Request to Saudi Minister of Culture and Information

                                                                                                      
November 15, 2007

Hon. Iyad bin Amin Madani
Saudi Minister of Culture and Information
P.O. 570
Riyadh, 11161
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Your Excellency:

When I wrote “If Olaya Street Could Talk – Saudi Arabia: The Heartland of Oil and Islam” I considered the “target audience” to be progressive Americans, the type who listen to National Public Radio, the type who desire an end to endless war. Numerous references throughout the book are to matters that only someone deeply familiar with the American culture and American history would appreciate. I knew, of course, that some Saudis would want to read the book, but that was a secondary consideration.

However I have been quite surprised and pleased by the reception to the book from Saudis, friends, as well as complete strangers.  To each I ask the questions:  Was I accurate?  And was I fair? And the response is always in the affirmative. In addition, the book has received a very strong review from Al Hayat newspaper, and more are pending with other Arabic periodicals.

Therefore I have decided to request your permission to market the book in the Kingdom. It is true that some parts of the book describe negative events in your country – but there is also much that is positive.  I consider the book simply realistic. I am submitting five copies of the book, per the requirements of your Ministry, and I look forward to a favorable response.

Thank you for your consideration.

                                                                     Sincerely,

                                                                     John P. Jones III