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1. What makes the Abqaiq crude oil complex vulnerable to terrorist attacks, according to Baer?

Baer cites a Reagan-era disaster planner's study that says that the Abqaiq complex contains towers for hydrodesulfurization that uses hydrogen sulfide gas, which is poisonous to humans, but also corrosive of metals, so it would destroy the plant if not contained. It would also make the area too toxic to work in which would slow repairs.

2. What would be the consequences of an attack on the Abqaiq complex, in Baer's opinion?

Baer says that the complex would knock out one third of America's oil consumption, and because of the toxicity of the chemicals, it would be months before the complex could be repaired.

3. What other vulnerabilities does Baer describe in the Saudi oil system?

According to Baer, there are 17,000 km of above-ground pipelines. There are separation plants and stabilization plants where it is taken before it is stored and sent to the coast to be loaded into tankers. At every one of these points, the system is vulnerable to attacks that would reduce the flow of oil to the United States.

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