In This Issue

News - Region

IRAQ SHIITE CLERIC WANTS U.N. VOTE PLEDGE
"Iraq's top Shiite cleric, who has insisted elections are necessary for a transfer of power on June 30, suggested he would accept a delay in voting but demanded U.N. guarantees that there will be no more postponements.. ..Iraq's Governing Council and American administrators were trying to work out a new method. The alternative preferred by the United States is to expand the 25-member Governing Council and hand it power on June 30 until elections can be held, according to Washington officials. Though the coalition would hand over power, the United States expects it to keep some 100,000 troops in Iraq for at least another two years.." Complete report..
Also:
ANNAN RULES OUT IRAQ POLLS BEFORE JUNE 30 
BREMER SAYS IRAQI VOTE AT LEAST A YEAR AWAY

BREMER GIVES ASSURANCE ON IRAQ HAND OFF
"U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer insisted [Feb 19] that the United States will hand power to Iraqis by June 30 and won support from the United Nations for moving ahead without immediate elections. The favored U.S. option is to expand the existing 25-member Iraqi Governing Council.. ..'There are 133 days before sovereignty returns to an Iraqi government on June 30th,' Bremer said. 'Changes in the mechanism performing an interim government are possible but the date holds'." Complete report.. 
~~GulfWire Link~~
U.S. PLAN TO TRANSFER POWER IN IRAQ MAY SHIFT DRASTICALLY - GWD Feb 9, 2003

BREMER HINTS HE MAY BAR IRAQI ISLAMIC LAW
"Iraq's U.S. administrator suggested he would block any move by Iraqi leaders to make Islamic law the backbone of an interim constitution, which women's groups fear could threaten their rights.. ..Bremer said the current draft of the interim constitution, due to take effect at the end of this month, would make Islam the state religion and 'a source of inspiration for the law' - but not the main source for that law. However, Mohsen Abdel-Hamid, the current president of the Iraqi Governing Council and a Sunni Muslim hard-liner, has proposed making Islamic law the 'principal basis' of legislation.." Complete report.. 
~~GulfWire Link~~
NEW IRAQ 'WELL ON WAY TO BECOMING ISLAMIC STATE' - GWD Nov 3, 2003

IRAQ: ANYBODY GOT A PLAN?
"If it can't yet point to a happy ending in Iraq, the Bush administration at least needs to show Americans that it has a plan for winning the peace. It was that need that brought Washington's point man in Iraq, Ambassador J. Paul Bremer, rushing home last November for unscheduled consultations at the White House. Back then, the U.S. casualty total was climbing steadily and there was no sign of an end to the insurgency; Capitol Hill was reeling from sticker shock over the administration's $87 billion budget request; the Iraqi Governing Council handpicked by Bremer had failed to achieve legitimacy and was making no progress towards drawing up a new constitution. All of that made Bremer's three-year plan for nurturing Iraqi democracy a luxury the Bush administration could no longer afford. So, not for the first time since the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Bush administration changed its plan for Iraq.." Complete report..

IRAQ SHOCK FOR KUWAIT
"Iraq could consider territorial claims over Jordan and Kuwait in the future, the current president of the interim Governing Council said [Feb 21]. 'We need our Arab brothers around us. Now, we cannot discuss this matter with them at all, but in the future, we'll see,' said Mohsen Abdel Hamid.. .. Jordan government spokeswoman Asma Kohdr said Amman would demand an explanation of Abdel Hamid's comments.." Complete report..

SUICIDE ATTACK KILLS 13 IRAQIS
"International troops opened fire [Feb 18] on two explosive-laden trucks that tried to plow through a Polish military camp south of Baghdad, triggering blasts that killed at least 13 people, including the two drivers and Iraqi civilians in a nearby neighborhood, coalition officials said..  ..the attack took place close to several homes located near the military camp and the Iraqi civilian dead included men, women and children.." Complete report..

