arab Summit at Damascus: Everyone can brag, nothing will be done
Rana Sabbagh-Gargour
Mar 20, 2008

"The troubled Arab League summit is finally going ahead in Syria later this month. But the wrangling between Saudi Arabia and Syria over Lebanon that preceded the summit is likely to continue after the meeting as the rift between the pro and anti-western Arab states over Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine deepens. The divisions fall between two axes: the Iranian-led hardliners grouping Syria, local allies Hizballah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine on the one hand, and the so-called "Arab moderates" or allies of Washington, on the other side. Neither front is willing to lose the battle.."

The Arab Summit: The summit and Lebanon's political future
Oussama Safa
Mar 20, 2008

"Waiting for Godot in Lebanon nowadays seems more fruitful than anticipating a political breakthrough in the near future. The hopes that a consensus president will be elected before the upcoming Arab summit in Damascus are quickly evaporating, to be replaced by renewed pessimism about the future of politics in the country. The triumph of Syrian diplomacy in securing an acceptable showing of Arab officials at the scheduled summit will be another missed opportunity for an all-out Arab effort to prevail on Damascus to facilitate the election of a Lebanese president. The Israeli attacks on Gaza have served the Syrians well by overshadowing the Lebanese crisis and making the Palestinian issue the priority agenda for the summiteers in Damascus. Arab leaders now find it increasingly difficult to boycott the gathering in Syria.." 

The Arab Summit: Getting through Damascus
Mohamed Abdel Salam
Mar 20, 2008

"Ever since 2001, when Arab countries decided to hold a "leaders' summit" regularly, nearly no summit has taken place without problems. Even before then, Arab summits were not an easy affair: Arab countries disagreed regarding the necessity of some meetings and the content of resolutions adopted, there were personal problems among some of the leaders scheduled to participate, and there were sensitivities regarding the role of the host, convener or chairman vis-a-vis the other leaders. With few exceptions, Arab public opinion was not satisfied with the resolutions issued by the summits. Almost all summits witnessed problems at the level of representation, agenda, management of the sessions and final decisions. For decades, the "summit institution" was too crisis-ridden to be turned into a regular meeting.." 

Vice President Cheney to Visit Saudi Arabia on Middle East Trip
Mar 17, 2008

"..He'll talk about, I'm sure, about the problems that exist in that market, both the short- and long-term problems that are leading the kind of instability and escalating prices we see. And the challenge is, I think, that that kind of volatility in the market presents to both consumers and producers, and to discuss ways that we, together, can try and address some of those challenges in a way that meets everybody's interests and continues to grow the global economy.."

Chain Reaction: Avoiding A Nuclear Arms Race In The Middle East 
Report to the Committee on Foreign Relations
Mar 15, 2008

"..The development of a Saudi nuclear weapon represents one of the most serious and most likely consequences of an Iranian acquisition of nuclear weapons. If Iran obtains a nuclear weapon, it will place tremendous pressure on Saudi Arabia to follow suit. The only factor that would likely dissuade the Saudis from pursuing a nuclear weapon would be a restored United States-Saudi bilateral relationship and a repaired Saudi perception regarding the reliability of the U.S. security guarantee. If the United States does not take deliberate actions in the coming years to achieve both of these objectives, an Iranian bomb will almost certainly lead to a Saudi bomb.."

Background Note: Saudi Arabia
U.S. State Department
Mar 9, 2008

Saudi Arabia's unique role in the Arab and Islamic worlds, its possession of the world's largest reserves of oil, and its strategic location make its friendship important to the United States. Diplomatic relations were established in 1933; the U.S. embassy opened in Jeddah in 1944 and moved to Riyadh in 1984. The Jeddah embassy became a U.S. consulate. Meanwhile, a U.S. consulate opened in Dhahran in 1944.  The United States and Saudi Arabia share a common concern about regional security, oil exports and imports, and sustainable development. Close consultations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia have developed on international, economic, and development issues such as the Middle East peace process and shared interests in the Gulf. The continued availability of reliable sources of oil, particularly from Saudi Arabia, remains important to the prosperity of the United States as well as to Europe and Japan. Saudi Arabia is one of the leading sources of imported oil for the United States, providing more than one million barrels/day of oil to the U.S. The U.S. is Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is the largest U.S. export market in the Middle East.."

