11 Years Ago In TIME

With the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia was thrust into a spotlight its royal family never sought. By agreeing to accept U.S. troops in exchange for protection (after a visit from then Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney), KING FAHD knew he was also inviting Western influences.

Some Saudi liberals seek U.S. support for their campaign for change. "We hope the American presence is not just protection for the status quo," says a businessman. "We assume it will bring an improvement in the integrity of the government." From Washington's viewpoint, however, pushing Fahd and family down the fast track...

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