According to Oberwetter, “I have encouraged the families to leave the country. [However], while we are doing this urging, the U.S. Government is not in a position to cause that to happen. Those are individual decisions by private Americans and by those companies.”

“[I] don’t believe terrorism is winning the game. I personally believe, because of the activities of the government of the kingdom and those who are charged with finding the bad guys. The climate in general will be considerably improved,” he added.

Those words were spoken at a press conference but, allegedly, during a private meeting with American oilmen, Oberwetter said, “It is time for us to pack our bags and go home. We cannot protect you here.”

Two Americans, two Britons, an Australian and a Saudi national died in the attack on the ABB offices in Yanbu. All four of their murderers, who Saudi police would only say were brothers, died in a shootout with Saudi security forces.