Robert W. Jordan, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said thatdespite extensive efforts, no one really knows what is going onwith the al-Qaida terrorist network.

On Wednesday afternoon in the Underwood Law Library, Jordandiscussed the joint effort between the United States and SaudiArabia to fight terrorism and build government strength in SaudiArabia.

Jordan praised Saudi Arabia for its immediate response to theSept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“The Saudis are just as much against [terrorists] as weare here in the United States,” he said.

Many Saudi organizations are suspected of funding the terrornetworks such as al-Qaida. According to Jordan, the government hasnothing to do with it.

“Large amounts of financing for the terrorists come fromSaudi Arabia. But is it the government? Absolutely not. SaudiArabian officials have captured and killed more al-Qaida terroriststhan any other country in the world. Currently, they are trainingand adding bodies to the effort, ” Jordan said.

Jordan said that as part of the effort to cease terror attacksin Saudi Arabia, religious and cultural tolerance is a top prioritybecause “intolerance is a breeding ground forviolence.”

While many terror attacks still take place in the region, Jordanbelieves that there are some signs of peace for the future. SaudiArabia is currently attempting to move towards a more democraticform of government. For example, Jordan said the Saudi Crown PrinceAbdullah has called for municipal elections. Jordan hopes that theywill move toward legislation.

“In order to be ready for a real democracy, a lot ofbackground work is required. The building blocks areessential,” Jordan said.

Jordan was sworn in as ambassador in October 2001 andretired this fall.