The King and Us
The exchange of oil for security no longer defines the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Still, the two countries can restore healthy ties by addressing common concerns such as Pakistan and the Palestinian territories.
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Four authors refuel the debate on Saudi oil; Edward Morse and James Richard reply.
Thanks to a steady increase in oil output in recent years, Russia is now poised to displace Saudi Arabia as the key energy supplier to the West. But the kingdom has not welcomed Russia's gain. The emerging contest for oil dominance between Russia and Saudi Arabia will profoundly affect U.S. energy security, Russia's global role, Saudi power, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, not to mention the global economy.
The immediate effect of Asia's crisis will be an oil shock, but in the longer term, Asia's energy needs will be the problem. Asia's energy demand will be more than nine million barrels of oil per day higher in 2010 than it was in 1996-a difference greater than the entire current output of Saudi Arabia. But market integration and cooperation will prevent conflict as countries work together to utilize Central and Southeast Asian natural gas reserves. China, for one, has already reached agreements to develop oil fields in Kazakstan and build a massive pipeline to its Xinjiang province. The South China Sea will remain a concern, but the current crisis will help nations move toward the market and away from state control of energy.

Comments
America a lousy submissive?
Most know that because of the history of her Constitution, (if it still exists), Americans make lousy submissives. They are far too independent minded to accommodate the global bullies that would rely upon that method of dominance.
If global bullies insist upon making America into its submissive of the month, or the year, they are not likely to get her willing acquiescence too easily.
If Americans are confused about where they stand in foreign policy, it is the problem that her leaders are not asking whether she wants to submit, or whether she wants to stand firm.
This is the fault of media, or the fault of government itself, as elected. It surely isn't the fault of Americans.
How much compromise is America willing to make for peace?
Thirty years ago, in
Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1974, I had the privilege of addressing this forum for the first time. Many things have changed since then … for one thing this audience seems much younger and regrettably I am much older. However, one thing has not changed, and that is the very important role this Council plays in forging and formulating informed opinion about issues of strategic importance for the United States.Dissertation Help | Thesis Help | Custom Research Paper
Bush and Vice
Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, who developed Saudi ties during the Persian Gulf War, have been instrumental in bringing President George W. Bush together with Crown Prince Abdullah, who currently manages the kingdom’s affairs in Fahd’s stead. At the same time, public sentiment in both countries, fueled by cable television and the Internet, has played an unusually large role in the crisis. Both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia responded with elaborate campaigns to improve their national images.