July 23-29, 2006

• What's New on SUSRIS this week:

  • Arab News Editorial: U.S. Diplomacy 

  • Region in Crisis: US-Saudi Relations - A Conversation with F. Gregory Gause, III

  • Riyadh Has Run Out of Patience - Daoud Shirian

  • Saudi Arabia's View on the Crisis in Lebanon - Royal Court Statement

  • Time the Focus Shifted to the Saudi Peace Plan - Michael Saba

  • Region in Crisis: Consultation

• In the News - Saudi military spending rising

• On the Web - The Shia Revival

• On the Web - How Oil Market Works  

• On the Web - Arabic-Language Web Portal  

• On the Web - Saudi Arabia's Shiites and their Effect on the Kingdom's Stability  

• Keeping Track - Recent SUSRIS Items

• This Week's News - July 23-29, 2006

• About SUSRIS

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Arab News Editorial: U.S. Diplomacy
"..The US State Department has taken offense at the claim by Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon that Wednesday’s 15-nation emergency meeting in Rome on the situation in Lebanon had, by not demanding an immediate cease-fire, effectively gave Israel the green light to continue its attacks against Hezbollah. That conclusion is “outrageous” says the State Department.  It has good reason to be upset. But not because of the Israeli claim. The real reason for its unusual bitterness is because the evidently ungrateful ally it was trying to help as devious and manipulative has exposed the US, and the US does not like that.  Rarely do we agree with the Israelis, but to the rest of us too it looks exactly as if they were given the green light to continue the bombardments — and they were given it by the US.."  - Arab News
A Conversation with F. Gregory Gause, III
"..It seems there are countervailing forces here. One is not wanting to have the Iranians win any kind of diplomatic victory. One is not wanting to see a major regional crisis. One is trying to maintain good relations with the United States. On the other hand you have the pressures of public opinion. Saudi policy has always been a balancing act on any question involving the United States and the Arab-Israeli conflict. I think the first statement was a signal that the Saudis -- along with the Egyptians and the Jordanians -- were willing to pay a price on the public opinion side if the Americans were willing to actively get involved. They wanted to end this crisis -- maybe in a way that would roll back Hizbollah power. But since the Americans weren’t willing to take that step I think the second Saudi statement was saying, 'Okay, we’ve signed off. We are no longer available to give you an Arab cover for diplomatic efforts.'..”
Riyadh Has Run Out of Patience - Daoud Shirian
"Saudi Arabia has strongly expressed its disappointment at the attitude of Washington and the international community toward the Israeli aggression against the Lebanese people. A statement issued yesterday by the Saudi Royal Court noted that Riyadh has taken a courageous stand since the beginning of the crisis, holding Hezbollah responsible for triggering the war. Saudi paid no heed to other parties' lip service. It has over the past few days tolerated the criticism of those who regarded the statement as a justification for the aggression, although the first statement was a Saudi bid to take control of a political initiative and to use the essence of the statement as to bargain for a political gain embodied in a ceasefire.."
Saudi Arabia's View on the Crisis in Lebanon
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has carried out its role that is imposed on it by its national and religious duties regarding the situation in the region and the ensuing situation in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. It cautioned, warned and advised and did not care about one-upmanship. It did not only do this but from the very first strove to halt the aggression and moved on more than one level and used several methods to urge the international community to force Israel to a ceasefire.."
Time the Focus Shifted to the Saudi Peace Plan
"While attending a recent conference in Houston on US Arab relations, I joined a luncheon hosted by a group of prestigious, influential Texas women. They were hosting a luncheon for Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, the chairperson of Friends of Saudi Arabia. One of the women asked me, "Whatever happened to the Saudi Peace Plan? It seemed to make so much sense when it was announced, but we never heard about it again."  This week, I spoke with the same woman. She said, 'If there was ever a time to revive the Saudi Peace Plan, it is now. With the current situation in Lebanon and Palestine, we need a comprehensive peace plan now more than ever. We can’t keep offering these ‘stop gap’ measures.'.."
