The Strategic Importance of Saudi Arabia in the U.S. Foreign Policy 1990 -1991

The strategic importance of Saudi Arabia to the United States increased after Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 -1991. During this crisis, the relations between both countries developed to include policy, security, military and economic affairs. The aim of this development was to address the challenges which emerged as a result of Gulf War. The most prominent challenge was the confrontation with the radical regional powers that represented a serious threat for the American interests, as well as, the safety and stability of Saudi Arabia Kingdom. This study focuses on the importance attached by the U.S. foreign policy to Saudi Arabia. It aims to give a future image for this relationship, building on reading the historical features. The research highlights the strength of the mutual interests embodied in the U.S-Saudi relation. Political system analysis approach was used to detect the internal and the external effects that made U.S and the Saudi governments nurture this relationship. The researcher used the descriptive-historical methodology in tracing the trajectory of the USA – Saudi relationship, and the analytical methodology to identify the historical junctures that contributed to this relationship