Bandar Bin Sultan

I am writing to take exception to "Experts Ask: Did Saudi Crackdown Light Fuse of Bomb?" (Nov. 14), about the car bombing that killed five Americans in Saudi Arabia. At this point, we do not yet know the identity or nationality of the terrorist who committed this horrible act. Yet Robin Wright wrote that "the eruption of violence in Saudi Arabia was almost predictable." On what basis did she link the bombing with this kind of blanket statement? The internal situation that Wright described--which is not accurate--did not cause this car bombing any more than the U.S. budget crisis caused the Oklahoma City bombing.

Former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh says $2 billion that flowed from a British arms manufacturer to U.S. bank accounts controlled by Prince Bandar bin Sultan, then Saudi ambassador to the U.S., was not a bribe, but was instead part of a complex barter involving the exchange of Saudi oil for British fighter jets. The transfer of funds to accounts at Riggs Bank in Washington, D.C.

Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the powerful former Saudi ambassador to the U.S. who has been one of the Bush administration's strongest allies in the Middle East, was publicly linked to a widening British corruption scandal Thursday with reports that a British aerospace company secretly transferred up to $2 billion into bank accounts at the Saudi Embassy in Washington.

Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the powerful former Saudi ambassador to the U.S. who has been one of the Bush administration's strongest allies in the Middle East, was publicly linked to a widening British corruption scandal Thursday with reports that a British aerospace company secretly transferred up to $2 billion into bank accounts at the Saudi Embassy in Washington.

Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who as Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States has been a power player here for 22 years, has resigned his post for personal reasons, the Saudi government announced Wednesday. The flamboyant former fighter pilot will be succeeded by Prince Turki al Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief and the current ambassador to Britain, the government said.

Former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh says $2 billion that flowed from a British arms manufacturer to U.S. bank accounts controlled by Prince Bandar bin Sultan, then Saudi ambassador to the U.S., was not a bribe, but was instead part of a complex barter involving the exchange of Saudi oil for British fighter jets. The transfer of funds to accounts at Riggs Bank in Washington, D.C.

Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, is a close friend of Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones. Bandar said Saturday that his association with the Cowboys has helped the Saudis become a better World Cup team. "I survived the 1-15 year with the Cowboys, and I tell the Saudi players about that year," the prince said. "Our players listen to me, because they have been through bad years just like it.

President Bush will meet Tuesday with Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, to discuss "a variety of regional issues--and many other topics," the White House announced Friday. The meeting, to be held at Bush's ranch near Crawford, Texas, highlights the rising tensions between Washington and Riyadh in the wake of the September terrorist attacks, in part because 15 of the 19 hijackers came from Saudi Arabia.

A Woodland Hills businessman who had difficulty obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia because he is Jewish said Thursday that he will not travel to the Arab country even though he has been granted permission. John Schwartz, who wanted to attend an auction of surplus U. S. war materiel left behind after the Persian Gulf War, said he decided against the trip because his visa identifies him as Jewish.

A Woodland Hills businessman who had difficulty obtaining a visa to Saudi Arabia because he is Jewish said Thursday that he will not travel to the Arab country, even though he has been granted permission. John Schwartz, who wanted to attend an auction of surplus U.S. war materiel left behind after the Persian Gulf War, said he had decided against the trip because his visa identifies him as being Jewish.

Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who as Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States has been a power player here for 22 years, has resigned his post for personal reasons, the Saudi government announced Wednesday. The flamboyant former fighter pilot will be succeeded by Prince Turki al Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief and the current ambassador to Britain, the government said.

I am writing to take exception to "Experts Ask: Did Saudi Crackdown Light Fuse of Bomb?" (Nov. 14), about the car bombing that killed five Americans in Saudi Arabia. At this point, we do not yet know the identity or nationality of the terrorist who committed this horrible act. Yet Robin Wright wrote that "the eruption of violence in Saudi Arabia was almost predictable." On what basis did she link the bombing with this kind of blanket statement? The internal situation that Wright described--which is not accurate--did not cause this car bombing any more than the U.S. budget crisis caused the Oklahoma City bombing.

Wearing red-and-white head scarfs, caftans and black robes trimmed in gold, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Sultan; his brother, Prince Turki bin Sultan, and Prince Muhammed bin Faisal of Saudi Arabia strolled through the formal opening-night festivities launching the exhibit "Saudi Arabia Yesterday and Today" at Los Angeles Convention Center Thursday night.

The Constitution provides a partial job description for the President. He is the commander in chief of the armed forces as well as the nation's top diplomat. He appoints judges, ambassadors and other officials. As head of state he plays a major ceremonial role. Unmentioned by the Constitution, the President is the de facto leader of his political party.