In this SUSRIS exclusive presentation, the “Saudi Perspective on the Middle East: The View from Riyadh” assessment provides: the background and context for Saudi diplomacy — assets and characteristics; economic and energy data; sources of regional instability; the “New Gulf Union”; profile of Gulf defense configurations; the Kingdom’s role in regional stabilization and its political and economic positioning; and key Saudi initiatives vis a vis Iran, Bahrain, Yemen, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Tunisia.
The presentation was released under the banner of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, where Obaid is a senior fellow. The Center is headed by Prince Turki al-Faisal, former Ambassador to the United Kingdom [2003-2005] and the United States [2005-2007]; and Director General of the General Intelligence Directorate [1977-2001]. He is retired from an active role in government but he reflects Riyadh’s thinking especially regarding foreign affairs and relations with the United States.
