US-Saudi Relationship in a Time of Transition

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The United States and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed good relations for decades. The Saudis are the single largest supplier of US oil, and America has provided much needed protection to the monarchy. Seen by some as a marriage of necessity, the relationship was challenged by the World Trade Center attacks when it was discovered that 15 of the hijackers were Saudis. Many Saudis, who see last week-s terrorist attacks in Riyadh as their September 11, fear that a scheduled pullout of American troops will further weaken relations at a time when the Saudi government itself is fighting to survive. Guest host Jim Moret considers the future of the US-Saudi relationship with journalists in the Middle East, including one who has written extensively about radical Islamic groups, and national security and defense experts in the US. Making News: US Signs WHO-s International Tobacco Control Treaty The World Health Organization gave preliminary approval today to an international treaty designed to fight tobacco use around the world. Tightened controls include restrictions on cigarette advertising and new efforts to counter smuggling. In a surprising reversal of policy, the US announced it would support the treaty. Marc Kaufman of the Washington Post reports that the treaty is likely to have significant global impact, especially in the third world. Reporter's Notebook: Is the US up to the Task of Winning the Peace in Iraq? The challenges facing US troops in defeating Saddam Hussein may be dwarfed by military efforts to maintain the peace. The focus on the delicate task of maintaining order in Iraq comes as the Peacekeeping Institute, part of the US Army War College, is just months away from being shut down. Larry Goodson, director of Middle East Studies at the College-s Department of National Security and Strategy, addresses the complex dichotomy.
The United States and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed good relations for decades. The Saudis are the single largest supplier of US oil, and America has provided much needed protection to the monarchy. Seen by some as a marriage of necessity, the relationship was challenged by the World Trade Center attacks when it was discovered that 15 of the hijackers were Saudis. Many Saudis, who see last week-s terrorist attacks in Riyadh as their September 11, fear that a scheduled pullout of American troops will further weaken relations at a time when the Saudi government itself is fighting to survive. Guest host Jim Moret considers the future of the US-Saudi relationship with journalists in the Middle East, including one who has written extensively about radical Islamic groups, and national security and defense experts in the US.
  • Making News: US Signs WHO-s International Tobacco Control Treaty
    The World Health Organization gave preliminary approval today to an international treaty designed to fight tobacco use around the world. Tightened controls include restrictions on cigarette advertising and new efforts to counter smuggling. In a surprising reversal of policy, the US announced it would support the treaty. Marc Kaufman of the Washington Post reports that the treaty is likely to have significant global impact, especially in the third world.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Is the US up to the Task of Winning the Peace in Iraq?
    The challenges facing US troops in defeating Saddam Hussein may be dwarfed by military efforts to maintain the peace. The focus on the delicate task of maintaining order in Iraq comes as the Peacekeeping Institute, part of the US Army War College, is just months away from being shut down. Larry Goodson, director of Middle East Studies at the College-s Department of National Security and Strategy, addresses the complex dichotomy.
JIM MORET
Guest host Jim Moret has had an extensive career in both local and national television news reporting over the past 20 years, including nearly a decade at CNN. A member of the California bar since 1981, next month he will deliver the commencement address at his alma mater for the UCLA Department of Communication Studies.

World Health Organization (WHO) on tobacco control

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on tobacco control

Kaufman's article, "US Backs Pact Curbing Tobacco Use Worldwide"

State Department on Iraq

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Warren Olney