Saudi Arabia and the Illusion of Security

This paper examines Saudi Arabia’s security from the Saudi point of view, concentrating on internal challenges to the country’s security as well as external threats. It argues that Saudi Arabia should pursue a policy of inclusion vis-a-vis Iraq and Iran, rather than simply following the Western emphasis on the exclusion of these states. It also surveys US-Saudi relations in the aftermath of the terrorist strikes of the 11th of September 2001 and concludes that, while relations have been damaged, a continued co-operative relationship is in the interest of both parties.