This report provides an overview of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia energy relationship that dates back to at least 1933. Since then, this relationship has witnessed the creation of the Arabian American Oil Company (Aramco), nationalization and ownership transfer of Aramco to Saudi Arabia (renamed Saudi Aramco), a Saudi-supported embargo of crude oil shipments to the United States, and various periods of energy cooperation. Today, the U.S.-Saudi energy relationship includes interests within three general categories: (1) energy trade, (2) business operations, and (3) global petroleum prices.

This report discuses Saudi Arabia's governmental structure, human rights issues, relations with countries in the region, defense policies, and U.S. relations with the country. Special focus is given to military affairs and trade with Saudi Arabia.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ruled by the Al Saud family since its founding in 1932, wields significant political and economic influence as the birthplace of the Islamic faith and by virtue of its large energy reserves. This report provides background information about Saudi Arabia and analyzes current issues in U.S.-Saudi relations.

Interview with Eric Suggs, an avionics systems expert in the US Air Force. He describes his observations on life in Saudi Arabia.

Interview with Eric Suggs, an avionics systems expert in the US Air Force. He describes his observations on life in Saudi Arabia.

Interview with Jeffrey Gill, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served as a staff sergeant from 1995-2002 in Korea and Saudi Arabia. Gill describes his time as a hazmat technician, as well as the most and least memorable moments of his military career.

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Women have become an integral part of the armed forces, but they are excluded from most combat jobs. Several issues remain. One is whether to reduce, maintain, or expand the number of women in the services as the total forces are being reduced. A second question is to what extent women should continue to be excluded from some combat positions by policy. Would national security be jeopardized or enhanced by increasing reliance on women in the armed forces? Should women have equal opportunities and responsibilities in national defense? Or do role and physical differences between the sexes, the protection of future generations, and other social norms require limiting the assignments of women in the armed forces? Opinion in the United States is deeply divided on the fundamental issues involved.

Video footage from the NBC 5/KXAS station in Fort Worth, Texas, to accompany a news story about airmen from the Carswell Air Force Base in Forth Worth, Texas who are stationed in Saudi Arabia. This story was produced for the 6:00 P.M. news broadcast.

Letter from Alex Bradford to the Fire Protection Engineering Department of the Standard Oil Company of California discussing Mr. Bradford's foreign experiences as a Fire Officer.