Saudi+Arabia+4

= = =By Cecily Chase, Brinda Malhotra , and Dan Lee = = = = = An Islamic reformer, Muhammad Abd Al-Wahhab, joined forces with a local ruler, Muhammad bin Saud to begin the Saudi state in central Arabia. Saudi Arabia began with ties to Wahhabism, a conservative form of Islam, resulting in the fundamentalist thinkers that exist in the country today. It wasn't until 1932 that the regions united into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an official country with the Saud family acting as the ruling party. The Saud family continues to lead Saudi Arabia as the monarchial rulers, as the country grows today. = =
 * Saudi Arabia**
 * __ Brief History: __**

media type="youtube" key="r-NU-ASmSJU" height="315" width="420"

= = 1932- King Abdel Aziz ibn Saud unified Saudi Arabia after military conquests that took place between 1902 and 1906 and established an absolute monarchy. 1953- King Abdel Aziz died, and his son, Prince Saud, got the throne, but treasury decreased under his rule. He was forced to abdicate the throne to his half-brother, Faisal, in 1964. 1963- Egypt sent aircrafts to bomb villages in Saudi Arabia. John F. Kennedy sent help to Saudi Arabia,forcing Egypt out of Yemen in 1967. 1964- Faisal introduced the first television broadcast in 1965, offending people including his nephew, who was killed after an assault on one of the stations. 1975- Faisal was assassinated by the original nephew’s brother. Once the assassin was found guilty, he was killed and Faisal was succeeded by Prince Khalid. 1979- Sunni Muslims seized control of Kaaba, and the Saudi military removed them. Over 200 people were killed and over 60 of them were beheaded. Shiite Muslims then raided in the Eastern Providence, so the government sent 20,000 troops to stop them. Many people were killed or arrested. As a result, the government established better living conditions for Shiite Muslims. 1982- King Khalid died and was succeeded by Prince Fahd. The country faced decreased oil revenues, but still continued to maintain its influence in the Arab world along with healthy U.S. relations. 1990 to 1991- The U.S. spent $60 billion on the Persian Gulf War, with the Saudis and Kuwaitis paying half, and as a result the kingdom of Saudi Arabia faced huge deficit levels. 1992- Wahhabi religious figures sent a "Memorandum of Advice" to King Fahd, criticizing the government for corruption, human abuse and allowing U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia. The document told the government to follow stricter devotions and reject relations with certain other countries. King Fahd fired seven of the Supreme Authority Senior Scholars for not criticizing the memorandum. 1994- The government arrested two Wahhabi clerics for non-government preaching, so many protestors expressed their opinions in Buraida. The government stopped taking control of the clerics only if they gave their support, and the Wahhabi clerics were released from prison. 1995- Five Americans were killed when a bomb exploded at a Saudi National Guard training center in Riyadh. The Saudi government arrested 4 Saudi men who had connections to the bomb. They claimed to have been inspired by Bin Laden statements, for he praised the attack. The FBI got beheaded in Riyadh before interviewing the men. Later that year, King Fahd's suffered a stroke and was succeeded by Prince Abdullah. 1996- A truck bomb called killed 19 U.S. military servicemen in Dhahran, and a jury investigated, finding 13 Saudis and one Lebanese man responsible for it.
 * __ 20th Century Issues: __**

= = The revolts happening in the Arab world in which citizens of various countries are fighting for their rights. Such revolts have been seen in Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen. As they continue to spread, the Saudi Arabian government fears a similar uprising in amongst their own people. = = = = In Saudi Arabia, the roles and rights of the everyday woman are very different from those that we see here in America. Women are denied voting rights, unable to leave their homes without a male escort, and cannot legally drive. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world with a ban on women driving. However, small numbers of the ladies in Saudi Arabia are now beginning to take a stand in protest of the ban by driving motor vehicles on their countrys roads.
 * __ 21st Century issues: __**
 * The Arab Awakening:
 * Women’s rights:

media type="youtube" key="8K54OkzXWig" height="315" width="420" Currently, changes are being made in Saudi Arabia to give women more rights. Concessions are being made. The government is discussing giving women the right to vote in municipal elections in the future. Even with these changes taking place, the struggle of women in Saudi Arabia continues as the movement towards equality continues. See the article below for more detail on this current issue. [] = = = = Tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia have been worsening for years. One root problem is between thereligions of the Shiite Muslims in Iran, and the Sunni Muslims in Saudi Arabia. Since then, other factors, like the recent accusations that Iran was behind an assassination attempt on the Saudi ambassador in Washington D.C., have only added to the problems between these two countries. Recently, a weapons deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia took place. This deal was partly a result of an attempt to bring stability to the Middle East. Another reason for the sale is so that Saudi Arabia can defend itself against external attacks, as relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran continue to deteriorate. See the article below for more detail on this weapons deal. []
 * Relations with Iran


