Sleeping with the Devil

How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude

By: Robert Baer

Narrated by: Robert O'Keefe

Former CIA operative Robert Baer examines the dangers behind America's collaboration with Saudi Arabia.

Nominally based on a "harmony of interests" - the Saudis sold their oil to the American government very inexpensively - what we offered in exchange has damaged our position in the Middle East and left our country vulnerable to economic and terrorist threats.

Baer goes behind the scenes to show how the US willingly overlooked the corruption of the Saudi royal family, its financing of violent Islamic fundamentalist groups that spread hatred of the West throughout Saudi society, and its bribery of American officials. From a close-up with a corrupt Arab family to the inside scoop on how we helped fund the Taliban, Baer shows what's at stake in our pursuit of oil.

PLEASE NOTE: This is the abridged edition. An unabridged version is also available.

©2003 Robert Baer (P)2003 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a dividion of Random House, Inc.

oh, what a tangled web we weave...

This is a historical context style audiobook on current affairs like no other. Writen by an ex-CIA agent, the perspective is unique and provocative. I found myself reading the world press with new eyes. Baer convincingly illustrates how inextricatively tied we are to the corrupt House of Sa'aud. He shows how fragile their hold on power in the kingdom really is, and as a result why they support the Muslim extremists so lavishly. Baer also hypothosizes a bit on what our future may hold if the kingdom should collapse. The audiobook is read by the author whose style is that of an information gatherer, not an actor, which adds to the tone of the work.

a time, effort and money saver

This book is a delight to read. I heard it twice and had two dozen of my friends buy the book. It is about 75% accurate with good analysis. I can say with a great deal of certainty - having lived in the Middle East for 20 years - the balance 25% of comments and observations were quite superficial and lacked an in-depth analysis or investigation. It is a must read for those who are considering doing business in Saudi Arabia. It would be a time, effort and money saver. I wish I read it ten years ago!!

In a word, wow!

This is a book of information you should, but probably do not want to know. A well written first person account of the poor state of the middle east, with an explanation of what part the US played in it. Very well done, bravo!

surprising

This book is full of informative surprises. It is understandable and clear, wich is good if you are not familiar with the subject as i was. I would reccomend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about the middle east and their communication with america.

Ouch. The truth hurts.

The Saudis, who I remember were touted as our "friends" during Gulf War I, are revealed for the corrupt kleptocrats that they really are, with all of their funny money deals and blatant interference with the machines of American politics. What's worse is, they support our terrorist enemies... and our government is left apologizing for the Saudis, because there is little else that we can do without risking the largess that comes from their oil coffers. This book is another key to unlocking the mysteries of the War on Terror. I highly recommend it.

Never mentioned

I loved this book and really thought it was well laid out and presented. I am however curious to why Robert Baer never once mentions the infamous "Torricelli Principle" which restricted the informants CIA agents could pay. Throughout the book Baer constantly complains the CIA did not have informants in a number of terrorist organizations and also doesn't hold back on naming names at the highest levels but for some odd reason, Senator Torricelli is completely ignored.

It appears that our country is run by the Sauds

This is an eye opener. With all the partisan argument going on, we hear nothing of the money that finds its way to our politicians on both sides. Given the recent OPEC increase in oil prices, I suspect that Bush is not bending to their money. This is quite disturbing since he appears to be receiving fire from all sides. I would be willing to bet that there is Saudi money behind these attacks, but apparently we will never hear about it. Very distrubing.

Muslim oil is evil...

Muslim oil is evil... but so is our addiction to it.

An eye opener as to just how deep the rabbit hole goes. Muslim Country oil is evil in that it funds terrorism and the MURDER of innocent civilians (women/children). We support the terrorism by purchasing it! It is an endless cycle that we must break. The only way to break it is to 1>unconditionally support the war on terror, 2>aggressively explore/create alternative fuel sources, 3>drill Alaska while we execute #2, 4>buy oil from non-OPEC sources. This is a long term, painful, realistic plan.

Not sure how we can support the CIA - but they are doing a fantastic job and we need more people like Robert Baer in the agency and in government.

Timely, enlightening

An interesting primer on the Saudis and their ties to our government. A real wake-up call that I hope is heard by both parties.

An Informative Read

This book was chock-full of fascinating facts and linkages between the US Government, the Saudi royals and the confusing web of Mid-East governments and Islamic extremist terror organizations that the American public is only just beginning to become familiar with in the aftermath of 9/11.
Baer includes a bit more emotional rhetoric and "conspiracy theory" than I am comfortable with in a non-fiction work, but he provides a solid primer on the tangled web of US/Saudi/Mid-East relations nevertheless.