Yesterday marked Saudi Arabia’s National Day. To be sure, much has happened since the last one in 2011. In that light, it may be worth revisiting some of the lesser known — or unknown and/or un-remembered — sinews between the Saudi Arabian and American governments as well as our respective peoples. The following essay by National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations Founding President and CEO Dr. John Duke Anthony re-emphasizes not only much of what all too many are unaware of and tend to take for granted. It notes that many of those who acknowledge the strategic advantages and economic gains that have long accrued to both peoples would give a lot to exchange places if only they could obtain the same range of rewards. At the end of the essay are links to other essays that Dr. Anthony has written on Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian-U.S. relationship.

At its core, the relationship is solid. Three of its key components — cooperation in the areas of energy, economic development, and defense — are strong and healthy. In each of these areas, reciprocity of respect for each other’s needs, concerns, and interests remains a hallmark. In each, too, the quest for mutuality of benefit stands out. This is not only normal and natural. It is as it should be. In each, also, the range and diversity of the excess longstanding interdependence between our two countries is the envy of the leaders of practically every other nation in the world.

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