Region in Crisis: Consultation
President Bush and Saudi Officials in White House Meeting "President Bush and Secretary Rice met for about an hour with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal and Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the head of the Saudi National Security Council.  The talks were held in private, with no public comments. But after the session, the foreign minister spoke briefly with reporters.  He said he gave President Bush a letter from Saudi King Abdullah calling for an immediate ceasefire. "We requested a ceasefire to allow for the cessation of hostilities that would allow for the building of the forces of Lebanon," he said.Saud said the primary concern is protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, adding President Bush is well aware of the toll the conflict is taking on the Lebanese people. "I found the president very conscious of the destruction and the bloodshed the Lebanese are suffering and anxiety to see the cessation of hostilities," he said.."
In the News
Saudi military spending rising to meet Iran threat - Analysis - Andrew Hammond "Saudi Arabia is expanding its military arsenal to counter what it sees as Iran's growing influence in a region convulsed by violence.  Analysts and diplomats say Israel's bombardment of Lebanon after Syrian and Iranian-backed Hizbollah guerrillas kidnapped two soldiers has added to predominantly Sunni Saudi Arabia's alarm at Shi'ite powerhouse Iran's policies in the Middle East.."
On the Web
The Shia Revival The Charlie Rose Show - "Vali Nasr discusses his new book, "The Shia Revival" and the current struggles taking place within Islam in the Middle East.." (video) Also: The Emerging Shia Crescent Symposium: Implications for U.S. Policy in the Middle East (video) The Emerging Shia Crescent Symposium: Implications for U.S. Policy in the Middle East (Transcript)
On the Web
How Oil Market Works "American consumers, and policy makers, are anxious for answers to explain why fuel bills are getting more expensive. They wonder what  has caused the price of crude to push past $70 per barrel and how that crude price affects the price of gasoline and other refined products. In a project commissioned by API, Lexecon. a unit of business consultancy FTI, has put together a primer called 'Understanding Today’s  Crude Oil and Products Markets.'"  (PDF)
On the Web
New Carnegie Arabic-Language Web Portal Provides Arabic-Speaking Community Access to an Array of Publications on Political and Economic Reform  The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is pleased to announce the launch of the Carnegie Arabic Web Portal. The Arabic-language resource is designed to reach new audiences in order to broaden the access to Carnegie’s growing volume of Arabic publications. Through these publications, the Middle East Program at the Carnegie Endowment hopes to build knowledge about political and economic reform, help political actors in the Arab world better understand the challenges facing them internationally, and add a comparative dimension to the understanding of reform in Arab countries.  The main feature of the Carnegie Arabic Web Portal is the Arabic-language version of the Arab Reform Bulletin, an online monthly journal on the latest political reform developments from Arab and Western perspectives (click here for the July issue). Also included are Arabic translations of select Carnegie Papers, commentaries on the Middle East and related subjects such as nuclear nonproliferation, as well as writings originally published in Arabic.
On the Web
Saudi Arabia's Shiites and their Effect on the Kingdom's Stability - By John Solomon "A decade has passed since Saudi Hezbollah, known locally as Ansar Khat al-Imam (Followers of the Line of the Imam), bombed the Khobar Towers, a U.S. military housing compound, killing 19 soldiers and injuring 350 [1]. This attack brought dramatic attention to Saudi Arabia's Shiite community and its potential for political violence and terrorism. Today, in light of an emerging power in Iran, a Shiite-dominated Iraq and an intensifying Shiite-Sunni divide, attention has returned to the Shiites of Saudi Arabia. Although there is little evidence of Shiite militancy inside the Saudi kingdom at present, the violence between Shiites and Sunnis in neighboring Iraq remains intense and could spill over into Saudi Arabia. Indeed, the specter of confessional violence looms as homegrown Saudi Salafi-Jihadists and the fighters returning from the jihad in Iraq could clash with the quiescent Shiites living inside the oil-rich kingdom.."