 * ** 9/11 **

Although a majority of the hijackers involved in 9/11 were Saudi Arabian, and Bin Laden himself was a citizen of Saudi Arabia until 1994, the U.S. has maintained its relations with Saudi Arabia, its Middle Eastern ally and oil source. The government in Saudi Arabia is not behind the attacks, but the countries connection to the horrible events of September 11, 2001 has given them a bad reputation. Some Americans associate Saudi Arabia with the fundamental Islamic ideals on which the country was founded. The entire relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. has been placed under scrutiny since the attacks. The questioning of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia relationship is a very real issue that will probably continue for years to come. See the article below for a take on the Saudi Arabian involvement in the events of 9/11. []

Read this artcile to understand the importance of Saudi Arabia, as it's the main oil exporter and manufacturer in the Middle East and the world. [] Investing in solar and water industries Still burn oil for power and are looking at how to be moreenvironmentally supportive Cleanenergy helps their business Tryingto help the world be cleaner Investing in desalination plants Canwater be used as the next oil? Western investors looking there now because of the change inSaudi ways Trying to take lead role in solving greenhouse gas emissionand global warming issues

Watch this video of Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister, Ali Al-Naimi, as he presses on about his concerns with greenhouse gas emissions and global warming issues. []

Read this paragraph about the Muslim Brotherhood to understand what impact members of Saudi Arabia are having on Egypt and parts of the Middle East today. __ The Muslim Brotherhood __  The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamic organization that was founded in 1928 in Egypt. They members of this society are original, wanting a recollection of the Qur'an and they don’t support Western influence such as the placement of U.S. troops in Iraq. They include of 70 countries and took part in Islamic conflicts. In 1942, Hassan al-Banna, the founder, set up branches in Transjordan and Palestine. The original headquarters of Syria moved to Damascus in 1944. The organization was banned in Egypt after action against King Farouk. The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood initially supported Gamal Abd an-Nasser, the president of Egypt until one of their members killed the Prime Minister of Egypt, Mahmud Fahmi Nokrashi. As a result, they were banned, and al-Banna was killed in Cairo in 1949. Member Abdul Munim Abdul Rauf tried killing Nasser, and the brotherhood was banned yet again, and over 4,000 members were put in prison. Nasser legalized the brotherhood in 1964. After more alleged assassination attempts, he had many members executed in 1966. Nasser's successor in Egypt, Anwar Sadat, angered the brotherhood with his attempted Israel peace treaty in 1979, leading to his assassination in 1981. The making of an Alawite Muslim, Hafez al-Assad, as the Syrian president angered the brotherhood. Many Muslims don’t consider Alawites true Muslims. In 1979, they killed 83 Alawites, but the Syrian army restored order. An assassination attempt on Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, was the last offense, and he sent his army, which wiped many of them out. In 1984, the Muslim Brotherhood was reaccepted in Egypt under security. Before President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt left from office, the brotherhood supported Mohamed ElBaradei to lead a government opposition. A member of the brotherhood said they wanted to use him as a puppet to take over the government of Egypt. In June 2011, the Egyptian news agency stated the Muslim Brotherhood as a party candidate. They had permission to run in elections and are an influential force in Egypt and the Islamic world today. = = = = Muhammad Abd Al-Wahhab is the founder of Wahhabism, a fundamentalist branch of Islam. He also co-founded the Saudi state, with the help of Muhammad bin Saud. Together they created a state of fundamentalist Islam, which would remain so for centuries to come. = = = = Muhammad bin Saud is the local ruler who helped create the Saudi state, as well as the one of the long line of Saud’s that have ruled over Saudi Arabia. = = = = Also known as Ibn Saud, he was the first monarchical leader of Saudi Arabia. He grew up as an exile in Kuwait, but once grown, decided to reconquer his family’s land. Ibn Saud then took back the land and declared himself King of Saudi Arabia. It was under his rule that oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia, and the relations over oil began with the U.S., keeping our countries connected today.
 * __Key Personnel Past and Present:__ **
 * Muhammad Abd Al-Wahhab
 * Muhammad bin Saud
 * King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud

He is the current King of Saudi Arabia. He took the throne in 2005 after the death of his half-brother, King Fahid. He currently stands as the ruler, oftern working on reform movements, like those he has put forth in education. Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud is also working against terrorism in Saudi Arabia, in hopes to disconnect the country from the dark pasts of some of its citizens. He also happens to be one of the world's weathiest people.
 * Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud



