Oil and Militant Islam: Strains on U.S.-Saudi Relations

In: World affairs: a journal of ideas and debate, Volume 165, Issue 3, p. 115-122

Abstract

The nature of the relationship between the US & Saudi Arabia prior to & following the September 11 (2001) terrorist attacks against the US is examined. Four central aspects of the US's dependence on Saudi Arabia for oil are explored including the heavy participation of American companies in oil exploration & development in Saudi lands & the measures Saudi governments have taken to stabilize oil prices since the 1970s. Although some American leaders have advocated policies that reduces the US's oil dependency on nations in unstable regions, it is argued that relations between both nations have been strained over the ongoing conflict involving Palestine & Israel. It is asserted that the Saudi ruling family has experienced some difficulty in mediating growing national support for Middle Eastern Arab groups & US demands to combat international terrorism. Additional attention is dedicated to investigating the Saudi government's handling of the emergence of militant Islam throughout the nation during the late 20th century. Several recommendations for preserving existing US-Saudi relations are offered, eg, both countries' continued support for a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. J. W. Parker