[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SAUDI BOMBING

  Mr. PELL. Mr. President, yesterday, as we all know, a horrendous 
bombing occurred at a United States military facility in Saudi Arabia. 
As of this morning, 19 Americans were dead, and nearly 300 wounded. As 
time goes on, it is probable that number of those killed will increase.
  A number of things come to my mind in response to this awful news. 
First, of course, is the tremendous sympathy that I have for the 
families of the victims. Service for one's country--whether in the 
military, the diplomatic corps, or government--is one of the noblest of 
callings. And to give one's life in that service is the supreme 
sacrifice. I do hope that the families of those lost in this tragedy 
can take some small comfort in that fact. Their loved ones made a 
difference--each and every one made our country a better and safer 
place.
  Second, it is our duty to those killed, and in our utmost national 
interest, to find and punish those responsible. There is no more 
cowardly act than a terrorist attack--the victims have no warning, no 
chance to defend themselves. They have done no wrong and are chosen 
solely for their symbolism.
  Third, and regrettably, today's news was no bolt from the blue. 
Months ago, a similar act occurred wherein five Americans were killed. 
Since then, and particularly since the perpetrators of the previous 
bombing were executed, United States personnel in Saudi Arabia have 
been bracing for another attack. On top of that, the Kingdom has been 
rife with reports about the health and well-being of King Fahd and 
about his eventual replacement by Crown Prince Abdullah. These same 
reports have carried unsettling news about the growing prominence and 
strength of extremist Islamic groups, and of their disputes with the 
royal family.
  These developments ought to have a direct bearing on the United 
States Government's calculus of our role, interests and presence in 
Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is, of course, our most important partner in 
the Persian Gulf, and arguably the entire Middle East. There is no 
doubt that America should be well represented there, and that our troop 
presence is a key element of U.S. military strategy. Yet the fact 
remains that more Americans have been killed in Saudi Arabia during the 
past year than in Bosnia, where United States troops were placed in a 
combat situation. It seems to me that the United States must undertake 
a serious examination of the entire spectrum of our relationship with 
Saudi Arabia--including the prospects for future instability, the 
return on our investment of troops and other personnel, and the efforts 
of the Saudi Government to deal effectively with political dissent. 
Clearly, the sooner Ambassador-designate Fowler is cleared by the 
Senate, the better. The sands in Saudi Arabia are shifting, and I 
believe we ought to have a much better handle on what to expect in the 
months ahead. The memory of those killed demands no less.

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