n the nternational Spotlight Saudi Arabia The Saudi official went on to explain that some pe Saudi Arabia is a large Middle Eastern country covering 865,000 square miles. Part of its east coast rests on the who would be involved in the decision had recenty Persian Gulf, and much of the west coast rests along the fered large losses in some stock market speculation Red Sea. One of the countries on its border is Iraq. After the London Stock Exchange. "One relative of the k Traq's military takeover of Kuwait in August 1990, Iraq who will be a key person in the decision regarding mhreatened to invade Saudi Arabia. This, of course, did not purchase of the aircraft, I have heard, lost over $2000 happen, and Saudi Arabia was not an Iraqi target during last week alone. Some of the competitive firms hae the U.S.-led war in Iraq during 2003-2004. However, decided to put together a pool of money to help ease h accusations stemming from rumors of terrorists financing burden. Three of them have given me $100,000 each, activities have made Saudi Arabia a focus in the global you were to do the same, I know that it would put you war on terrorism, and Saudi Arabia itself was the target on a par with them, and I believe it would be in your best of terrorist attacks in 2003-2004, interests when the decision is made." Auger was stunned As of 2012, there were approximately 27 million people by the suggestion and told the minister that he would in Saudi Arabia, and the annual per capita GDP was around check with his people and get back to the minister as soon $24,000. This apparent prosperity is misleading because most Saudis are poor farmers and herders who tend their camels, gouts, and sheep. In recent years, however, more and more have moved to the cities and have jobs connected to the oil industry. Nearly all are Arab Muslims. The country within the next 48 hours. In the interim, he has had a has the two holiest cities of Islam: Mecca and Medina. The call from the minister's office, but Auger's secretary told country depends almost exclusively on the sale of oil (it is the caller that Auger had been called away from the the largest exporter of oil in the world) and has no public office and would not be returning for at least two days debt. The government is a monarchy, and the king makes The individual said he would place the call again at the all important decisions but is advised by ministers and other beginning of this coming week. Meanwhile, Auger has government officials. Royal and ministerial decrees account for most of the promulgated legislation. In 2011, King the United States and who is currently an insider in the Abdullah granted women the right to vote and run for seats Saudi government. Over dinner, Auger hinted at what on the Shura council, which advises the King on policy he had been told by the minister. The friend seemed issues. The ruling will not go into effect until the next elec- somewhat puzzled about what Auger was saying and tion cycle in 2015. Still, the decision is a significant victory indicated that he had heard nothing about any stock for women in a country where they are not allowed to drive market losses by the royal family or pool of money and must have a male chaperone with them in public at all being put together for certain members of the decision- times. There are no political parties. Recently. Robert Auger, the executive vice president of got the story straight, or as you Americans say, is some Skyblue, a commercial aircraft manufacturing firm based in Kansas City, had a visit with a Saudi minister. The Saudi official explained to Auger that the government Questions planned to purchase 10 aircraft over the next two years. A number of competitive firms were bidding for the job. The minister went on to explain that despite the com- petitiveness of the situation, several members of the royal family were impressed with Auger's company. The firm's 2. Is it legal for Auger's firm to make a payment of reputation for high-quality performance aircraft and state- of-the-art technology gave it the inside track. A number 3. Do you think other firms are making these pay of people are involved in the decision, however, and in the minister's words, "Anything can happen when a com- mittee decision is being made." as possible. As soon as he returned to his temporary office, Auger sent a coded message to headquarters asking manage- ment what he should do. He expects to have an answer talked to a Saudi friend whom he had known back in making committee. He asked Auger, "Are you sure you one pulling your leg?" 1. What are some current issues facing Saudi Arabia What is the climate for doing business in Saudi Arabia today? $100,000 to help ensure this contract? ments, or is Auger's firm being singled out? What conclusion can you draw from your answer? 4. What would you recommend that Skyblue do? 86