October 7, 2004: Senator Joseph Biden (D - Delaware,) the ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, discusses Saudi Arabia with host Carol Marin.

In 1983, King Fahd appointed Prince Bandar ambassador to the United States.

Prince Nayef's politics are aligned with the conservative Islamic tenets that underpin Saudi Arabian society.

Will the kingdom will find a path to democratic reform or succumb to a rising tide of Islamic extremism.

Though reportedly a friend of the Bush family, King Abdullah has been critical of U.S. political positions.

Saudi Arabia is in the throes of a crisis. Its population is growing faster than its economy, its welfare state is rapidly deteriorating, regional and sectarian resentments are rising, and the disaffected are increasingly turning to radical Islamic activism.

In 1962, Prince Salman became the influential Governor of Riyadh Region.

in August of 2002 Prince Sultan was sued by the families of September 11 victims for contributions he allegedly made to charities with ties to al-Qaeda.

Approximately seven thousand amir, or princes, make up the most important branch of the Al-Saud family

Get to know the faces and places of Saudi Arabia with our Photo Essay.

Learn more about Saudi Arabia from these additional resources.

With rare access, WIDE ANGLE films behind the scenes with the young reporters of one of Iran's leading reformist newspapers.