IRAN ANNOUNCES PLANS TO SELL NUCLEAR FUEL
"Iran said [Feb 15] that it plans to sell nuclear reactor fuel internationally, establishing the Islamic republic as a country with the technology required to enrich uranium.. ..Once Iran produces nuclear fuel, it will market it under the strict supervision of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
IRAN SIGNS UP TO NUCLEAR CHECKS - GWD Dec 22, 2003

HUNDREDS DIE IN IRAN TRAIN HORROR
"A massive explosion aboard runaway train carriages hauling fuel and industrial chemicals killed more than 300 people in northeastern Iran [Feb 18], including top local officials, firefighters and rescue workers who were extinguishing a blaze that began when the cars derailed.. ..IRNA quoted local officials as saying most of the casualties were in five nearby villages that were 'severely damaged'.." Complete report..

BAHRAINI OPPOSITION BANNED FROM KUWAIT ENTRY
"The head of Bahrain's main Shia party and an activist with a leftist party have said they were denied entry into Kuwait. This came two days after two other opposition leaders said they had been banned from entering the emirate.. ..Ibrahim Shareef of the leftist National Democratic Action Association (NDAA) called the ban 'temporary and linked to the constitutional conference.' Kuwaiti authorities were not immediately available to confirm the ban.." Complete report..
Also:
BAR ON BAHRAINI LEADERS SNOWBALLS, REASONS SOUGHT

FBI: ARABS COOPERATING MORE IN TERROR WAR
"Terrorist attacks in Arab and Muslim countries have led those governments to vastly improve their cooperation with U.S. authorities in the war on terror, particularly in cutting off financing, FBI Director Robert Mueller said [Feb 17].. ..Although he declined to name specific countries, Mueller said Arab and Muslim countries have made significant strides in helping the United States identify and shut down sources of financing for al-Qaida, Hamas, Hezbollah and other groups.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
FBI LAUDS KINGDOM'S COOPERATION - GWD Jun 9, 2003

FORUM OPENS WITH CALLS TO SOLVE CONFLICTS
"An international conference on development opened [Feb 16] with calls to resolve conflicts in the Middle East that are hampering progress and contributing to terrorism. Speakers at the two-day Doha Development Forum also touched on globalization and political reforms, and Qatar's economic and political transformation.. ..The Doha Development Forum convened for the first time in the Qatari capital and was part of this pro-Western Gulf state's efforts to turn itself into a regional center. Qatar has taken steps in recent years to open and diversify its energy-based economy.." Complete report..

TALKS TO CONSIDER QATAR-BAHRAIN BRIDGE
"A Bahraini-Qatari joint commission is to hold talks on [Feb 22] on plans to build a bridge linking the two Gulf Arab states at an estimated cost of $2 billion.. ..The commission was formed after a decades-old territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar was resolved by the world court in March 2001.   
Relations between Manama and Doha have been chilly since the commission last met in 2002. One of the problems is believed to be Qatar's frequent arrest of Bahraini fishermen after they stray into its territorial waters.." Complete report.. 

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE SEEKS CHANGES IN GULF JOB LAWS
"Arab female leaders ended a four-day conference [Feb 19] with a call for changing Gulf laws to ensure jobs and giving women a bigger say in domestic affairs and decision making. The more than 70 participants from the UAE and other Arab countries also blasted regional women societies for their failure to promote female causes in the face of social restrictions, flawed attitudes by men and misunderstanding of Islam.. ..In their final statement, the women from the UAE and other GCC states, as well as Iraq, Palestine and Yemen said their proposals will be presented to their governments. They also accepted an invitation from Saudi Arabia to meet in Jeddah next February.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
WOMEN'S COMMITTEE TO BE SET UP AT GCC KUWAIT SUMMIT - GWD Nov 3, 2003

CURBS ON ASSISTANCE TO FOREIGN STUDENTS MAY GO IN A YEAR
"Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Saleh Al-Sheikh has indicated that the ban on scholarships for Muslim overseas students could be lifted within a year. His assurance came in response to a call from Dr. Saleh Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), who had urged the government to lift the temporary ban on transfer of funds for its activities in other parts of the world.. ..Around 7,000 Muslim students from different countries were receiving WAMY scholarships.." Complete report..

