WASHINGTON--The tragic terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia in May let the world know that the war on terrorism is far from over. The talk of having al-Qaida "on the run" was clearly overly optimistic. Instead of self-destructing, al-Qaida appears to be morphing into something new and perhaps even more dangerous--and not only for America.

The Saudis, too, have clearly received a wake-up call. While their words and deeds in the war on terrorism have been constructive, the entire international coalition fighting terrorism needs to reassess, reorganize and come back at al-Qaida with innovative, forceful and effective strategies.

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A February 2003 Institute of International Education (IIE) survey of the top ten American destination universities for international students revealed a disturbing trend. Twenty-four percent of surveyed universities indicated that their Saudi student base had declined. Eighty-three percent indicated that international students who were expected to arrive for the fall 2002 semester were delayed. The survey conclusions also worried that further deteriorating foreign enrollments "cannot be ruled out."

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Look Who's Talking...  The Saudi-US Relations Information Service web site features a discussion forum for you to post your ideas, opinions and questions.  To sign on and speak up Click Here.   Among the posts in current threads:

"Americans are grateful that the Saudis stood with the United States against Soviet Communism. The roles played by the KSA [Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] and other Arab countries in opposing the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan are well known by Americans. Also, though it received little coverage in the press, many Americans knew the important role the KSA played in defeating the Soviet Union. Saudi pricing policy in the oil markets contributed greatly to the economic pressure that ultimately caused the Soviet Union to collapse. Prior to September 11 most Americans looked upon the Saudi Arabs as valuable allies. This was certainly true during the Gulf War."

Sign up for the forum and contribute to the dialogue.

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ON THE BOOKSHELF

The Future of Political Islam  by Graham Fuller

Book Description (Amazon.com) September 11; vitriolic rhetoric against the United States by prominent Muslims; the war against terrorism shifts from Afghanistan to the Philippines and Indonesia. It is easy to believe Islam and Muslims are enemies of the West; it is also wrong. This sweeping survey of trends in the Muslim world contends that the issue is not whether Islam plays a central role in politics, but what Muslims want. To focus on radicalism and extremism blinds us from another trend: liberal political Islam. Proponents of liberal political Islam emphasize human rights and democracy, tolerance and cooperation. They face an uphill struggle as authoritarian regimes oppress opposition and use Islam to justify their undemocratic rule. As people are denied avenues to participate and criticize, as secular ideologies have failed, religion has come to play a central role in politics. The outcome of the struggle between extremists and liberals will determine the future of political Islam.                                                                                                 [more] Ordering Information                                                                                                 Back to top