Writing Assignment #3H
“Putting Intelligence to Work”
Due: Wednesday, March 19, 2003
Preamble:
You are the National Security Adviser to the President of the United States. Your CIA Director has just informed you that there is solid but secret evidence that a wealthy and well-connected Saudi Arabian citizen was behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Most of the attackers were Saudis. The Director of Central Intelligence notes that the individual in question also has ties to respected businesses in the United States. You are about to meet with the President to decide what to do.
Research: Review the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia prior to 911. Use that background to inform your essay.
Write:
Write a 4-6 page memo to the President outlining the facts and your recommendation on how to handle the situation. Take into account the long standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Also take into account Saudi Arabia’s role in the Middle East and South Asia, not just currently, but over the past 25 years or so. Be sure to answer these questions as you consider your options (but feel free to go beyond these):
- Should the secret intelligence be shared with Saudi leaders? (Why? Why not?)
- What steps should the United States take with Saudi Arabia?
- Should the U.S. cut off diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia?
- Should the U.S. attack Saudi Arabia militarily?
- What effects will your recommendations have beyond Saudi Arabia? Will they affect others important to the United States? How? Do those effects influence your recommendations to the President?
- How should the President explain his decisions (whatever they are) to an angry and frustrated American people?
You must cite your sources on a bibliography page.
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