The Militarization of Energy Security
Daniel Moran and James A. Russell
Mar 7, 2008

"..Like all international markets, the market for energy is sensitive to war and upheaval, whatever the cause. Energy markets are efficient at discounting risk, and there is a long history of price spikes and shortages whenever political instability and large-scale violence, chiefly but not exclusively in oil-producing regions, threatens established patterns of production and consumption. The world today is witnessing this time-honored phenomenon in reaction to the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and to political turbulence in crucial producing states like Nigeria and Venezuela. Strategic planners in the United States and elsewhere are well aware of the degree to which the effect of military operations on the price and supply of oil and natural gas needs to be considered in their work; though the result is not necessarily improved clarity of vision. One of the early rationales advanced in favor of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, after all, was that �regime change� there would allow Iraq to pump more oil, thereby reducing the dependence of world markets on Saudi production; a sadly fanciful idea that shows no prospect of being realized anytime soon.."

The Inflation Alleviation Plan
Brad Bourland, Chief Economist & Head of Research Jadwa Investment
Mar 6, 2008

"..On January 28 the cabinet approved a 17-point plan to alleviate the impact of rising prices. The package will have positive results due to either higher wages or lower prices. It will be of greatest benefit to lower paid government workers because of salary increases. The measures will not eliminate inflation as a major concern, but will trim some specific price rises. We estimate that the package of measures will cost the government SR13.5 billion in supplemental spending and foregone revenue this year and SR67 billion over the three years for which it is scheduled to last. Given our projection for the budget surplus of SR187 billion in 2008, these costs will not have a material effect on the state of public finances. The impact on inflation should be broadly neutral. The public sector pay rise is unlikely to prove too inflationary, and the reduced fees and charges and other measures will not have a pronounced impact on the overall inflation rate.."

Alireza Named New Minister of Commerce
Mar 5, 2008

"..Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday appointed Abdullah ibn Ahmed Zainal Alireza as minister of commerce and industry. He replaces Dr. Hashim Abdullah Yamani. A royal decree issued by the king said Yamani has been relieved of his position at his request. Alireza, who hails from a distinguished business family, has been hitherto a state minister in the Cabinet. Before that he was the chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.."

Saudi Arabian Foreign Relations: Saud al Faisal
Mar 3, 2008

"..Saudi Arabia will never change its domestic or foreign policies under pressure from the United States, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said here yesterday. Addressing a closed session of the 150-member Shoura Council in the capital, Prince Saud said the Kingdom's policies were steady and not dictated by the superpower or any other country. "We have never been a puppet state," a Shoura member quoted Prince Saud as saying. He said the United States and Saudi Arabia have been sharing "strategic" relations over decades, but the relationship was built on national interests.." 

Closed Kingdom Cracks a Door Open
Ethan Todras-Whitehill
Feb 29, 2008

"If you were running a restrictive Islamic state where the women can�t drive and restaurants are segregated between families and single men, the last idea that might occur to you is to invite Westerners in to have a look. And yet, that�s exactly what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is doing. As part of a group of reforms, the kingdom is trying to develop the country as a tourist destination, first for domestic travelers and later for international ones. Westerners are starting to visit the country on small group tours, a process that has become easier with loosened visa rules.."

US-Arab World: Finding Mutual Respect
Rami G. Khouri
Feb  28, 2008

"..This is why relations between the United States and the Islamic world -- broadly defined -- are now stuck. Americans broadly have second thoughts about promoting democracy in our lands because they fear Islamist victories, and Arabs-Muslims see this American hesitation as confirmation of a deep streak of insincerity and hypocrisy. A fascinating theme at this year�s US-Islamic World Forum was clarity in the overall perceptions and priorities of both worlds. Some broad patterns do prevail in these widely diverse societies. The one that I found most fascinating was the divergence in Muslims� emphasis on �respect� and Americans� emphasis on �interests.�.."

Dollars and Riyals: Floating Currencies and the Former Fed Chief
Feb  26, 2008

"Calls to delink the Saudi riyal from the depreciating US dollar received a shot in the arm when former chairman of the US Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan tacitly advocated a policy of floating the currency. However, Dr. Muhammed Al-Jasser, vice governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), immediately ruled out de-pegging the riyal from the greenback. While addressing a packed room of delegates at the 9th Jeddah Economic Forum at the International Conference and Exhibition Center, Greenspan also said oil prices would remain high in the near future. �Unless oil producing capacity is increased, there will be tremendous pressure on oil prices. Only increasing oil production, whenever there is a rise in oil prices, is not enough. There is an urgent need to have more oil companies and increase in production capacity,� he said.."