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China, Saudi Arabia Urge Immediate Cease-fire in Middle East [Jul 29]
"China urges all parties to the conflict in the Middle East to cease fire immediately, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo said in Beijing on Friday. In his meeting with Saudi Prince Bandar Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, secretary-general of Saudi National Security Council, Dai said China is strongly concerned about the current situation in the Middle East, noting that the pressing matter for the moment is to realize cease-fire immediately so as to create conditions for a proper solution to the conflicts.."[more]

Ruby Tuesday Announces Saudi Arabia Expansion [Jul 29]
"US casual dining chain Ruby Tuesday has established a franchise in Saudi Arabia through franchisee partner Marssana International Trading Co. The agreement includes four restaurants planned for the Central and Western provinces of Saudi Arabia.. ..'Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing casual dining destinations in the Middle East,' says Ruby Tuesday President - Franchising Mark Ingram.." [more]

Saudi Stock Market Continues to Decline [Jul 29]
"Arab stocks moved within a narrow trading range last week, but financial analysts predict that the downward trend could remain dominant in the coming few weeks mainly due to the performance of listed firms. The Saudi stock market continued to decline last week after plunging more than 20 percent over the past two weeks. The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) fell 91.78 points to 10,393.28 last week after closing at 10,485.06 points at the end of previous week.." [more]

Building Bridges [Jul 29]
"In 2005, James Palmer Cain was appointed U.S. ambassador to Denmark by President George Bush. Bush also assigned Cain the task of reinvigorating a State Department initiative called Sports Diplomacy, which years ago was established to improve relations between America and its allies abroad. Since receiving his assignment, Cain has overseen the creation of a proposed Sports Diplomacy plan that includes conferences, exhibition games, youth programs, cultural exchanges and major sports events.." [more]

Sunni-Shiite Divide Widens in the Mideast [Jul 29]
"Is the Sunni-Shiite divide in the Middle East now deeper than the antagonism between Israel and the Arabs? You might think so given the response of some Arab governments to Hezbollah's decision to attack Israel. Even as Israeli bombs fell on Beirut and Tyre, Saudi Arabia, perhaps the most conservative Arab Muslim state of all, openly condemned the actions of the Shiite Hezbollah in instigating conflict with Israel. Never before in the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict has a state that considers itself a leader of the Arab Muslim peoples backed Israel so openly. Moreover, Saudi Arabia's breach with Hezbollah is not a one-time occurrence.." [more]

Arab Media Watch [Jul 29]
"A sense of injustice and world powers' lack of credibility have been influencing most of the editorial comments in Arab newspapers. Here are excerpts from some of them.." [more]

Rice Returns to Middle East [Jul 29]
"US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is returning to the Middle East armed with new proposals aimed at ending violence. Rice is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for talks on Saturday night in Jerusalem.. ..The official said that Rice would also seek an international agreement on a UN mandated multinational force that can provide stability in the region.." [more]

New Saudi Bourse Regulator Faces Tough Tasks [Jul 29]
"Abdulrahman Al Tuwaijri’s appointment as chief regulator of the Saudi bourse sent the depressed local stock market soaring yesterday. But the Iowa University graduate will face a tough task in tackling factors which have led to a market crash that has wiped more than half, or $400 billion, off the Arab world’s largest bourse’s capitalisation in 60 trading days.." [more]

Abbas Here to Discuss Crisis with Abdullah [Jul 29]
"Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will hold talks with King Abdullah on the current Mideast crisis during a visit to Jeddah Saturday, a diplomatic source said Thursday. Abbas, who is touring Arab states to seek support as Israel wages a massive onslaught on the Gaza Strip, “will exchange views with King Abdullah about the dangerous situation in the region and brief the Saudi leadership on developments in the Palestinian territories,” the source said.." [more]

Kingdom Seeks to Expand Green Zones [Jul 29]
"The Kingdom is planning to establish 60 more protected areas including two marine reserves, according to Prince Bandar ibn Saud, the new secretary-general of the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD). “These protected areas will help conserve and develop the Kingdom’s wildlife,” he said to Arab News.." [more]

