The Cases of Iraq and Iran - SUSRIS Interview with Khalid al-Rodhan - "..Both Iran and Iraq have historically been the wildcards in the Gulf. Predicting the future is hard in the case of Iran but its even more difficult in the case of Iraq. I don’t think we’ll see major changes. In terms of Iran’s nuclear issue I believe we will continue to see the back and forth talk about negotiations -- whether Iran accepts the six nations offer remains to be seen. I don’t believe there will be major changes there.."

Abdullatif A. Al-Othman - "..Traditional national borders are becoming meaningless for the transfer of capital and ideas. In this context we are no longer just Saudis, Americans, or any other nationality. Our fates and prosperities are tied to the global economy. This reality is not yet fully appreciated, which explains, in part, the continuing appeal of policies promoting self-reliance.."

Oil Price Could Triple in Event of Military Conflict Over Iran

"Saudi Ambassador Turki Al-Faisal said military conflict with Iran would be counterproductive and would turn the Persian Gulf into an inferno. Faisal spoke to reporters in Washington. "Definitely you would see, if you're talking about $70 a barrel oil now, you would see that perhaps double or triple as a result of the conflict," he said. Faisal said he supports a diplomatic solution to defuse the conflict between Iran's desire to develop nuclear technology and the unified opposition of the United Nations Security Council.."

"Ever since a group of 19 terrorists struck at the heart of America on Sept. 11, 2001, Saudi Arabia, from where 15 of the 19 hijackers originated, suddenly found itself on the front lines of the war on terror. And for the most part it was largely unprepared.  As the world's largest producer and provider of oil, with its vast installations, refineries, pipelines, shipping terminals and housing facilities reserved for foreigners, the kingdom offered al-Qaida a choice of prime targets.."

Iraq’s Evolving Insurgency & the Risk of Civil War - Anthony Cordesman

"..Washington, DC, June 23, 2006- This report chronicles the history of the post-war insurgency in Iraq, the strategy and tactics of the insurgency, patterns of attacks and violence, the role of the various players in the insurgency, and the increasing sectarian nature of the conflict through the inception of the insurgency through the present date.."

U.S. State Department Launches "Ask the Ambassador"

The Department of State is launching a new website feature Thursday, June 22 called, "Ask the Ambassador". This ongoing Internet program will create an opportunity for the public to speak directly with U.S. ambassadors world-wide.  The first on-line web discussion will be hosted by William R. Timken, Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Germany. Questions concerning the EU Summit, World Cup, and other issues will be answered by Mr. Timken on Monday, June 26.  Questions may be submitted by visiting the State Department at www.state.gov.

"Need to Know"  *****

Council on Foreign Relations Web Site - "Need to Know" is an updated guide, maintained by Council staff, to what international affairs policy-makers, academics, and journalists are saying, writing, and reading in newspapers, blogs, books, television talks shows, and elsewhere.  [MUST HAVE on your Browser Favorites List]