= = The most sacred place in Saudi Arabia is the Kaaba mosque also called the “House of God” located in Mecca. It is believed to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. A Muslim prays five times a day in the direction of Kaaba. It is said to be the first place created on earth and the place where heavenly bliss and power touch the earth. Every year, numerous Muslims take a pilgrimage to Mecca known as the hajj. Once there, pilgrims circle Kaaba seven times and touch or kiss its cornerstone, the Black Stone. = = = = = = The second holiest site in Saudi Arabia is Medina or the "City of the Prophet". The presence of Masjid al Nabawi, the Mosque of the Prophet, built on Muhammad's home where he was buried is why this place is important. Muhammad was driven here when he fled Mecca and it was here that he attracted his first followers. In 622 Muhammad was invited to come and live in Yathrib (original name of Medina) to govern. Different clans and religions fought, but Muhammad brought unity. Muhammad invited all to follow the new religion. Muhammad marched back to Mecca, becoming the ruler. Even when Islamic rule was established, Medina remained an important city of Islam. Under the first four Caliphs the Islamic empire expanded. After the death of Ali, the fourth caliph, the capital was moved to Damascus and the importance of Medina decreased. In 1924 the Ottoman city fell to Ibn Saud, whose empire became Saudi Arabia.
 * __ Holy sites of Saudi Arabia: __**
 * [[image:https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnYE_FNwCHOBjogZ0ehhLge7ISZK1R8-vMhZs8SKmQd3MR9wv3rdCGcDeH3g width="297" height="219" caption="Kaaba mosque in Mecca"]] ||
 * Kaaba mosque in Mecca ||
 * [[image:https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQiEKAnRmte2GZXgtmrmGF2mmP1RTU3PD7rfyWT9MdmcgX0uELjCnYbN4U width="205" height="154" align="right" caption="Prophet’s mosque in Medina"]] ||
 * Prophet’s mosque in Medina ||

__ Primary Source: __ []

The article above shows that Saudi Arabia is indeed still the leading source of money for most extremist networks on a global scale. Although there are still terrorist and extremist groups that the U.S. does not approves of, we remain to stay with the Saudi Arabian's because of the immense amount of oil they produce, as well as the untold side of the importance of having an ally in the Middle East. Although this article does not fully reflect it, Saudi Arabia is an indespensible ally for reasons other than its oil. Oil is still a big part of U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia (as evidenced by the source above), but people should keep in mind the added reasons of having an ally in the heart of the Middle East, and an ally at the heart of Islam.

= = Saudi Arabia is…
 * __ Timeline of Saudi Arabian Events: __**
 * 1891 - The Al Sa'ud family are exiled to Kuwait by the Rashidi family.
 * ‍ 1902 - Abd-al-Aziz Bin-Abd-al-Rahman Bin-Faysal Bin-Turki Bin-Abdallah Bin-Muhammad Al Sa'ud (often known as Ibn Sa'ud) takes control of Riyadh bringing the Al Sa'ud family back into Saudi Arabia.
 * 1926 - Abd-al-Aziz is proclaimed King of the Hijaz in the Grand Mosque of Mecca.
 * ‍ 1932 September - The areas controlled by Abd-al-Aziz are unified under the name Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Abd-al-Aziz is proclaimed King.
 * ‍ 1938- Oil is discovered and production begins under the US controlled ARAMCO (Arabian American Oil Company).
 * ‍ 1953 November - King Abd-al-Aziz dies and is succeeded by the Crown Prince Sa'ud Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Al Sa'ud. The new King's brother, Faysal is named Crown Prince.
 * ‍ 2001 September 11 – Saudi Arabian people help in the terrorist actions of 9/11 and hi-jack U.S. Planes. Killed many people.
 * __ FUN FACTS: __**
 * The world's largest producer of desalinated water: thirty-three plants produce nearly two million cubic meters of fresh water from the sea.
 * One of the world's driest countries, with rain only in the extreme north and south.

(The desert in Saudi Arabia) (An arak tree) For an added bonus, click the link below to hear the Saudi Arabian National Anthem. []
 * A place where Miswak, the root of the arak tree, is used to clean teeth.
 * Home of the Arabic language, the origin of many of the words we use today, among them alcohol, alkali, admiral and alchemy.
 * The largest country in the Middle East.
 * Following the rule of one of the last Absolute Monarchies.
 * Actually named the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

(Saudi Arabia's Flag)


 * __ Summary: __**

Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East that was founded on the ideals of Wahhabism. The country continued to exist with fundamentalist Islam being a very large part of everyday life. Sharia Law for instance, the code of law derived from the Koran and from the teachings and example of Mohammed, is the set of laws by which Saudi Arabian citizens live by. However, beginning after 9/11, Saudi Arabia has begun to move past its old ways. These changes are the result of past problems, and taking place as new ones present themselves. As the government is trying to avoid a rebellion, like those in the Arab awakening, protest, such as the women’s protest for driving rights, are taking place. Large parts of its original identity though still exist. They maintain their Muslim identity while trying to modernize, and continue to exist as one of the main oil producers in the world. Saudi Arabia is a mixture of the new and the old. It’s a bustling country that is taking in new ideas, while keeping old ways of life alive, and it will continue to grow for years to come.