The U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia has been based on a disarmingly simple proposition: In exchange for cheap Saudi oil, the United States has guaranteed the kingdom’s defense. President Franklin Roosevelt asserted in 1943 that protecting the Arab nation, and its oil, was a vital U.S. economic interest. Although the two countries have no defense treaty, the substance of Roosevelt’s policy remains intact and has served both sides well. But now doubts are arising about the stability of Saudi Arabia and the ability of the United States to come up with answers. Islamic firebrands, apparently linked to al-Qaida, have been targeting of late Americans, other Westerners and Western interests in general as part of a campaign to overthrow the Saudi monarchy in power since the 1930s. They consider the Saudi establishment too hospitable to Americans and other foreign “infidels.” Full Story
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