THE US-SAUDI RELATIONSHIP: STILL SPECIAL, BUT CHANGING

Although separated by distance and culture, the United States and Saudi Arabia have shared a special relationship for over 60 years. That relationship has come under increasing stress since the end of the unifying Cold War, the basing of US combat forces in Saudi Arabia with the first Gulf War, and the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that changed public perceptions on both sides. Along with the consequences of the US-led change of regime in Iraq in 2003, altered interests have diminished the two main supports of the relationship: enhanced oil supply assurance for the United States and US contributions to Saudi Arabia's external security. Much closer governmental collaboration has maintained the still vital relationship, but ongoing changes in national interests pose future uncertainties.

*The two parties are still bound by common energy supply and security interests.

*Differences in both the approach to, and priority for, regional issues-ranging from Iraq and Iran to the Palestinians-put growing strain on the relationship.

*Maintaining the more intensive government-to-government exchange that has grown since 9/11 provides an avenue for continuing a collaborative relationship important to both sides.

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