House of Bush, House of Saud

1. The Bush-Saud Relationship: A Tangled Web of Power, Money, and Oil

The ties between the two families were so strong that allowing the Saudis to leave America would not have been difficult for Bush.

Intertwined Destinies. The Bush family and the House of Saud, two of the world's most powerful dynasties, have maintained a complex and enduring relationship spanning decades. This relationship, built on shared interests in oil, security, and political influence, has shaped American foreign policy and contributed to the rise of terrorism.

Unprecedented Ties. The Bush family's close personal and financial connections to the Saudi royal family are unprecedented in American history. Two presidents from the same family have forged intimate alliances with the ruling family of a foreign power, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of foreign money on American policy.

A Legacy of Secrets. The relationship between the Bushes and the Sauds is shrouded in secrecy, involving covert operations, hidden agendas, and purposefully murky corporate relationships. Understanding the full scope of this alliance requires delving into forgotten newspaper stories, classified documents, and the records of congressional probes.

2. The Houston-Jeddah Connection: Laying the Foundation for a Lucrative Alliance

In Texas, you’ll find the rich carrying on about being just poor country boys,” he says. “Well, these guys were masters of playing the poor, simple bedouin kid.

The Rise of Saudi Wealth. The 1973 oil embargo transformed Saudi Arabia from an underdeveloped backwater into one of the richest countries in the world. This newfound wealth led Saudi billionaires to seek opportunities and connections in the United States, particularly in the booming oil city of Houston.

James Bath: The Key Intermediary. James Bath, a Texas businessman and former Air National Guard pilot, played a crucial role in connecting the House of Saud with influential figures in Texas, including the Bush family. He facilitated business deals and provided access to political power brokers, laying the foundation for a long-lasting alliance.

Cultural Affinity. Beyond business, a cultural affinity between Texas and Saudi Arabia contributed to the growing relationship. Both cultures valued guns, horses, aviation, and the outdoors, creating a sense of camaraderie between the Saudi billionaires and their Texan counterparts.

3. George H.W. Bush's Ascendancy: From Oilman to Political Power Broker

We had a father who taught us to . . . put something back in, do something, help others.

From Oil Fields to Politics. George H.W. Bush's early career in the Texas oil industry provided him with valuable experience and connections that would later serve him in the political arena. His understanding of oil as a strategic resource and his relationships with powerful oil executives would shape his foreign policy decisions.

The Importance of Connections. Bush's success in politics stemmed from his ability to cultivate relationships with key figures in various spheres of influence, from the East Coast establishment to the Republican Party infrastructure. This network of contacts enabled him to raise campaign funds, influence government agencies, and secure support for his policies.

A Master of Pragmatism. Bush's perceived weakness – his willingness to accommodate his superiors – was actually a powerful political weapon. He was a consummate pragmatist capable of changing positions when political demands called for it, allowing him to achieve his goals through flexibility and compromise.

4. Three-Dimensional Chess: Covert Operations and Conflicting Interests in the Middle East

It was insanity,” said Weinberger. “How could you send arms to the ayatollah when he was sworn to destroy us?

The Complexities of Middle East Policy. The Reagan-Bush administration navigated a complex web of conflicting interests in the Middle East, engaging in covert operations and supporting both sides of regional conflicts. This three-dimensional chess game involved arming Islamic fundamentalists in Afghanistan while simultaneously supporting Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

The Iran-Contra Affair. The Reagan administration's secret arms sales to Iran became entangled with its efforts to fund the Contra rebels in Nicaragua. The Saudis played a key role in this covert operation, providing millions of dollars to the Contras in exchange for access to American weaponry.

Supporting Saddam Hussein. Despite knowing about Saddam Hussein's use of chemical weapons, the Reagan-Bush administration secretly supported the Iraqi dictator as a bulwark against Iranian expansionism. This policy involved providing intelligence, financial aid, and military assistance to Saddam's regime.

5. The Double Marriage: Balancing Wahhabism and Western Alliances

For an Islamic person to be polygamous is not unusual,” he once told Jimmy Carter. “They can have four wives, for example. So forget it when it comes to foreign policy.

The Saudi-Wahhabi Alliance. The House of Saud's political legitimacy is rooted in its alliance with Wahhabism, a strict and puritanical form of Islam. This alliance presents a fundamental contradiction, as the House of Saud must balance its relationship with the West with its commitment to a religious ideology that often views the West as an enemy.

