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

Learn more about Saudi Arabia from these additional resources.

Especially since September 11, 2001, the Islamic kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been viewed as a breeding ground for militant Islamic terrorist activity.