SATELLITE TV AND INTERNET WESTERNIZING GULF YOUTH
"The spread of Internet and satellite TV channels are allying with heavy reliance on foreign housemaids to change the attitude of Gulf children. 
Teenagers in the region are steering away from their language and culture towards the West by using more English vocabulary, changing their clothes and hairstyles to ape the US Marines and losing respect for parents.. ..But speakers at the three-day conference in Abu Dhabi acknowledged the maids and opening up to other cultures and civilizations also have positive effects on the region. They include enriching local cultures, expanding the people's general information and knowledge of other civilizations, and interacting with other races.." Complete report..

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News - Bahrain

PUBLIC GATHERINGS LAWS WARNING
"Strict laws governing 'public gatherings' were spelled out [Feb 16] by the Interior Ministry.. ..No gathering will be allowed to take place if it does not comply with these stipulations, said the statement.." Complete report..

BAHRAIN PM LEAVES FOR FRANCE, TO MEET CHIRAC
"Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa left the kingdom [Feb 19] on a five-day official visit to France, an official statement said yesterday. While in Paris, Sheikh Khalifa will meet with French President Jacques Chirac.. ..'The talks will touch on bolstering relations of friendship and co-operation with France in various fields. A number of joint co-operation agreements will be signed between the two countries during the visit'.." Complete report..

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News - Kuwait

KUWAITI GOVERNMENT APPROVES FUEL CHARGE PROBE
"Parliament decided [Feb 16] to investigate charges that a Kuwaiti supplier to a subsidiary of Halliburton charged too much for fuel deliveries to Iraq after the U.S.-led war toppled Saddam Hussein. The unanimous vote came shortly after Kuwait's energy minister, Sheik Ahmed Fahd Al Ahmed Al Sabah, told parliament he would support such a probe.. ..Sheik Ahmed has ultimate responsibility for state-owned KPC. He has not, however, been implicated in any way with the profiteering allegations.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
KUWAIT PROBES US ARMY FUEL CONTRACT - GWD Feb 9, 2004

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News - Oman

OMAN ALLOWS GCC CITIZENS TO OWN PROPERTY
"Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) can now own property in Oman, according to a royal decree published in an official paper on [Feb 17].. .. But land acquired by a GCC citizen in Oman must be put to use within four years or the state has the right to reclaim it back after 'giving its owner appropriate compensation,' according to the decree.." Complete report..

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News - Qatar

TWO HELD OVER YANDERBIYEV KILLING
"Two suspects have been arrested in Qatar over the assassination of former Chechen leader Zelimkhan Yanderbiyev.. ..The-ex Chechen president and guerrilla leader was killed in a car blast in the capital Doha [Feb 13].. .. Mr Yanderbiyev - who was acting Chechen president in 1996 - had been living in Qatar for the last three years.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
TOP CHECHEN KILLED IN QATAR BLAST - GWD Feb 16, 2004

QATAR PASSES ANTI-TERROR LAW
"Qatar has passed its first anti-terrorist legislation, three days after former Chechen president Salim Khan Yandarbiyev was killed in a car bombing in Doha. Taking effect from Monday, the law comes on the heels of the first assassination of its kind in the tiny gas-rich emirate.. ..Al-Khayarin told journalists the bill had been debated 'throughout December and over several sessions'. Although he declined to provide specific details, al-Khayarin hinted the legislation was 'based on similar laws in neighboring and Arab countries'. This suggests Doha will now allow detentions of suspected international terrorists based on secret evidence without a criminal trial.." Complete report..

CYPRUS ALL SET TO OPEN EMBASSY IN QATAR
"The Mediterranean republic, Cyprus, will open its embassy in Doha, it's first ever in the GCC region, in a couple of weeks.." Complete report..

AL JAZEERA UNVEILS PLANS TO LAUNCH ENGLISH CHANNEL IN MAY
"Doha-based Al Jazeera television is to launch its new English language channel in May, according to a senior company official. Al Jazeera has signed a partnership agreement with Net Advantage to facilitate and market online advertising. The launch of the English language channel will help the popular Arabic news media expand its reach among the region's non-Arab viewers.." Complete report..

QATAR BANS U.S. POULTRY IMPORTS OVER BIRD FLU
"The Gulf Arab state of Qatar on [Feb 16] banned U.S. poultry imports over health concerns linked to the bird flu virus. Three U.S. states have confirmed cases of milder strains of bird flu that officials say cannot jump the species barrier like the H5N1 virus that has killed 20 people in Asia.. ..the ban covered poultry meat and eggs.." Complete report..

