In This Issue

1. A Different View:  A Young Saudi Woman Talks About Society and Culture: An Interview with Sahar al Husseini 
2. Understanding US-Saudi Relations:  Challenging Stereotypes, Amb. Chas Freeman at SAIS
3. Security in Saudi Arabia and the Prospects for Political Reform, Khaled al-Maeena, Editor in Chief of Arab News at the Middle East Institute
4. From the History of Saudi-U.S. Relations
5. SUSRIS Discussion Forum -- Look Who's Talking
6. On the Bookshelf - The Hundred Men by Phillip C. McConnell
7. What is SUSRIS?

An Item of Interest from the SAF

A Different View: A Young Saudi Woman Talks About Society and Culture
An Interview with Sahar al Husseini

Sahar al Husseini is a young woman who was born and raised in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and in Bahrain.  She recently shared her observations on the Kingdom -- growing up there, the importance of family in Saudi society, attitudes of young people, and the changes underway -- as well as the partnership between American and Saudi Arabia.  We are pleased to bring you the transcript of an interview she recently gave to a radio talk show.  

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An Item of Interest from SUSRIS

Understanding US-Saudi Relations:  Challenging Stereotypes
Amb. Chas Freeman at SAIS

"I think the point is that we need to be careful before we accept the stereotype, particularly those developed in a time of great emotion, and Saudi Arabia deserves a close look.. ..there hasn't really been any fundamental change in the interests that bind the U.S. and Saudi Arabia together.."
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An Item of Interest from the SAF

Security in Saudi Arabia and the Prospects for Political Reform  Khaled al-Maeena, Editor in Chief of Arab News at the Middle East Institute "..Al-Maeena argued that the attack-perpetrated by 19 hijackers including 15 Saudi nationals-prompted Saudi society to examine the social factors that led to such a tragic incident. Saudi Arabia will enter a stormy phase in the coming years, as it decides upon what path of change to pursue.."   [more]                                                                                              Back to top

From The History of the Saudi-US Relationship

June 14, 1989

The President met today with Prince Sa`ud al-Faysal, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, to discuss the efforts of the Arab League to resolve the Lebanon crisis. The President welcomed the collective efforts of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Algeria and expressed U.S. support for their mandate to pursue urgently a political process in Lebanon leading to elections, reforms, and a new national consensus. The President pledged the commitment of the United States to do all it can to promote a political solution that would bring Lebanon's turmoil to an end.

The United States encourages the Arab League's efforts to foster a political dialog among the Lebanese. Such a dialog, in the context of a cease-fire, is the necessary first step toward a solution of Lebanon's suffering, which has gone on too long. The President reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with the withdrawal of all foreign forces and the disbandment of the militias.

The President said that the United States believes that all parties to the conflict in Lebanon must show restraint and flexibility at this crucial point. All concerned must do their part to promote a genuine political process, devoid of threats and coercion. Outside interests must not add to Lebanon's misery.

Source:  George Bush Presidential Library and Museum online

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The Saudi-US Relations Information Service Discussion Forum

"All parties to the conflict in the Middle East are, in the words of the Muslims, "People of the Book." All the antagonists basically believe in the same God. It may seem unlikely today, but one can see the possibility that all parties will find a way to live in peace. Perhaps as you suggest it will take divine intervention to achieve peace. But if any worldly power can bring about peace in the region it will be the Americans. The Americans have significant influence with all the major players. The Americans also have a history of cooperating closely with each of the major players when there were areas of mutual interest."

Sign up for the forum and contribute to the dialogue.

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On the Bookshelf

Book Description
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Casoc, later to become Aramco, struggled to maintain operations with a skeleton crew of barely 100 Americans and just over a thousand Saudis. This was the time of the Hundred Men, which is so ably depicted in Philip McConnell's book of the same name. A lively personal account of those difficult days in the company's history.

Source:  Aramco ExPats

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Ordering Information
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About the Saudi-US 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-US Relations Information Service

A Public Service of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
1140 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
eMail: [email protected] 
Web: http://www.Saudi-US-Relations.org 

Photo Credits
Arab News, Saudi Arabian Press Agency, George Bush Presidential Library and Museum online

Users of the The Saudi-US Relations Information Service are assumed to have read and agreed to 
our terms and conditions and legal disclaimer.

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