The Heritage Foundation

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The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia , Washington

Cordially Invite You

A Re-Evaluation of U.S.-Saudi Relations

Based on Historical and Contemporary Events

Though Saudi Arabia is gradually increasing its linkages with the global community, it continues to have archaic governing and succession of power institutions which give the population no direct role in decision-making.  Saudi Arabia continues to have a restrictive and xenophobic form of religion.  However, recent changes in Saudi Arabia may provide a window of opportunity for a new U.S approach.

Panel 1 – Saudi Global and Regional Policies (10:00 a.m.)

James Phillips, Senior Research Fellow for Middle Eastern Affairs, The Heritage Foundation

Nina Shea, Senior Fellow, The Hudson Institute

Walid Phares, Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Ali Alyami, Executive Director, The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia (Moderator)

Panel 2 – New Strategies for the Future (11:30 a.m.)

Ali Alyami, Executive Director, The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

Jack Pearce, Board Member, The Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

Aiyah Saihati, Saudi Arabian businesswoman and Research Scholar

Sarah Platts, Associate Fellow and Program Director, Henry Jackson Society (Moderator)

The United States has a unique opportunity to initiate a policy that supports participatory political processes and stability in Saudi Arabia – a difficult, but necessary combination to achieve.  Reviewing and re-evaluating U.S.-Saudi relations is not only timely, but also necessary as a new U.S. Administration is promising to pursue a policy of “mutual respect.”  Given the present environment in Saudi Arabia , the United States could focus on specific steps to foster democratic governing institutions necessary for sustainable stability in a country whose policies affect the international community.

Cosponsors: Institute on Religion and Public Policy; Center for Religious Freedom; Hudson Institute; Traditional Values Coalition; Henry Jackson Society; London , England and Washington , DC; Reform Party of Syria , Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Questions about program please contact. Ali Alyami ; 202.413.0084, ali@cdhr.info

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 – 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Heritage Foundation’s Lehrman Auditorium

Refreshments Provided

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