Educational Media Reviews Online

This is an excellent primer on U.S. and Saudi Arabian relations for those who may not have firsthand recollections of the Gulf War. Though brief, this film discusses the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia which has grown unstable in recent years. Resentment of the ruling Saudi royal family is swelling. Many Saudis believe the royal family has become far too close to the U.S. and has forsaken Islam. This is exemplified by the remaining U.S. military base on Saudi soil.

The Saudi government, on the other hand, has been lukewarm toward the United States. The Saudis declined to investigate into suspected al Quaeda terrorist acts, refused to freeze Osama bin Laden’s bank accounts, and refuse to consign themselves with a proposed strike on Iraq. The Saudi government seems to be keeping both the U.S. government and the Saudi populace displeased. The delicate situation in Saudi Arabia, which possesses approximately 25% of the world’s known oil supply, may become yet more volatile when Prince Abdullah, an anti-American, takes control of the royal family.

This documentary is a good piece of work which provides a history of U.S./Saudi relations and gives the perspectives of all parties through interviews with exiled Saudi dissidents, U.S. government officials, and more. Viewing this documentary supplies imperative information for citizens of the world. This film is highly recommended, though it is extremely time sensitive. The film speaks to the fact that Saudi Arabia has not witnessed any terrorist acts, yet on October 15, 2002, Saudi guards foiled a hijack attempt on a plane from Sudan to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is a grim realization of the unsteadiness of the region.