Word: fahd
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...Fahd insisted that the F-15 would not be used as an offensive weapon: "Our military situation as a whole is based on a particular defensive strategy. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has never been known to commit aggression against anyone. Furthermore, in meeting its defense requirements, Saudi Arabia lags behind other countries in this region. We sincerely believe our efforts should be concentrated on development and our potential should be used for promoting the prosperity and happiness of our people. That is why we were late in building up our military capabilities...
...Fahd also refused to link Saudi policy on the dollar and oil prices with the aircraft sale, but he was critical of Washington for failing to cope with America's energy problems. "We will do our best to help the U.S. and our other friends in meeting their requirements and overcoming whatever difficulties they may have in this respect. As you know, we decide on the quantity of our oil production according to world need. But the so-called energy crisis is not necessarily connected only to the volume of oil production. For example, the U.S., the largest...
Beyond that, the Saudis feel that they have effectively answered most of the Israeli charges regarding possible use of the F-15s. As Prince Fahd told TIME (see NATION), he is willing to pledge that the planes will not be transferred to another Arab state in the event of war. The Saudis have no intention of stationing the planes at Tabuk, just southeast of the Israeli border. Explains Prince Saud, the Foreign Minister: "Israeli warplanes overflew Tabuk 140 times during the past year. We certainly would not put our planes in such a vulnerable position...
...Saudis have emphasized that their present oil policy would not be affected, either way, by U.S. action on the F-15, though Prince Fahd acknowledges that his people expect the U.S. to reciprocate the Saudis' "good feeling and to translate it into action." Oil Minister Yamani is a bit more blunt. "Even if the F-15 sale should be killed, I don't think we would react immediately," he says. "We would continue our program to expand our production capacity. But we would have far less enthusiasm to cooperate with the U.S. at the same speed as before." He adds...
Neither in private nor in public is there any serious talk about doing away with the monarchy. In the Saudi system, King Khalid reigns, but Crown Prince Fahd rules. Austere, gentle and frail, the King had open-heart surgery in 1972 at Cleveland Clinic and last year underwent hip surgery at Wellington Hospital in London. He limits his duties to seeing of heads of state, although he is consulted on all important decisions. But the day-to-day running the country is in the hands of Fahd, a heavy set man who exudes warmth and good humor. The Crown Prince...