Christopher M. Blanchard

Contents: (1) Recent Developments; (2) Background: Saudi Arabia (SA)-U.S. Relations, 1931-2001; 9/11 and its Aftermath; Recent Assessments; Terrorist Financing; (3) Congress. Interest in SA: U.S. Foreign Assist. to SA and Prohibitions; Counter-terrorism Assist.; BAE Corruption Inquiry; (4) Current Issues in U.S.-SA Relations; Mil. Cooperation: Counterterrorism; Al Qaeda; Combating Extremism; Arab-Israeli Conflict; SA-Palestinian Relations; SA Policy Priorities in Iraq; U.S.-SA Trade; U.S. Oil Imports and SA Policy; SA Boycott of Israel and WTO Membership; Human Rights, Religious Freedom, and Political Reform; Leadership and Succession; Social Reform Debates and Recent Leadership Changes; Human Rights; Religious Freedom.

Background and U. S. Relations

Saudi Arabia

Libyan-U.S. rapprochement has unfolded gradually since 2003, when the Libyan gov¿t. accepted responsibility for the actions of its personnel in regard to the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 and announced its decision to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and long-range missile programs. Full diplomatic relations were restored on May 31, 2006 when the U.S. upgraded its Liaison Office in Tripoli to an Embassy. This report provides background information on Libya and U.S.-Libyan relations; profiles Libyan leader Muammar al Qadhafi; discusses Libya¿s political and economic reform efforts; and reviews current issues of potential congressional interest. Illustrations.

Libya

The Library of Congress

Following the Libyan government's December 2003 decision to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction and long range missile programs, a number of bilateral diplomatic exchanges have taken place, and the termination of U.S. economic sanctions on Libya has paved the way for a renewal of investment by U.S. oil, gas, and energy service firms in Libya's under-capitalized energy sector. Several visits to Libya by Bush Administration officials and Members of Congress in 2004 and 2005 have raised expectations of a formal reestablishment of normal relations between the U.S. and Libya in the near future, including the removal of the last remaining sanctions associated with Libya's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Bilateral intelligence and counter-terrorism cooperation has contributed to a gradual U.S.-Libyan re-engagement on security matters since late 2001. Continuing U.S. concerns about Libya's relationship with some Palestinian terrorist groups and an alleged ...

Libya: Background and U.S. Relations

Contents: (1) Introduction: Al Qaeda: Statements 1994-2001: Founding Principles; ¿Declaration of Jihad¿; ¿Clash of Civilizations¿; (2) Al Qaeda Post-9/11; ¿The Goals of the New York Strike¿; Al Qaeda Statements in 2004-2007; Outreach and 'Truce¿ Proposals; Iraq and Al Qaeda¿s Ideology; Strategic Perspectives; Tactical Differences?; Iraq and Al Qaeda¿s Regional Ambitions; The ¿Islamic State of Iraq¿ and Discord; Political Goals and Perspectives on Reform; The Three Foundations; Al Qaeda on Democracy and Reform; Strategic Framework; Targeting Israel; The Importance of Oil; (3) Implications and Conclusion: Al Qaeda¿s Audiences; Pragmatic Messianism; Al Qaeda and the Jihadist International.

Christopher M. Blanchard

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