Wahhabism and Jihad. Wahhabism's emphasis on jihad, or holy war, has contributed to the rise of extremist groups like Al Qaeda. The House of Saud's support for Wahhabi institutions and clerics has inadvertently fueled the growth of a global network of terrorists.

The Limits of Westernization. Even the most Westernized members of the House of Saud recognize the importance of maintaining their Islamic identity. Modernization, in their view, does not mean adopting secular Western values, but rather incorporating new technology and participating in the global economy while remaining true to their religious principles.

6. Another Frankenstein: The Unintended Consequences of Supporting the Mujahideen

This was a war by proxy, and in the United States, American participation was virtually invisible.

The Rise of the Afghan Arabs. The U.S. support for the mujahideen in Afghanistan attracted thousands of foreign fighters, including Osama bin Laden, to the region. These "Afghan Arabs" became radicalized and gained valuable military experience, forming the basis for future terrorist organizations.

The Birth of Al Qaeda. The Afghanistan War provided a training ground and a network for Islamic militants from all over the world. The Maktab al-Khidamat (MAK), co-founded by Osama bin Laden, served as a precursor to Al Qaeda, sending money and fighters to the Afghan resistance.

Blowback. The U.S. policy of supporting the mujahideen had unintended consequences, including the creation of a vast network of Islamist terrorists and the spread of radical ideology. As Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto warned, the United States was creating a "veritable Frankenstein."

7. Friends in High Places: The Revolving Door and the Carlyle Group

We invest in niche opportunities created in industries heavily affected by changes in governmental policies.

Access Capitalism. The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm with close ties to the Bush family, exemplifies the concept of "access capitalism." By hiring former government officials and cultivating relationships with influential figures, Carlyle gained access to insider information and lucrative business opportunities.

The Revolving Door. The Carlyle Group became a revolving door for powerful figures from the Reagan-Bush era, including George H.W. Bush, James Baker, and Frank Carlucci. These individuals leveraged their political connections to benefit Carlyle's investments, particularly in the defense industry.

Saudi Investments. The Carlyle Group attracted significant investments from Saudi Arabia, including members of the royal family and the bin Laden family. These investments raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of foreign money on American policy.

8. The Arabian Candidate: Bush's Path to the White House and the Saudi Connection

I’m all name and no money.

Courting the Christian Right. George W. Bush successfully courted the Christian right by emphasizing his faith and family values. This strategy helped him win support from a key constituency that had been skeptical of his father.

The Muslim Strategy. Karl Rove, Bush's chief strategist, developed a plan to win over Muslim-American voters by making alliances with Islamist groups. This strategy involved courting controversial figures with ties to terrorism, raising concerns about the campaign's judgment and priorities.

A Contested Election. The 2000 presidential election was one of the closest and most controversial in American history. The Muslim vote in Florida played a significant role in Bush's victory, highlighting the growing influence of this demographic group in American politics.

9. 9/11: The Breaking Point and the Unraveling of a Fragile Alliance

The Pearl Harbor of the 21st century took place today.

The Saudi Connection to 9/11. The September 11 attacks exposed the dark side of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, revealing that most of the hijackers were Saudi citizens. This revelation strained the alliance and forced the Bush administration to confront the complex and contradictory nature of its relationship with the House of Saud.

The Saudi Evacuation. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, the Bush administration authorized the evacuation of approximately 140 Saudis, including members of the bin Laden family, from the United States. This decision sparked controversy and raised questions about whether the Saudis were receiving special treatment.

A Global War on Terror. In response to the attacks, President Bush declared a global war on terror, vowing to hunt down and defeat terrorist groups around the world. However, the administration's focus on Iraq and its reluctance to confront Saudi Arabia directly raised concerns about the true priorities of the war on terror.

10. Print the Legend: The Enduring Power of Narrative and the Unanswered Questions

And when the legend becomes fact, print the legend.

The Official Narrative. In the aftermath of 9/11, a simplistic narrative emerged that portrayed America as the victim of unprovoked aggression by evil terrorists. This narrative, while containing elements of truth, obscured the complex history and the unintended consequences of American foreign policy in the Middle East.

Unanswered Questions. Many questions remain about the U.S.-Saudi relationship and the events leading up to 9/11. These questions include the extent of Saudi knowledge of the attacks, the role of Saudi money in funding terrorism, and the Bush administration's handling of the Saudi evacuation.

A New Vision for the Future. The events of 9/11 and the subsequent war on terror have forced a reevaluation of American foreign policy in the Middle East. A new vision is needed that balances the pursuit of oil with the need to confront terrorism and promote democracy in the region.

Last updated: April 10, 2025