Abstract
Saudi-American relations have been one of the most important paradigms in the broader American relations with the Middle East, and the Muslim world as a whole. Since the 1930s, when an official connection between Saudi Arabia and the United States was first established, it has evolved to a point of almost complete dependence on one another. The paper shows that, contrary to the general perception of a strictly oil connection, the relation today is much more one of American geo-political interests in the region, and the security of the Saudi Royal family. In short, the Saudi-American relationship has always been "a marriage of convenience, not affection." The paper shows that behind the official line of friendship and common interests, however, is a very complex relationship that is often strained by the mutual exclusion of two very different and incompatible societies. On one hand, the partnership is challenged by younger Saudis opposed to the United States and the corrupted Saudi regime, and on the other it is opposed by Americans questioning the ties to a terrorist exporting Saudi Arabia.

From the Paper
"President Reagan, however, decided the sale of the AWACS must proceed to help the Saudis guard against attacks on their oil installations. He urged Congress to approve the transfer of five AWACS and seven aerial refueling tankers. The package also included auxiliary fuel tanks for the F-15 fighters and more than 1,000 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The deal was presented to the public as nothing more than a small military package of five planes and some equipment. Days before the Senate vote, the Washington Post prepared a story on the real size and significance of the purchase, but the Pentagon pressed the newspaper to delay it until after the vote".

Tags:arabs, AWACS, Bush, Bandar