United States and Saudi Arabia: a policy analysis

Book · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975

OSTI ID:7335993

Nakhleh, E A

Saudi Arabia occupies an economic, political, and strategic position in American foreign policy. The commercial and military agreement that the U.S. signed with Saudi Arabia in June 1974 is a definite indication of the paramount economic position of Saudi Arabia in American long-range policy planning. The U.S. is also economically interested in the large sums of petrodollars amassed in Saudi Arabia. In order to repossess some of the petrodollars, the U.S. made sales of military weapons and services to the Arabs. The political/ideological dynamics of Saudi Arabia is discussed, as well as its importance to long-range policy in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's coatline, bordering on the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, further adds to its importance to U.S. policy in the Middle East. The following six points are discussed in this study: (1) for the foreseeable future Saudi Arabia will remain a cornerstone of American foreign policy in the Middle East; (2) American-Saudi relations, if based on a clear understanding of the interests and concerns of each of the two countries, can endure in a stable manner; (3) future relations between the two nations must be based on new assumptions and considerations--which would emerge from an overall review of American policy in the region; (4) if American policy planners hope to put the burgeoning American arms sales to Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf countries in proper perspective, it is imperative that a new feasibility study be prepared by the National Security Council; (5) relations with Saudi Arabia are only one aspect of the United States's relations with the entire Arab world; outstanding conflicts in Palestine and elsewhere will always be reflected in American-Saudi ties; and (6) the most enduring relationships are based on institutions, not specific regimes or rulers. Policy goals and options of both countries are examined and recommendations are given. (MCW)

• OSTI ID: 7335993
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
AGREEMENTS
ASIA
ECONOMIC POLICY
ENERGY POLICY
FOREIGN POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
NORTH AMERICA
SAUDI ARABIA
STABILITY
TRADE
USA
WEAPONS