Cisco to Increase Investment in Saudi Arabia [Jul 28]
"Cisco Systems Inc. will spend US$265 million in Saudi Arabia over the next five years by adding about 530 employees, opening a technology and entrepreneurial demonstration center and donating training and networking equipment in poor areas, the company said Tuesday. The investments are meant to help the country move toward its goal of being a "connected kingdom," Cisco said in a news release.." [more]

US Plans Saudi Battle-Tank Sale Worth up to $2.9 bln [Jul 28]
"The Bush administration said Friday it was planning to sell Saudi Arabia main battle tanks and tank upgrades worth as much as $2.9 billion to protect critical infrastructure. The prime contractor would be General Dynamics Corp.'s (GD.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Land Systems business unit of Sterling Heights, Michigan, the Pentagon said in a notice to Congress required by law.." [more]

Saudi Concern for Victims Raises Millions [Jul 28]
"A telethon for Lebanon prompted by Saudi State Television generated over 120 million Saudi riyals (about Dh117 million) towards the early hours on Thursday. The telethon started at 1pm local time on Wednesday and gathered 9.245 million riyals (about Dh9 million) in donations from Saudi and foreign residents within the first two hours.." [more]

Sundance, Saudi-Style [Jul 28]
"Amid the gloomy news emerging from the Middle East, it is encouraging to report one item of cultural progress: the convening of Saudi Arabia's first-ever film festival. This in Islam's heartland, where cinemas do not officially exist.. ..The landmark occasion cannot be said to have set the kingdom on fire.. ..Still, such critiques have not previously been showcased so publicly in Saudi Arabia, and never on film. With the reign of King Abdullah approaching its first anniversary on Tuesday, they are a small sign of change.." [more]

Tide of Arab Opinion Turning to Hezbollah [Jul 28]
"At the onset of the Lebanese crisis, Arab governments, starting with Saudi Arabia, slammed Hezbollah for recklessly provoking a war, providing what the United States and Israel took as a wink and a nod to continue the fight. Now, with hundreds of Lebanese dead and Hezbollah holding out against the vaunted Israeli military.. ..The Saudi royal family and King Abdullah II of Jordan, who were initially more worried about the rising power of Shiite Iran, Hezbollah's main sponsor, are scrambling to distance themselves from Washington.." [more]

Oil Falls More Than $1, Supply Issues in Focus [Jul 28]
"Oil fell more than a dollar to less than $74 a barrel on Friday, unravelling gains driven by worries about a prolonged cut in Nigerian oil output and violence in the Middle East. London Brent crude fell $1.51 to $73.50 a barrel and US light sweet crude dropped $1.24 to $73.30 a barrel by 1423 GMT.." [more]

Canadian Firm Wins SR225m Contract [Jul 28]
"A joint venture of Canadian energy services company ShawCor Ltd. has won an SR225 million contract to provide pipeline coating services for a major pipeline project in Saudi Arabia. This is a prestigious project under which the Arabian Pipecoating Company, which represents ShawCor in the Kingdom, will provide anti-corrosion and other coatings and double jointing for the Saudi Aramco’s Khurais pipeline project.." [more]

Oxford Business Group to Produce Essential Economic Report on Saudi Arabian Economy [Jul 27]
"Oxford Business Group (OBG) the UK-based publishing, research and consultancy service, is set to embark on a crucial, comprehensive, business review of the Saudi Arabian economy. Produced in partnership with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), 'Emerging Saudi Arabia 2007', will be a detailed English language, economic and political review providing in-depth analysis of the domestic and foreign political scene, macroeconomic policy and sectoral developments.." [more]

