Connections Bind Through Capital and Influence

The historical business ties between the Bush family and the Saudi elite, particularly the bin Laden family, have been significant and enduring. George W. Bush's initial energy venture was notably financed by Salim bin Laden, underscoring a deep financial entanglement. Additionally, both families held substantial investments in the Carlyle Group, known for its acquisitions of military contractors. Writer Kevin Phillips highlights the unique four-decade relationship the Bush family has maintained with the Saudi royal family and Persian Gulf oil sheikhs. This complex network includes instances like the American government's hesitance to pursue legal actions against BCCI, revealing how these connections may have shielded corrupt organizations from accountability.