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Saudi Arabia's Resolve to Fight Terrorism Will Be Tested

ATTACK IN SAUDI ARABIA

May 14, 2003|Michael Slackman | Times Staff Writer

Roberts said the Saudis have a history of failing to cooperate with U.S. investigations. "If they want to show they're really dedicated to full cooperation, they can start by providing the FBI unfettered access to investigate the attacks," Roberts said. "They've never done that."

For Saudi Arabia, it is not just a matter of stopping terrorism but of propping up the economy. Much of the skilled labor in the kingdom, and virtually all of the unskilled labor, is provided by foreign workers. The government has been trying to "Saudi-ize" the work force for years, but the process has been slow going. This attack could create lots of jobs for Saudi citizens.

The U.S. and the British governments have told their citizens to stay away from the country.

"If it wasn't so depressing, it would be funny," said one Saudi official involved in the nation's economic policy. "It will create lots of jobs for Saudis."

The Western diplomat said: "This is a challenge to the regime. I personally think the Al Sauds will respond. They have to. This is aimed at them. But this place is deeply divided."

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Times staff writer Greg Miller in Washington contributed to this report.

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