Saudi Television Appeal Raises $29 Million for Lebanon [Jul 27]
"A Saudi television appeal has raised at least 108.8 million riyals ($29 million) for Lebanon, where Israeli forces and Hezbollah guerrillas have been fighting for more than two weeks, the state media said on Thursday. The money gathered during the day-long "telethon", which lasted until the early hours of Thursday, included 10 million riyals from King Abdullah and 5 million riyals from Crown Prince Sultan, the state news agency SPA said.." [more]

Lebanese Sovereign Ratings Propped By Continued Saudi Support [Jul 27]
"Wednesday, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said that the pledge of $1.5 billion made by Saudi King Abdullah to Lebanon indicates Saudi commitment to Lebanese economic and political stability which assists the country's near-term rating prospects. The sovereign credit ratings on Lebanon were placed on CreditWatch with negative implications on July 13 following the economic and fiscal impact of the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict.." [more]

Saudi Writers and Analysts Back Royal Court Statement [Jul 27]
"A group of Saudi writers and political analysts have backed the statement issued by the Royal Court which showed anger towards the US and the world's vague reaction to Israeli hostilities against Lebanon.. ..Speaking to Gulf News the Saudi and political analysts said the statement was warmly received by the Arab masses especially as it clarified the kingdom's stand. They said the statement implicitly indicated "the adventures" did not only refer to Hezbollah but also referred to the American policy that gave Israel the green light to strike and destroy Lebanon.." [more]

Abbas to Discuss Crisis with Saudi King on Saturday [Jul 27]
"Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas will hold talks with Saudi King Abdullah on the current Middle East crisis during a visit to Jeddah on Saturday, a diplomatic source said on Thursday. Abbas, who is touring Arab states to seek support as Israel wages a massive onslaught on the Gaza Strip.." [more]

Foreign Minister Attends Rome Conference on Lebanon [Jul 27]
"Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal attended the international conference on Lebanon which was held yesterday in Rome. The conference pledged to support the Lebanese government and urged Israel to practice restraint. It also called for an international donors’ conference to bolster the Lebanese economy.." [more]

OPEC Lost Control of Rising Oil Prices [Jul 27]
"OPEC has lost control of rising oil prices and they could hit $80 per barrel due to geopolitical concerns sparked by the crisis in the Middle East, an Indonesian official said here yesterday. Maizar Rahman, designated as Indonesia’s governor at OPEC, said current high oil prices are mainly driven by tensions in the Middle East, home to nearly 80 percent of global oil resources.. ..Asked if the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had lost control over soaring oil prices, Rahman said: 'Yes' but he added that OPEC is ready to raise output if the global market calls for an increase.." [more]

King Abdullah University to Have Nanotech [Jul 27]
"The King Abdullah University for Science and Technology will concentrate on four areas of research that include water desalination, systems technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology, a senior official was quoted as saying Wednesday by Al-Madina, the Arabic-language daily. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques announced the foundation of the university during his recent visit to Taif, where he stressed the launching of the university marks the entry of the Kingdom into the era of the knowledge industry.." [more]

Prince Saud Al-Faisal and Prince Bandar Meet with Tony Blair on Lebanon Crisis [Jul 27]
"HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, and HRH Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian National Security Council today met with the British Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Tony Blair, at 10 Downing Street in London. The meeting was part of an ongoing diplomatic tour to discuss the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Palestine as well as other Middle Eastern Issues. After the meeting, the Foreign Minister said “I have conveyed a verbal message from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to the Prime Minister that addressed the tragedy facing Lebanon and its people.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Deposits One Billion Dollars in Lebanon''s Central Bank [Jul 26]
"Saudi Arabia is depositing one billion dollars in Lebanon's central bank in a bid to prop up the exchange rate of the Lebanese pound, announced Tuesday Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad al-Siniora. Moreover Saudi Arabia has granted Lebanon USD 50 million to be used in assisting displaced Lebanese and evacuees seeking refuge from the ongoing military clashes between Hizbollah and Israel, said al-Siniora, in a statement issued by the government.." [more]

