Sleeping with the Devil

Former CIA operative Robert Baer exposes the complex and troubling relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia in this revealing insider account. Drawing from his extensive field experience, he details how America's dependence on Saudi oil has led to compromising political alliances and security risks. The book documents decades of diplomatic arrangements, intelligence operations, and financial dealings between the two nations. Baer presents evidence of how oil interests have shaped U.S. foreign policy decisions and influenced responses to regional conflicts in the Middle East. Through interviews, declassified documents, and personal observations, Baer breaks down the intricate web of connections between American politicians, oil executives, and Saudi royalty. He examines the national security implications of these relationships and questions the sustainability of current U.S.-Saudi cooperation. At its core, this is an examination of how economic interests can override democratic principles and potentially compromise national security. The book raises fundamental questions about the true cost of America's oil dependency and the long-term consequences of diplomatic compromises.

Readers found the book informative about US-Saudi relations and oil politics, though some felt it repeated content from Baer's previous works. Many appreciated the insider perspective from Baer's CIA experience and his detailed accounts of corruption within the Saudi royal family. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex Middle East politics - Strong sourcing and research - Predictions that proved accurate about Saudi stability - Straightforward writing style Dislikes: - Redundant information across chapters - Limited solutions offered - Some outdated information (pre-2003) - Lack of narrative flow Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (190+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Eye-opening but repetitive" One reader noted: "Baer connects dots between oil money and terrorism that mainstream media missed." Another criticized: "The first third engages, but then devolves into listing corrupt dealings without context."

Ghost Wars by Steve Coll The book details the CIA's covert operations in Afghanistan from 1979-2001, revealing complex relationships between intelligence agencies, Saudi Arabia, and terrorist networks.

The Oil Kings by Andrew Scott Cooper This work exposes the negotiations and power plays between the US government and Middle Eastern monarchies that shaped modern oil politics.

The Secret War with Iran by Ronen Bergman The text chronicles thirty years of covert operations and intelligence battles between Israel, the US, and Iran.

House of Bush, House of Saud by Craig Unger The book uncovers the financial and political connections between the Bush family dynasty and Saudi Arabia's royal family.

The Kingdom by Robert Lacey The text presents an inside account of Saudi Arabia's ruling family and the kingdom's rise to global power through oil wealth and strategic alliances.

🔹 Robert Baer spent 21 years as a CIA operative in the Middle East, making him one of the most experienced American intelligence officers in the region. 🔹 The book's 2003 release coincided with increased scrutiny of Saudi-U.S. relations following the revelation that 15 of the 19 September 11 hijackers were Saudi citizens. 🔹 The Saudi royal family, discussed extensively in the book, consists of approximately 15,000 members, with about 2,000 holding significant power and wealth. 🔹 A significant portion of the research for this book came from classified documents and personal interviews with Saudi defectors, intelligence officials, and high-ranking members of both governments. 🔹 Baer's experiences and insights from this book later influenced the 2005 film "Syriana," starring George Clooney, who won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a character based on Baer.