from BBC News:
Prince Bandar's stratospheric connections in Washington were laid out in Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward's account on the build-up to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Plan of Attack.
Mr Woodward claims that in January 2003, Prince Bandar was shown essential details of the war plan against Saddam Hussein, even before then Secretary of State Colin Powell.-snip-
Profile: Prince BandarFor three decades, Prince Bandar bin Sultan was the face of Saudi Arabia in its most powerful and closest ally, the United States.
After his resignation in 2005, the prince was appointed head of the newly created National Security Council, responsible for tackling Islamist militants in the kingdom.
But the son of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz and brother-law-of Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz remains a key figure in Saudi Arabia's international affairs.
A man of extraordinary drive and energy with a lavish and colourful lifestyle the former fighter pilot was once described as an "Arab Gatsby".
He has enjoyed unparalleled access to centres of power in the US and played an important behind-the-scenes role in diplomacy and international deals.
This has continued since his sudden departure from the Washington embassy, for "personal reasons" according to a statement, just weeks before the death of King Fahd and the elevation of his father to heir apparent.
Prince Bandar has been particularly close to the Bush dynasty and their allies such as Vice President Dick Cheney, who served as defence secretary under President George HW Bush.
The current president is even said to have earned the nickname Bandar Bush, as an honorary member of the family. -snip-
Bandar graduated from the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell, England and also trained at Maxwell Air Force Base in the US.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4635383.stm