American Interests, Policies, and Results in the Middle East
Amb. Chas. W. Freeman, Jr.
Feb  26, 2008

"The last time I was in this hall, I spoke about the uplifting subject of the return of China to wealth and power. Tonight I will speak about another region of the world, part of which is also accumulating wealth and power at a huge rate. The Arab Gulf now racks up about $800 billion in balance of payments surplus each year, and the amount seems set to grow. The cost of energy - the region's major export - shows every sign of remaining high, indeed, rising higher still in years to come. The flow of global liquidity to the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent areas is not a short-term phenomenon but a long-term shift in global wealth, with enormous implications for the United States and other countries. This rise in wealth delights the region's inhabitants but, from an American perspective, the Middle East is currently a depressing place. It is a region from whose peoples we are increasingly estranged. It is a part of the world in which the introduction of a massive American military presence has paradoxically coincided with the steady diminution of U.S. political influence, loss of market share by American business, and displacement of America's former cultural preeminence.."

The New Middle East - Carnegie Endowment Report
Feb  25 , 2008

"..Confrontational U.S. policy that tried to create a �New Middle East,� but ignored the realities of the region has instead exacerbated existing conflicts and created new problems, argues a new report from the Carnegie Endowment. To restore its credibility and promote positive transformation, the United States needs to abandon the illusion that it can reshape the region to suit its interests. In The New Middle East, Carnegie Middle East experts Marina Ottaway, Nathan J. Brown, Amr Hamzawy, Karim Sadjadpour, and Paul Salem examine the new realities of the region by focusing on three critical clusters of countries�Iran�Iraq, Lebanon�Syria, Palestine�Israel, and on the three most pressing issues�nuclear proliferation, sectarianism, and the challenge of political reform�to provide a new direction for U.S. policy that engages all regional actors patiently and consistently on major conflicts to develop compromise solutions.." 

Jeddah Economic Forum 2008:Day Two
Feb  25 , 2008

"..The second day of the 9th Jeddah Economic Forum kicked off with an electrifying first session that included three absorbing speeches delivered by a self-critical Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former Saudi ambassador to the UK and the US, a confident Dr. Haris Silajdzic, president of Bosnia, and a highly articulate Dr. Salam Fayyad, prime minister of Palestine. Silajdzic, speaking in fluent Arabic, recalled the sacrifices that Bosnians made in their march to freedom and said that the oppressors were devoid of any feelings in their hearts and carried out attacks not for any financial gain but on account of an ideology that was highly exclusive.." 

Jeddah Economic Forum 2008: Day One
Feb  24 , 2008

"..As a visitor to the Jeddah Economic Forum since 2004, I find the changes that have taken place in the Kingdom encouraging and interesting to watch. The vitality of the private sector, the dialogues among Saudis about so many issues which are important to the development of society including women's rights are exciting topics for any visitor to observe. For most Americans, Saudi Arabia is still a mysterious place, though a longtime strategic ally of the United States. In recent years, both Americans and Saudis have had to overcome misperceptions about the other. Fortunately, in both countries, efforts to promote a better understanding of each other continue. While the Kingdom and the United States are different cultures and systems, these two share many interests and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It is in all of our interest to be aware of the changes and reforms that are under way not only in the Kingdom, but in the United States as well.."

JEF 2008 Opens Tomorrow 
Feb  22 , 2008

"Beginning tomorrow, it is estimated that more than 2,500 people will participate in a three-day event that will take them on a virtual journey of mutual discovery -- a journey that will hopefully open their minds and hearts to the stories and experiences that will be told; a journey that will broaden their horizons, and build their capabilities so that they can work together for the advancement of their global communities .. Tomorrow the Bride of the Red Sea, will receive for the 9th time in as many years her annual guests for the Jeddah Economic Forum. For nearly a decade now, our city has graciously hosted one of the most prestigious -- and at times controversial -- international events.."

Iran on the Horizon: Iran and the Gulf
Middle East Institute
Feb  18 , 2008

"'Iran on the Horizon: Iran and the Gulf' was the second panel in a Middle East Institute conference series featuring speakers Barbara Slavin, Wahid Hashim, Ebtisam al-Kitbi and Sami al-Faraj .. The focus of this panel was a discussion regarding Iran and the issues facing GCC states with respect to Iran's attempts to become a regional hegemon, focusing on how Iran's rise to power is affecting the political and economic policies of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait.." 