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News - Saudi Arabia

SECURITY FORCES GET 2,000 CALLS ABOUT CAR BOMB
"Security forces are getting closer to recovering the wanted GMC Suburban car full of explosives that could, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, lead to a 'terrorist act'. A source in the Ministry of Interior told Arab News yesterday that since the ministry made public the description of the wanted GMC car, it has received some 2,000 calls.. ..On [Feb 14], the ministry posted a reward of SR7 million to anyone who supplied information leading to the detention of the GMC Suburban car.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
PEOPLE WARNED OF TERROR ATTACK - GWD Feb 16, 2004

SAUDI ENVOY PLAYS DOWN WARNING OF POSSIBLE ATTACK
"A senior Saudi diplomat [Feb 17] played down a British warning 'terrorists' could be in the final stages of planning an attack in Saudi Arabia and said his government was winning its fight against terror.. ..The Foreign Office warning followed an announcement from Saudi Arabia on {Feb 13] that a car owned by a wanted militant had been packed with explosives to be used in what it called a criminal act in Riyadh.." Complete report..

SAUDI PETITION CALLS FOR REFORM TIMETABLE
"Nearly 900 supporters of reform in Saudi Arabia have appealed to de facto ruler Crown Prince Abdullah to set a timetable for political change in the conservative Muslim kingdom. In a letter to the prince, seen by Reuters on [Feb 22], the signatories praised Abdullah's cautious public commitment to reform but said it was time to begin implementing promises.. ..The petitioners called a timetable for implementing what it said were recommendations from the national dialogue, including 'accelerated political reform, expanding popular participation, an elected consultative council and regional councils'. It also called for establishment of unions and other "foundations of civil society", combating extremism, ensuring freedom of expression and strengthening the role of women.." Complete report..

KINGDOM NOT AWARE OF US DEMOCRACY INITIATIVE, SAYS PRINCE SAUD
"Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said [Feb 21] Saudi Arabia is yet to be officially informed of a new US initiative to promote democracy in the Arab world. He said the initiative would be taken up at an Arab summit in Tunis on March 29-30.. ..Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Colin Powell said Washington was considering a major international initiative aimed at encouraging democratic reforms in the Middle East and was looking for ways to 'institutionalize' such a project.." Complete report..

KINGDOM WARNS US AGAINST IMPOSING REFORMS
"Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said [Feb 19] he was skeptical about US efforts to promote democracy in the Arab world and warned against demanding too-quick reforms in the Kingdom.. ..The prince said he was hoping for more information from the Bush administration about reports that it is preparing to launch this June a 'Greater Middle East Initiative' modeled on the 1975 'Helsinki pact,' which the West used to press for greater freedoms and human rights behind the Iron Curtain.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BUSH SEEKS BACKING FOR 'GREATER MIDEAST' PLAN - GWD Feb 9, 2003

TREASURY BLOCKS ASSETS OF SAUDI CHARITY
"The government has ordered banks to freeze the assets of the U.S. arm of a large Saudi charity that is accused of funneling contributions to help finance al-Qaida's terrorist activities.  The action announced [Feb 19] affects the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation's operations in Ashland, Ore., and Springfield, Mo., said Richard Newcomb, director of the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.. ..Treasury's action is part of a larger probe into Al-Haramain's operations worldwide and will help the government determine 'if there are those al-Qaida ties' at the U.S. branches as alleged in some other foreign branches.." Complete report..
Also: 
U.S. FREEZES ACCOUNTS OF LARGE SAUDI CHARITY
~~GulfWire Link~~
SAUDI CHARITY DENIES U.S. CHARGES OF TERROR LINKS - GWD Jul 7, 2003

EU OPENS FIRST DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN RIYADH
"The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union have set out a broad vision for closer ties by formally opening the European Commission's first diplomatic mission in the Saudi capital.. ..Ambassador Schellinck said Bernard Savage, a seasoned diplomat, was named as head of the EC's permanent delegation in Saudi Arabia.. ..The GCC has emerged as a significant consumer bloc with more than $80 billion in annual imports. Brussels and Riyadh have forged closer cooperation, with exports exceeding $1 billion and imports totaling $420 million.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
GCC, EU TO SIGN FREE TRADE ACCORD - GWD Sep 29, 2003

SAUDI SEES DOUBLE STANDARDS OVER ISRAEL WEAPONS
"Saudi Arabia accused the international community [Feb 17] of double standards over weapons programs in the Middle East, saying nobody questioned Israel about its nuclear arms. There are issues of armaments that are never even brought to the fore," said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal.. ..Al-Faisal had been asked about concerns, expressed by U.S. officials at the weekend, that China was still supplying missiles to Saudi Arabia that could be used to launch nuclear weapons.." Complete report..

