Final answer:
During the Arab Spring, American-Saudi Arabian relations were strained due to Saudi Arabia's support of Mubarak in Egypt, aid to Qaddafi in Libya, and military intervention in Bahrain.
Step-by-step explanation:
American-Saudi Arabian relations were strained during the Arab Spring. The Arab Spring refers to a series of uprisings and protests in various countries in the Middle East in 2011. Saudi Arabia's actions during this time tested America's relationship with the country. During the Arab Spring:
- America was disappointed when Saudi Arabia supported Egyptian President Mubarak. This support conflicted with America's desire for democratic reforms in Egypt.
- Saudi Arabia sent aid to Libyan leader Qaddafi. This support for a repressive regime went against America's position during the Libyan civil war.
- America was concerned when Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in Bahrain. This intervention was seen as supporting the Bahraini government's crackdown on pro-democracy protests.