Sampling, data collection and tabulation for this poll were done by TNS Intersearch.

Ten percent of Americans call the kingdom an ally of the United States, and that has dropped by nine points since a May 2000 poll. But 54 percent call it a friendly nation, up by 17 points. Thirty percent call Saudi Arabia unfriendly or an enemy.

The relationship is also a valued one to most Americans: Six in 10 say having good ties with Saudi Arabia is very important, or even essential, to the United States.

Saudi Arabia:
	Today	May 2000*
Ally/Friend (NET)	64%	56%
Ally of U.S.	10%	19%
Friendly	54%	37%
Unfriendly/Enemy (NET)	30%	35%
Unfriendly	16%	23%
Enemy	14%	12%
*Gallup

Oil is one factor: Fifty-two percent believe the United States is dependent on Saudi oil. But even among those who say the United States is not dependent on its oil, 56 percent still say it's important to maintain good relations with the kingdom.

Good relations with Saudi Arabia:
Important (NET)	61%
Essential	18%
Very Important	43%
Not very important (NET)	37%
Somewhat important	29%
Not too important	8%

U.S. dependent on Saudi oil?
Yes	52%
No	43%

Fifteen of the 19 suspected Sept. 11 hijackers have been identified as Saudi citizens. But Saudi Arabia has expressed support for the U.S. anti-terrorism campaign, and in a recent interview, conducted just after this poll was taken, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah reaffirmed his country's ties with the United States.

Groups

Younger and better-educated Americans are more likely to call a relationship with Saudi Arabia very important; these groups are also more likely to say the U.S. is dependent on Saudi oil. Men are more apt than women are to consider Saudi Arabia an ally or friend of the U.S.

Methodology

This ABC News/Washington Post poll was conducted by telephone January 24-27, 2002, among a random national sample of 1,507 adults. The results have a 2.5-point error margin. Fieldwork by TNS Intersearch of Horsham, Pa.

Archived ABCNEWS polls can be found in the Poll Vault.