SUSRIS EXCLUSIVE
The Holistic Picture of King Abdullah - You Won't Find in Parade Magazine: A Conversation with Afshin Molavi 
SUSRIS Reprint
Feb  17 , 2008

"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.." -- Afshin Molavi

Saudi Education Survey and Curriculum Assessment
Feb  16, 2008

"..In an attempt to improve the quality of education in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Education is planning to assess the curriculums used in the system. �The assessment has nothing to do with the students� performance on a personal level and will not count in their GPAs,� said Saleh Al-Shamrani, the assessment�s project manager at the Ministry of Education. �They are not evaluated for the exams they take. We want to assess the quality of education in schools and thus in the Kingdom.� The assessment will review different sample groups of students: three grades in the first phase of the survey. The fourth, eighth and twelfth grades (boys and girls) will be assessed next year. The courses to be assessed are: Islamic studies, Arabic, mathematics and science.." 

Ensuring Energy Security Is a Costly Affair
Syed Rashid Husain
Feb  15, 2008

"..The International Energy Agency estimates that $22 trillion of investments would be needed between now and 2030 if the world is to meet expected energy demand. While the debate about ongoing investments in the upstream sector continues, recent reports indicate that despite clouds on the horizon for crude demand, OPEC states have embarked upon substantial upstream and downstream investments.." 

Have We Failed Them?
Fatin Bundagji
Feb 13 , 2008

"..The year 2008 started off with two big bangs. The first we witnessed during the opening of the 2nd Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh last January; and the second followed the launch of the 1st Knowledge Economy conference in Jeddah. Both events focused on common themes such as innovation, cooperation, creativity, efficiency and entrepreneurship. And both events predicted that Saudi Arabia could be a significant leading global force in those areas within the next 5 to 10 years. However both seemed to have forgotten that competitive nations and knowledge societies could only be created if the right ingredients are in place, namely a market-relevant education system that encourages individualism, innovation, and research. In short, a highly skilled and competitive labor force that is able to live up to the realities and challenges brought on by local and global forces of change.."

World Bank Says Region�s Education Systems Lagging
Siraj Wahab
Feb 12 , 2008

"Education is at the crossroads for the future of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It plays a crucial role in promoting poverty alleviation and economic growth, both at national and at household levels. It reflects the aspirations of the people for a successful integration into the global economy in an ever changing world.. ..Education is also a strategic priority for the World Bank in the MENA region and worldwide. The preparation of this report has benefited from the experience accumulated from Bank collaboration with the region in education�a relationship that has lasted for more than 40 years. This report traces the successes and the challenges facing the development of education to identify promising education reform options for the future.."

Nuclear Weapons and Saudi Strategy
Thomas W. Lippman|
Feb 9 , 2008

"What would Saudi Arabia do if Iran acquired nuclear weapons? Many analysts in Washington and the Middle East assume that in the event of a nuclear breakout by Iran, Saudi Arabia would feel compelled to build or acquire its own nuclear arsenal. Given Saudi Arabia�s vast wealth and strategic weakness, such a decision might seem logical, but that outcome should not be assume. Saudi Arabia, a signatory to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, would face overwhelming technical, legal, and political problems if it sought nuclear weapons, and would antagonize its most important ally and protector, the United States. Lacking the industrial and technological base required to develop nuclear weapons on its own, Saudi Arabia would have to acquire them clandestinely from other countries, a destabilizing course that would position the kingdom as an international outlaw. The Saudis would much prefer an accommodation with Iran and progress toward its long-stated goal of making the entire region a zone free of nuclear weapons.."

The Gulf Arms Sales: A Background Paper
Anthony H. Cordesman
Feb 5 , 2008

"The Gulf arms sales package will probably have a total cost of over $20 billion over a ten-year period. It is important to stress, however, that this is an offer and Gulf states may choose to buy from other suppliers. It also involves all of the Southern Gulf states and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. To put these numbers in perspective, research by Richard F. Grimmett of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) shows that Saudi Arabia alone signed an average of $3.1 billion a year in new arms agreements during 2003-2006. All of the Southern Gulf states combined signed an average of $4.7 billion a year.."

