"In an unprecedented move in the Middle East, Al-Arabiya TV will on November 1, 2007, air a 5-part documentary about the life of Saudi king Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, revealing new dimensions of the king's personal life and most significant political stances."His dispute with U.S. President George W. Bush, the attempt on his life, and the way he handled the Saudi economic crisis a few years ago will figure high on the 5-episode film.
"The documentary reveals the reform and foreign policy challenges the king faced in the past 10 years. The film also sheds light on the life and achievements of 'The king of humaneness', as people call him.
"One of the parts will be about the critical rift between Riyadh and Washington due to American bias towards Israel during the second Palestinian intifida (uprising). Secretary-General of the National Security Council Prince Bandar bin Sultan recounts the fury of the then crown prince, and the harsh letter he sent to Bush.
"After this letter, Bandar goes on, Bush promised to recognize two co-existing states for the first time in the history of the White House. However, king Abdullah demanded a written commitment. From there, king Abdullah launched the Arab peace initiative.
"In an interview for the film, Bush said king Abdullah is not just a friend: 'He is a friend whose opinion matters. Although we disagree sometimes, I respect him and his policies very much'."
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Source: Al-Arabiya (Saudi owned, based in Dubai), October 23, 2007