Oil Above $75, Saudi Warns of Broader Mideast War [Jul 26]
"Oil rose further above $75 a barrel yesterday after Saudi Arabia warned that the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizbollah guerrillas could ignite a broader Middle East war.. ..Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah warned Israel’s actions threatened regional war. 'Saudi Arabia warns everybody that if the peace option fails because of Israeli arrogance, there will be no other option but war,' he said.." [more]

Saudi Oil Income to Touch USD 203 Billion in 2006 [Jul 26]
"Saudi Arabia will earn a record USD 203 billion from oil export earnings this year, up by 25 per cent from last year's USD 162 billion. According to a mid-year 2006 report about the Saudi Arabian economy by samba financial group, the economic boom in Saudi Arabia continues to gather pace, with 2006 likely to see record oil revenues, and record trade and budget surpluses in an overall context of 20 per cent growth and low inflation.." [more]

The Royal Court Statement [Jul 26]
"Following is the statement issued Tuesday by the Royal Court: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has undertaken the role as part of its religious and national duty with regard to the situation in the region and the crisis in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.." [more]

Review of the Arab Press [Jul 26]
"Arab press roundup for July 26.. ..The independent daily commented that while the Lebanese appreciate the urgent monetary assistance to be pledged by Saudi Arabia at the Rome conference, they are even more pleased by the recent Saudi political position, in which a statement by the royal court condemned Israel's 'insolence' for bringing destruction to Lebanon.." [more]

US Treasuries Tap Safe Haven Bid on Saudi Comments [Jul 25]
"US Treasury debt prices rose on Tuesday, boosted by a flow of funds into assets viewed as comparatively safe, after television reports that the Saudi king warned of a potential Middle East war, analysts said.. ..'That is tough language,' said George Goncalves, treasury and agency trading strategist with Banc of America Securities in New York. 'We can’t discount geopolitical risk and the natural flight to quality type bid that Treasuries receive from it,' Goncalves added.." [more]

Prince Saud and Prince Bandar Deliver Message to British Prime Minister [Jul 25]
"Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Saud Al-Faisal and Secretary-General of the National Security Council Prince Bandar bin Sultan met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London today.. ..Prince Saud described his talks with Blair as excellent. 'We have agreed that the real solution will be restoration of Lebanon to its independence and sovereignty on all of its territories,' he said. The first step must be a cease-fire and a halt to the ongoing violence, Prince Saud said. In addition, the Lebanese government must establish its authority throughout the country.." [more]

Saudi Arabia Calls for Lebanon Ceasefire [Jul 25]
"Saudi Arabia called for a ceasefire in the Middle East on Tuesday and urged the world to focus on the plight of the Lebanese people. 'We both agree the real solution is to have Lebanon come back to its sovereignty and its territorial integrity but for that to happen there is a necessary first step which is a ceasefire to stop the carnage,' Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal told reporters.." [more]

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Visits the Saudi Embassy [Jul 25]
"Boxing legend Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, visited the Saudi Embassy in Washington yesterday. They met with Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal as well as Embassy staff, their families and friends. In June, Prince Turki addressed the World Affairs Council of Kentucky at the Muhammad Ali Center, an international education and cultural center in Louisville, Kentucky.." [more]

SABIC Signs Sukuk Agreement [Jul 25]
"SABIC yesterday signed the underwriting agreement for its debut Sukuk issuance for a total amount of SR3 billion, the first public Sukuk issuance in the Saudi market under the new Capital Market Law.. ..The offering, which was open only to Saudi Arabian investors, proved to be a tremendous success and attracted orders from a diverse base of investors. Based on the final allocation, 49 percent of the SR3 billion was allotted to pension, mutual & other funds, 15 percent to corporates and institutions, and 36 percent to banks in Saudi Arabia.." [more]

Arabs Press Syria to End Hezbollah Support [Jul 24]
"Mideast diplomats were pressing Syria to stop backing Hezbollah as the guerrillas fired more deadly rockets onto Israel's third-largest city Sunday.. ..A loss of Syria's support would deeply weaken Hezbollah, though its other ally, Iran, gives it a large part of its money and weapons. The two moderate Arab governments were prepared to spend heavily from Egypt's political capital in the region and Saudi Arabia's vast financial reserves to break Damascus from the guerrillas and Iran, the diplomats said.." [more]

