I wonder if the Saudis try and pull the same junk with Americans? If they do, then I hope that our government let's loose the dogs of diplomacy on Saudi Arabia. An American is an American is an American, just like a Swiss is a Swiss is a Swiss. Asking for religious-based identification is intolerant and unbefitting of a respectable state.

That said, I know the Saudis are not keen to give tourism visas to Americans and, I have heard, even are a pain in the neck towards muslims trying to fulfill their religious duty and go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. It is said that non-muslims are not even allowed to visit, which I find to be a crock and counterproductive -- especially for a state that claims to proselytize for its national religion.