1、1 See, “What To Do? A Global Strategy,”The 9/11 Commission Report, section 12.2, p.374.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21913Updated October 13, 2004Saudi Arabia: Reform and U.S. PolicyJeremy M. SharpMiddle East Pol
2、icy AnalystForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryIn the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, in which 15 of the 19airline hijackers were Saudi citizens, there has been a renewed concern over Islamicextremism in Saudi Arabia and its possible national security implicatio
3、ns for the UnitedStates. The 9/11 Commission Report recommends that Saudi Arabia and the UnitedStates undertake a commitment to political and economic reform in Saudi Arabia, whichsome believe could mollify social unrest. Others believe that attempted reforms,particularly if advocated by Western gov
4、ernments, might empower Saudi radicals. Thisreport provides an overview of the reform issue in Saudi Arabia, and issues surroundingU.S. policies to support liberalization in Saudi Arabia. For further information on SaudiArabia, see CRS Issue Brief IB93113, Saudi Arabia: Current Issues and U.S. Relat