Let Us Codify Shariah Laws
Samar Fatany
Jan 30, 2008

The judicial system has often been criticized at home and abroad for its failure to administer justice, largely due to inadequate legal procedures, red tape and rigid interpretation of Shariah law by some of the appointed judges. Many legal experts have pointed out that the problem with the current system is both qualitative and quantitative. Courts are overburdened, and there is an acute shortage of judges; therefore, courts may take years to rule on simple cases of divorce or family disputes. Furthermore, bureaucracy and red tape create further delays.. ..No one should be above the law � not judges, not members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, not the wealthy, not religious scholars. Our country will prosper only when our citizens and our guest workers are guaranteed the protection of the law. Future generations will be able to contribute and compete with the rest of the world only if they are assured the implementation of justice for all � and all can only mean everybody.."

The Construction Site Called Saudi Arabia - Jad Mouawad
Jan 24, 2008

"By the end of the year, this massive city of steel at the edge of the Red Sea will take its place as a cog of globalization.. ..Size isn't the only consideration. The project is Saudi Arabia's boldest bet yet that this oil-rich kingdom can transform itself into an industrial powerhouse. The plant is part of a $500 billion investment program to build new cities, create millions of jobs and diversify the economy away from petroleum exports over the next two decades.."

Saudi Conference on IT and Security
Pat Mancino
Jan 22, 2008

"'The Conference on "Information Technology and National Security' was organized and chaired by HRH Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, President of the General Intelligence Services. The four-day international symposium coincided with Saudi Arabia's efforts to highlight what it has done and is doing to underscore the importance of information technology in promoting social, political, economic, and national security. The conference attracted security experts, researchers, academics, government leaders, and specialists from across the world to convene Saudi Arabia�s first-ever international symposium devoted exclusively not only to the issues of information technology and modern civil society, but doing so in an open forum.."

President Bush's Visit to Saudi Arabia: A Snapshot from the Street
Jan 18, 2008

"What can be expected of a lame-duck US president on his first trip to the Gulf? Would it win over and inspire the many skeptics that the US was finally going to play the honest broker in the region? To get answers to those questions and more, I literally hit the proverbial streets. While most people witnessed the ceremonial pomp and hand-holding splashed over his arrival on the state-run media, many confessed that they quickly switched the channel to a more palatable fare. The reason? Bush is not very popular here.." 

Saudi Arabia Nationwide Survey
Jan 18, 2008

"..Bin Laden�s fellow countrymen have dramatically turned against him, his organization of Al Qaeda, Saudi fighters in Iraq, and terrorism itself. And they have also equally dramatically turned in favor of Bin Laden�s chief enemy: The United States of America. The people of Saudi Arabia are now among the most pro-American and anti-terrorist of any in the entire Muslim world.."

Some Lawmakers Oppose Arms Sale
Jan 17, 2008

"In late July, as Secretary of State Rice and Defense Secretary Gates prepared for a trip to Saudi Arabia and other Middle East stops, the State Department announced launch of talks with US allies in the region for arms sales and aid. On the eve of President Bush's arrival in Saudi Arabia this week the Administration announced its notification to Congress that as much as $123 million worth of military materiel, in the form of Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) might be sold to Saudi Arabia. The announcement noted, 'This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.."

Return to Reason, Mr. President
Khaled Almaeena
Jan 16, 2008

"Your friend is he who tells you the truth,' goes an old Arab saying, and that is why I am sharing with you, President Bush, these lines echoing the sentiments of millions of Arabs around the world.." 

Secretary Rice and Prince Saud al Faisal - Meet the Press
 Jan 15, 2008

The visit of the President of the United States to Saudi Arabia reflects the strong historic relationship between the two countries. This relationship has been exemplified by frankness and transparency, commitment to mutual interests, and diligence in dealing with regional and international problems within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which is the spirit that prevailed in the serious and in-depth talks held between the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Excellency, the President of the United States.."

President Bush Welcomed by
King Abdullah
Jan 14, 2008

"..King Abdullah greeted President George W. Bush at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia today to mark the US leader's first visit to the Kingdom, the third meeting between the heads of state and the fifth stop on Bush's six country tour. This SUSRIS Special Report provides an overview of the reception.."

President Bush's Visit to Saudi Arabia - Administration
Background Briefing
Jan 13, 2008

"We'll spend Monday and Tuesday in Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia of course being one of our oldest and closest allies in the region. The President going there reaffirms the ties between our two nations, long-standing ties. It will also reaffirm his personal relationship with King Abdallah. It is a close, personal relationship. The President views King Abdallah as really a remarkable figure.."

