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American Morning
Inside Saudi Arabia
Aired October 03, 2002 - 08:53 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As President Bush studies possible actions against Iraq, he is keenly aware of the importance of Saudi Arabia. To strike a partnership, he's using some of the same tactics that worked for his father 10 years ago.
Our John King explains the similarities between then and now as we go inside Saudi Arabia.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At first glance, like father, like son, an emphasis on Saudi Arabia and building support for war with Iraq, just as it was for another president named Bush a dozen years ago. But there are significant differences this time around. Back then, the choices for both Washington and Rihad were clear.
The Saudis needed American troops to defend the kingdom and its vast oil reserves. The United States needed Saudi bases as a launching pad to liberate Kuwait. A dozen years later, very different views of Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
GOV. GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The danger to our country is grave. The danger to our country is growing. The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons. The Iraqi regime is building the facilities necessary to make more biological and chemical weapons.
KING: The Saudis see no immediate military threat from Baghdad, and some signs diplomacy is working.
SAUD AL-FAISAL, SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER: The promise to talk to the United Nations in order to bring back the inspectors that inspect of weapons of mass destruction. They promise to change their political dialogue toward -- in the countries and the propaganda against that incites turmoil in the region. These are very important decisions.
KING: The headlines, at times, suggest serious friction, something both governments vigorously dispute.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've been allies for more than 60 years, working together to solve the world's toughest problems, working together to create a better future for us all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: This rare invitation to the Bush ranch in April put the Saudi crown prince in exclusive company, joining the leaders of Russia and Britain on the Crawford guest list.
BUSH: I'm convinced that the stronger our personal bond is, the more likely it is relations between our country will be strong.
KING: The Saudi ambassador was invited back in August to reinforce the message. Differences, yes. Fundamental problems, no. Critics say Mr. Bush, like his father before him, puts America's need for Saudi oil first and overlooks serious problems, including Saudi financing of religious schools that preach hatred of the United States and Israel. Supporters of close ties say Saudi Arabia's help with intelligence and other matters is often invisible but indispensable.
WYCHE FOWLER, FMR. U.S. AMB. TO SAUDI ARABIA: They like to do things in secret, for their own political regions within the region. They have to live next to the Iraqis and next to the Iranians, and there is a balancing act.
KING: Dick Cheney is the bridge between the two Presidents Bush, as defense secretary then and vice president now, a key emissary held in such high regard by the Saudis, that his March visit including a rare audience, the ailing King Fahd.
John King, CNN, the White House.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired October 3, 2002 - 08:53 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: As President Bush studies possible actions against Iraq, he is keenly aware of the importance of Saudi Arabia. To strike a partnership, he's using some of the same tactics that worked for his father 10 years ago.
Our John King explains the similarities between then and now as we go inside Saudi Arabia.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): At first glance, like father, like son, an emphasis on Saudi Arabia and building support for war with Iraq, just as it was for another president named Bush a dozen years ago. But there are significant differences this time around. Back then, the choices for both Washington and Rihad were clear.
The Saudis needed American troops to defend the kingdom and its vast oil reserves. The United States needed Saudi bases as a launching pad to liberate Kuwait. A dozen years later, very different views of Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
GOV. GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The danger to our country is grave. The danger to our country is growing. The Iraqi regime possesses biological and chemical weapons. The Iraqi regime is building the facilities necessary to make more biological and chemical weapons.
KING: The Saudis see no immediate military threat from Baghdad, and some signs diplomacy is working.
SAUD AL-FAISAL, SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER: The promise to talk to the United Nations in order to bring back the inspectors that inspect of weapons of mass destruction. They promise to change their political dialogue toward -- in the countries and the propaganda against that incites turmoil in the region. These are very important decisions.
KING: The headlines, at times, suggest serious friction, something both governments vigorously dispute.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We've been allies for more than 60 years, working together to solve the world's toughest problems, working together to create a better future for us all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KING: This rare invitation to the Bush ranch in April put the Saudi crown prince in exclusive company, joining the leaders of Russia and Britain on the Crawford guest list.
BUSH: I'm convinced that the stronger our personal bond is, the more likely it is relations between our country will be strong.
KING: The Saudi ambassador was invited back in August to reinforce the message. Differences, yes. Fundamental problems, no. Critics say Mr. Bush, like his father before him, puts America's need for Saudi oil first and overlooks serious problems, including Saudi financing of religious schools that preach hatred of the United States and Israel. Supporters of close ties say Saudi Arabia's help with intelligence and other matters is often invisible but indispensable.
WYCHE FOWLER, FMR. U.S. AMB. TO SAUDI ARABIA: They like to do things in secret, for their own political regions within the region. They have to live next to the Iraqis and next to the Iranians, and there is a balancing act.
KING: Dick Cheney is the bridge between the two Presidents Bush, as defense secretary then and vice president now, a key emissary held in such high regard by the Saudis, that his March visit including a rare audience, the ailing King Fahd.
John King, CNN, the White House.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
