President George H. W. Bush:

"...And therefore, after consulting with King Fahd, I sent Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney to discuss cooperative measures we could take. Following those meetings, the Saudi Government requested our help, and I responded to that request by ordering U.S. air and ground forces to deploy to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"Let me be clear: The sovereign independence of Saudi Arabia is of vital interest to the United States. This decision, which I shared with the congressional leadership, grows out of the longstanding friendship and security relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. U.S. forces will work together with those of Saudi Arabia and other nations to preserve the integrity of Saudi Arabia and to deter further Iraqi aggression. Through their presence, as well as through training and exercises, these multinational forces will enhance the overall capability of Saudi Armed Forces to defend the Kingdom.

"I want to be clear about what we are doing and why. America does not seek conflict, nor do we seek to chart the destiny of other nations. But America will stand by her friends. The mission of our troops is wholly defensive. Hopefully, they will not be needed long. They will not initiate hostilities, but they will defend themselves, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and other friends in the Persian Gulf..."

Source:  George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

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WHAT IS THE SAUDI-U.S. RELATIONS INFORMATION SERVICE?

The Saudi-US Relations Information Service (SUSRIS) provides you information resources and interactive features through a web site and weekly newsletter -- all designed to enhance your understanding of the historic relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi-US Relations Information Service is a public service of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations as an element of its mission to educate Americans about Arab countries, the Middle East, and the Islamic world.

We invite you to explore the site: signup for the SUSRIS newsletter, join the discussion forum, browse the bookshelf and photo album, and more. Make the SUSRIS your home page or add it to your Favorites List. Check back from time to time to see what we've added -- what you see today is just the beginning.

For more information about the service please visit the website at: http://www.SaudiUSRelations.org 
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Saudi-American Forum
Action Alerts

>Congressional Amendment Sought to Unfairly Brand Saudi Arabia - Tell Your Representative Why You Think Such Moves Damage Our Relationship

>Senators Kyl and Schumer Pen Misleading Opinion Piece Attacking American Ally Saudi Arabia; Help Correct the Record

>Missing Pages From the 9/11 Joint Inquiry Result in Unjust Portrayal of Saudi Arabia - Ask for Full Disclosure

>The "Foreign Earned Income Exclusion" Faces Elimination - Share Your Views with Congress

>Progress in the War on Terrorism Reported, Distorted by Some Press - Share Your Views With Your Local Media 

> Troop Move Reflects Strength of U.S.-Saudi Relationship - Share the Story

> Write Congress and the Media About the Saudi-US Relationship

> Contact Congress and the Media to Share Your Views on US-Saudi Relations

> Wall Street Journal Commentary Carries Erroneous Information About US-Saudi Relations

> Press Coverage of Pres. George H. W. Bush's Speech at Tufts
                               [more]

The Saudi-American Forum includes an automated "Action Center" to use for these alerts or to compose your own message to officials and media.
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