The Advance of Freedom in the Middle East
Bush Abu Dhabi Address Reaffirms American Commitment
Jan 13, 2008

"..Throughout the sweep of history, the lands that the Arab people call home have played a pivotal role in world affairs. These lands sit at the juncture of three great continents -- Europe and Asia and Africa. These lands have given birth to three of the world's major religions. These lands have seen the rise and fall of great civilizations. And in the 21st century, these lands are once again playing a central role in the human story. A great new era is unfolding before us. This new era is founded on the equality of all people before God. This new era is being built with the understanding that power is a trust that must be exercised with the consent of the governed -- and deliver equal justice under the law. And this new era offers hope for the millions across the Middle East who yearn for a future of peace and progress and opportunity.."

President Bush Heads to the Gulf
Dr. Gregory Gause Talks with CFR
Jan 12, 2008

"We have to distinguish between public opinion and media reaction and the government reaction. The public opinion/media reaction is going to be fairly negative because of President Bush�s low standing in the region and the cynicism�especially in the Arab media�of American promises on Arab-Israeli peace process issues. The governments might be a little bit more interested in what happened because the president laid out in a very public way�I think for the first time for an American president in public�what the parameters of a two-state solution should be. President Clinton laid them out, but in confidential diplomatic conversations among the parties.."

"Good Morning, Mr. President"
Thomas Lippman's Briefing for POTUS
Jan 11, 2008

"Mr. President, you asked for a candid assessment, so I�ll take you at your word. You can assume that everyone you encounter in Saudi Arabia, beginning with King Abdullah, will be courteous and polite when you visit there next week. The rulers of Saudi Arabia value their longstanding good relations with our country and they will give you a generous welcome.."

U.S. well-served by Saudis
Wyche Fowler, Jr., Mark Weston
Jan 9, 2008

"Of the six Arab nations President Bush is visiting this week, four are monarchies: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Three of the royal families control over 40 percent of the Earth's oil reserves: the al-Saud of Saudi Arabia, the al-Sabah of Kuwait and the al-Nahayan of Abu Dhabi in the UAE. We are fortunate that all three families are American allies.."

"Engaged in the Region"?
President Bush Prepares for Mideast Travel
Jan 5, 2008

"On Tuesday, I will board Air Force One and depart for a trip to the Middle East. This is a region of great strategic importance to the United States, and I'm looking forward to my visit. My first stops will be in the Holy Land, where I'll meet with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert and Palestinian President Abbas. I will encourage both leaders to move forward with the peace negotiations they began last November in Annapolis. This is difficult work. It will require tough decisions on complex questions. But I am optimistic about the prospects. And I will make clear that America is deeply committed to helping both parties realize the historic vision we share: two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. During the second part of my trip, I will visit five of America's key allies in the Arab world: Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. I will thank the leaders of these countries for their friendship. I will urge them to strongly support negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. I will discuss the importance of countering the aggressive ambitions of Iran. And I will assure them that America's commitment to the security of our friends in the region is strong and enduring.."

President Bush's Upcoming Trip to the Middle East: National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley
Jan 5, 2008

"On Tuesday, January 8th, President Bush will travel to Israel, the West Bank, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The trip follows the Annapolis meeting, and offers an opportunity for the President to discuss with Israelis and Palestinians their efforts toward a negotiated peace and achievement of the President's vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. He will also encourage broader Israeli-Arab reconciliation, and regional support for Palestinian institution-building efforts, as they build the institutions for a Palestinian state. The trip will be an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring commitment of the United States to the security of our friends and allies in the Middle East, especially the Gulf nations.."

Web Logs and Red Lines:
The Case of the Saudi Blogger
Jan 4, 2008

"The Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed on Monday that Fouad Al-Farhan was being held for interrogation, according to Arab News. Farhan, long recognized as among the more well known Saudi bloggers -- certainly the best known Saudi blogger since his December 10, 2007 arrest -- is being detained by authorities for �interrogation for violating non-security regulations,� according to ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki. What that means is not clear but before the arrest Farhan said he was being investigated and predicted he would be taken into custody. He attributed the investigation to his writing about Saudi academics who were arrested earlier in the year.."

GCC Common Market Becomes a Reality
P.K. Abdul Ghafour
Jan 1, 2008

"The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with a combined economy of $715 billion makes history today with the launch of a common market, which is expected to draw more foreign investment to the region. GCC Secretary-General Abdul Rahman Al-Attiyah described the launch of the Gulf Common Market on Jan. 1 as �historic�, adding that it would ensure �economic equality� among GCC citizens.."