[Dr. Aaron Lerner - IMRA:

From the IMRA archives:

#1 U.S. REFUSES TO RESPOND TO SAUDI F-15s IN TABUK
04 November, 2003
www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=20431
WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States has refused to address the issue of
deployment of Saudi F-15S fighter-jets in a base near the Israeli border.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher was asked about the F-15S
deployment in the northwestern Saudi base of Tabuk, located more than 150
kilometers from the Israeli port city of Eilat. It was the first time
Boucher fielded the Saudi F-15S question at a State Department briefing.

Congressional sources said the deployment of the F-15s at Tabuk violate U.S.
export terms in 1978. They said Saudi Arabia has violated the F-15 ban in
the 1980s.

#2 IAF Commander concerned by Saudi F-15's deployed within easy striking
distance of Israel
www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=21326

The new commander of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Eliezer Shkeidi, was
asked: "The Saudis deployed F-15 aircraft at the Tabuq airfield, minutes
from the Israeli border, contrary to agreements. Does this disturb you?"

Shkeidi: "I am very disturbed. They were moved to Tabuq in violation of all
agreements and decisions taken when they bought the F-15s....Again, this
returns us to the distance between capabilities and intentions. And
intentions in our region can change quickly."
Alex Fishman Yediot Ahronot-Hebrew, 25 June 04
[Translated by Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs Daily Alert] ]
======

Unity, security vital for progress in Saudi Arabia
Arab News - 14 May, 2007
www.gulfinthemedia.com/index.php?id=310298&news_type=Political&lang=en&

A spectacular air show with stunning displays by Hawks, F15s, Falcons,
Apaches and other fighter aircraft as well as freestyle parachute jumps by
professionals delighted the people of Tabuk yesterday in a fitting
conclusion to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah's landmark
visit to the region.

King Abdullah, who is supreme commander of the armed forces, earlier
inspected a parade of different army units at the King Abdul Aziz Military
City in Tabuk. He reminded military and security forces of their duty to
protect the Kingdom's unity, security, stability and honor by defeating its
enemies.

"You, the members of the armed forces along with the National Guard and
security forces of the Interior Ministry, form a well-fortified shield for
the Kingdom after God Almighty," the king told the armed forces. Crown
Prince Sultan, Interior Minister Prince Naif and Chief of Staff Gen. Saleh
Al-Muhaya attended the event.

In his brief speech, King Abdullah commended Saudi security forces for their
bravery in confronting "treacherous terrorists" across the country during
the past three years.

He also paid tributes to those officers who were killed in gunbattles with
militants. "We'll never forget you. Your sacrifices will remain in our
memory forever. You are an important part of us and our history," the Saudi
Press Agency quoted the king as saying.

Maj. Gen. Zubn ibn Talaihan Al-Harbi, commander of the northwestern region,
praised King Abdullah for his efforts to strengthen Arab unity and
solidarity in order to overcome the challenges facing the Ummah. He thanked
the government for its support for the armed forces by providing them with
advanced weaponry.

King Abdullah, accompanied by senior princes and Cabinet members, arrived in
Tabuk on Friday on the last leg of his tour of the north, which also took
him to the Northern Border Region and Al-Jouf.

The royal visit saw the launch of three new universities in Arar, Sakaka and
Tabuk and the opening of several health, educational and infrastructure
projects worth nearly SR30 billion in the three regions.

King Abdullah returned to Riyadh yesterday and was received at Riyadh
Airbase by Prince Sultan and other senior princes including Prince Badr,
deputy commander of the National Guard, Prince Ahmed, deputy interior
minister, and Shoura Council Chairman Saleh Bin-Humaid.

The weeklong tour of the north highlighted the king's vision of achieving
balanced development all over the Kingdom.

"My meetings with Saudi people in different regions have increased my love
and affection for you. And now I feel the trust you have bestowed upon me,"
he said.

King Abdullah also said that he would continue his efforts to strengthen the
Kingdom and enhance its reputation in the world. "I will not accept less
than the peak of honor and nobility for you among nations," the king said
during a reception in Tabuk.

New development projects launched by the king in Tabuk included: the first
phase of Tabuk University, a medical city, two hospitals in Dhuba and Amlaj,
and a number of technical colleges and vocational training institutes.

The current budget allocates SR475 million for the first phase of the
university project. A comprehensive water supply project was one of the
major projects launched by the king in the region. "We have already spent
SR1.7 billion on this long-term project," said Water and Electricity
Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen.

Meanwhile, a consultative summit of GCC leaders will be held in Riyadh
tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss the latest developments in the region
including Middle East peace and Iran's nuclear program, according to Abdul
Rahman Al-Attiyah, secretary-general of Gulf Cooperation Council. The
leaders will look into a report on progress of cooperation among member
countries in various sectors following the last summit in Riyadh.