BORDER FENCING TO GO AHEAD WITH YEMENI COOPERATION
"Saudi Arabia has not halted the construction of a security fence on its border with Yemen aimed at preventing infiltration and arms smuggling, but the project will be completed in cooperation with Sanaa, Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed has said.. ..Prince Ahmed said the Kingdom has already completed the first phase of the project in key areas along the border. 'What has been discussed by experts in both countries is a joint effort to continue the work for border security, and that is what we are going to do in the near future'.." Complete report..
Also:
YEMEN, SAUDI ARABIA SETTLE BORDER DISPUTE
SAUDI ARABIA TO HALT BORDER FENCE, SAYS YEMEN
~~GulfWire Link~~
KINGDOM-YEMEN EMERGENCY TALKS SET OVER BORDER FENCE - GWD Feb 16, 2003

SALEH AFFIRMS SECURITY TIES WITH KINGDOM
"Visiting Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh held talks here [Feb 17] with Saudi leaders and emphasized his country's resolve to strengthen security cooperation with the Kingdom.. ..According to the Saudi Press Agency, the discussions focused on major global issues, most importantly Palestine and Iraq, and ways of strengthening bilateral relations.." Complete report..
Also:
KINGDOM, YEMEN AGREE TO BOLSTER BORDER SECURITY
~~GulfWire Link~~
PAPER: SAUDIS SEIZE ARMS AT YEMEN BORDER EVERY HOUR - GWD Aug 24, 2003

CANADA WOOS SAUDI STUDENTS
"In a move to attract Saudi students, the Canadian Embassy will hold two seminars to introduce Canada as a destination for Saudi students and also as a source for contract training for government and private sector organizations. Canadian Ambassador Roderick Bell said the educational seminars would be held in Jeddah and Riyadh on Feb. 23 and Feb. 25 respectively.. ..A number of Saudi students who left the US after Sept. 11, 2001 are looking to Canada as a possibility for higher education, professional courses and training.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
AMERICAN, BRITISH SCHOOLS REPORT FALL IN STUDENT NUMBERS - GWD Sep 1, 2003

KINGDOM, POLAND TO SIGN DEAL ON COMBATING TERRORISM
"Saudi Arabia and Poland will sign an agreement shortly to combat terrorism and organized crimes. A five-member delegation headed by Zbignew Wrona, director of the Legal Department in the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, was in the Kingdom for the first round of talks, which dealt with drafting the agreement.. ..'In addition to prevention of terrorism, the agreement will cover a wider area of security interests such as organized crimes, drug trafficking, individual crimes and related offenses against properties and individuals,' Wrona said.." Complete report..

KFSH RECOGNIZED BY AMERICAN ACADEMY
"King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH) has been chosen to be the first Saudi organization accredited to the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education (AACME).. ..The director added that KFSH is the only organization in the Middle East granted AACME accreditation with a high recommendation. AACME, an international body providing accreditation to nearly 17,000 health care organizations around the world, sets high standards in CME and ensures continuous improvement of CME quality and delivery.." Complete report..

FELLOWSHIP SET UP FOR WOMEN RESEARCHERS
"The King Khaled Charitable Foundation has decided to give SR1 million annually to support post-graduate research studies by Saudi women.. ..The amount will be given for five years in support of scientific studies at the Research Center of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital.. .. Four Saudi women students enrolled at the center this year for the first time seeking doctorates and two others seeking master's degrees.." Complete report..                      