Saudi Dispatches Mobile Hospital to Lebanon [Jul 24]
"Continuing its efforts to ease the sufferings of the Lebanese people during these tragic circumstances, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be sending Mobile Hospitals as a part of its relief efforts. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has ordered the dispatching of Mobile Hospitals equipped with all necessary medical equipment to Lebanon, according to an announcement by the Minister of Health Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Mani.." [more]

Saudi Sama Signs Maintenance Contract With Swiss Firm [Jul 24]
" Sama, the new low-budget Saudi airline, has signed a SR453 million aircraft maintenance and engineering contract with SR Technics of Switzerland, indicating that the company will be operating fully-fledged in the near future.. ..As Saudi Arabia's first low-cost airline, Sama plans to begin flying within months and expects to carry at least half a million passengers by the end of the year. Sama says the contract reinforces Sama's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for its passengers.." [more]

Shoura Condemns Israeli Brutality on the Lebanese [Jul 24]
"In a statement released yesterday, the Shoura Council condemned Israel’s brutal attacks on the Lebanese and Palestinian people and denounced the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Lebanon as a flagrant violation of international law. The council called on the world community to condemn Israeli aggressions against Lebanon and Palestine. The statement called for Israel to take the responsibility of compensating for the destruction it has caused in Lebanon.." [more]

U.S. Aims to Reinforce Arab Governments Criticizing Hezbollah [Jul 24]
"The U.S. is trying to make sure that Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other Arab states that have criticized Hezbollah for attacking Israel don't back down under pressure from their own citizens or other nations supporting the Shiite militia. Forestalling such wavering is one of the goals of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who left for the Middle East yesterday after a White House meeting with top Saudi officials and President George W. Bush.." [more]

Saudi Shares Edge Higher [Jul 24]
"The Saudi stock market edged higher yesterday. The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) crossed the 11,000 mark to close at 11,008.7, up 230.45 points or 2.14 percent. Over SR20 billion worth of shares changed hands yesterday.." [more]

Saudis Celebrate Year of Prosperity [Jul 23]
"Yesterday might have been just another summer's day for most people across the world, Saudis however celebrated the first anniversary of the accession of King Abdullah to the throne. Saudis have described the past year as 'a year of blessings and prosperity.'.. ..Since the first day he took over the reins of power following the death of his brother Fahd, King Abdullah has shown wisdom, humanity and diplomacy. He has also shown foresight about the future of his country in such continuously changing times.." [more]

Bush, Rice, Saudi Diplomats Meet at White House [Jul 23]
"A diplomatic team from Saudi Arabia met with President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Sunday to press them to play a more influential role in the Middle East conflict by urging Israel to lay down its arms. The meeting lasted just over an hour, and in it, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki al-Faisal and Saudi National Security Council chief Prince Bandar bin Sultan urged Bush to press for an immediate cease-fire in the Middle East.." [more]

OPEC Does Not Want High Oil Price: Saudi Oilmin [Jul 23]
"Top world oil exporter Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that OPEC producers want to avoid high oil prices that may harm global economic growth. 'OPEC-member states want stability in world oil markets and seek to avoid fluctuations in oil prices or a rise in prices to levels that would affect the global economy, especially that of developing countries,' Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi.." [more]

Water Ministry Signs 5 Consultancy Deals [Jul 23]
" In line with the Kingdom’s privatization program, the Ministry of Water and Electricity signed yesterday five consultancy contracts worth SR23.4 million for privatizing water and wastewater management in Riyadh.. ..He pointed out that these companies will assist in the process of issuing the proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts to manage, operate and maintain the water and wastewater services in the capital. According to the agreement, these signatories would also assist in the prequalification process of international companies that are bidding for the PPP project.." [more]

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