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News - UAE

NEW LAW GIVES EDGE TO FIGHT AGAINST MONEY-LAUNDERING
"A new law places the UAE at the leading edge in the fight against money-laundering gangs, according to a Dubai-based diplomat. Federal Law number four of 2002 gives broad-ranging powers to the financial authorities to seize dubious funds while investigations take place. The UAE and the US have a long history in combating money laundering, said Jason Davis, the American Consul General in Dubai.. ..Money laundering has become one of his country's main concerns since the September 11 crisis - especially because the crime is a major source of funds for terrorists.." Complete report..

NEW VISA REGULATIONS APPROVED
"The government gave residency authorities the green light to alter the visa status eliminating the need for expatriates to exit the country.. ..This follows a directive from President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, prompted by the Sharjah air crash in which at least 43 people died while returning from a 'visa-change flight'. However, no details were released with regard to rule changes.. ..Earlier, visitors to the UAE were required to leave the country before re-entering with a new employment visa.." Complete report..

NCC CALLS FOR LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
"The National Consultative Council (NCC) of Abu Dhabi [Feb 16] urged the development of the country's livestock resources and establish an Asmak-like company to help reduce dependence on livestock imports. The proposal came in a house report on livestock imports and related diseases.. ..According to the council, the presence of a huge number of imported livestock in the markets, particularly in Abu Dhabi, is alarming and could cause widespread epidemic, endangering the lives of residents and local livestock.." Complete report..

UAE WILL RECEIVE ITS FIRST F-16 JET FIGHTERS THIS YEAR
"The UAE announced [Feb 17] it would start receiving US-built F-16 jet fighters before the end of this year, after a long delay due to technical and logistic reasons.. ..defense sources said it is worth nearly Dh23.5 billion ($6.4 billion), covering spare parts, training, maintenance and logistic support. The deal was signed in Washington in March 2000 by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Delivery of the aircraft will be completed in 2008 and US pilots and air force experts will be present in the UAE to handle training and logistics.." Complete report..                                                   

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Link of the Week / GulfWire Flashback - Four Years of GW

LINK OF THE WEEK

ArabO.com
The Arab and Middle East Search Engine & Directory

<<ONE YEAR AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #185 WEEK OF FEB 24, 2003

SECRET SAUDI PLAN - CROWN PRINCE FLOATS ISLAMIC OCCUPATION FORCE FOR IRAQ
"The Saudis are proposing that after Saddam Hussein's fall, Saudi Arabia should lead a coalition of Islamic nation occupy Iraq while a transitional Iraqi government is established, with Turkey playing the leading role in the Islamic force.  Senior government officials told ABC NEWS that according to the Crown Prince, an Islamic occupation force would defuse the anti-American hostility that is sweeping the Middle East and putting pressure on moderate Arab governments that are allied with the United States. The Saudis would then be free to crack down on the extremist Jihadis in the Kingdom who are allied with al Qaeda or are sympathetic to Osama bin Laden.

     <<TWO YEARS AGO>>
        GULFWIRE DIGEST #136 WEEK OF FEB 25, 2002

SAUDI ARABIA - MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROPOSAL
NPR report on Crown Prince Abdullah's trial balloon includes
interviews with area specialists and others, including Mr.Adel al-Jubeir, foreign policy advisor to Crown Prince Abdullah.  [Audio Report - requires audio plug-in (i.e. RealPlayer)] 

<<THREE YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #86 WEEK OF MARCH 5, 2001

BAHRAIN: YOUR KINGDOM FOR OUR RIGHTS
"..The prevailing belief, however, is that Sheikh Hamad has a genuine desire for progress. The test of this will come in the next few months, as the country prepares first for municipal voting and then for a general election. Calls for "responsibility" and "maturity" in local editorials suggest an underlying anxiety that radicals-particularly religious ones-may abuse their new-found freedom. But few seem overly concerned that Shia clerics may be a dominant force.." 

      <<FOUR YEARS AGO>>
       GULFWIRE DIGEST #33 WEEK OF FEB 21, 2000

SAUDI ARABIA: FOREIGN INVESTMENT LAWS
The Supreme Economic Council approved draft laws on foreign investment in a meeting Sunday according to the official Saudi Press Agency cited in Reuters on February 21.  The draft laws and the General Investment Authority provide the means for attracting foreign capital to the Kingdom.

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