Hey fellow adventurers! I hope I can cover Saudi Arabia’s history justly! If you feel anything needs expanding upon, please feel free to tell me in the comment section below! And as always, I highly encourage you to look deeper into anything in this post that interests you. And for those of you living in the United States, Happy Labor Day! I hope you’re enjoying your extended weekend!
For much of the history of the Arabian Peninsula, tribal rulers controlled most of the territory. In 570 CE, the prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca. In 622 CE, he moved to Medina and began to unite the tribes of Arabia under the banner of Islam. To this day, Mecca and Medina remain the most spiritually important places in the Muslim world.
In the 19th century CE, the Al Saud family fought nomadic tribes for territory within the Arabian Peninsula, especially the Rashidi family. In 1902, Abd-al-Aziz Bin-Abd-al-Rahman Bin-Faysal Bin-Turki Bin-Abdallah Bin-Muhammad Al Saud (often known as Ibn Saud) took control of Riyadh and gave the Saudi family the upper hand. In 1912, the Ikhwan (Brotherhood) was founded based on Wahhabism and promised to help Ibn Saud conquer the Arabian Peninsula. With the help of the Ikhwan, the Saud family started gaining more and more territory, until they finally took the holy cities, Mecca and Medina in 1925. In 1928, the Ikhwan turned against the Saudi family after the family welcomed non-Muslims into the territory and tried to modernize the region, and were defeated in 1930. In 1932, all the territories are united into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Ibn Saud crowned King.
Eureka! In 1938, oil is discovered and production begins under the US-controlled Aramco (the Arabian American Oil Company). In 1960, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Kuwait, Iraq and Iran founded the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) whose mission is to “coordinate and unify the petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure the stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers, and a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.” In 1972, Saudi Arabia gains 20% of Aramco, and in 1980 they take full control of Aramco so the US can’t control the oil in Saudi Arabia. In 1973, Saudi Arabia boycotts the western countries that supported Israel in the October war, quadrupling gas prices.
In 1981, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates founded the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with the intention to strengthen relations amongst participating countries and promote cooperation amongst the countries’ citizens. In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait which Saudi Arabia quickly condemned and requested the assistance of the United States to defeat Iraq. The United States responded by stationing troops in Saudi Arabia so they could push Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. However, removing the presence of American troops once the war ended became one of the main goals of Al-Qaeda (a terrorist group consisting of mostly Saudi citizens).
In the 1990’s, Al-Qaeda increases the number of terrorist incidents against western targets. All this eventually escalates and leads to the attacks of September 11th, 2001 in which 15 out of the 19 terrorists were Saudi nationalists (I’ll cover this subject in greater depth later). In which King Fahd’s response is to state that they need to work on the eradication of terrorism. In 2003, the United States pulls almost all their troops out of Saudi Arabia. King Fahd gives the Consultative Council (a legislative body that represents individual districts) more power, allowing them to propose legislation without his permission.
Once again, there’s an increase in Al-Qaeda related terrorist attacks as Saudi Arabia fights back against extremism. In 2007, the religious police are banned from detaining subjects. Starting in 2009, major reforms started to take place including the first woman minister, the sacking of the head of the religious police and the act of modernizing the government. The Arab Spring (protests due to deep seated resentment of the aging Arab ruler class, unemployment and corruption within the government) came to Saudi Arabia in 2011. This helped lead to an increase in women protests (protesting not only about that but also against things like the ban that states women aren’t allowed to drive). These protests weren’t effective in bringing about change. In response King Fahd announces an increase in welfare spending, his intent on creating more jobs and the intention to grant more rights to women. In 2012, women were allowed to compete in the Olympics, and in 2013 women are added to the Consultative Council for the first time.
In 2013, Saudi Arabia rejects an offer for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council because King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud believed that the UN was not doing enough to help Syria. Meanwhile, they continue to tighten laws against terrorists, labelling Islamic groups as terrorist organizations and banning any funding and/or support for those organizations listed; as well as participating with other Arab states in airstrikes against Islamic state militants. The government approves for far reaching reforms to diversify the economy away from oil. This year, Saudi Arabia sparks a diplomatic crisis by leading an air, land and sea blockade by Arab countries, to get Qatar to cut its alleged connections with terrorism and distance itself from Iran.
The past and present kings of Saudi Arabia:
- Ibn Saud (1932-1952): he fought for the territory that is now Saudi Arabia, ruled as king for 21 years and started a large-scale oil production that made his family rich.
- Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1953-1964): a lot of people gave him a hard time because when the Saud debt began piling up, rather than cut back on his lavish lifestyle, he cut government programs instead and was eventually forced by his family to abdicate the throne.
- Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1964-1975): he was known for rescuing the country’s finances and implementing a policy of modernization and reform before being assassinated by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid in 1975.
- Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1975-1982): he showed an interest in improving the education, health-care and infrastructure of the country but failed to monopolize the power during his reign and was unsuccessful.
- Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1982-2005): he was a supporter of the United Nations and spent a lot of money on improving religious education for his country.
- Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2005-2015): he maintained strong relations with other countries, gave women the right to vote for municipal councils and to compete in the Olympics, and maintained the status quo during the Arab Spring.
- Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2015-?): he is the current king of Saudi Arabia and has so far ordered the bombing of Yemen and has lost support after the Mina Stampede in 2015 when over 2,400 people died during their Hajj pilgrimage.
If you prefer videos, please feel free to check out this short animation:
That wraps us this history portion. Thank you all for reading my blog! Until our next adventure! 😊
I relish, lead to I found exactly what I was taking a look for.
You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day.
Bye
Wow! At last I got a webpage from where I be capable of actually take
useful information regarding my study and knowledge.
Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the great spirit.
Hi I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Yahoo for something else,
Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read
through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds,
so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the superb work.
I blog often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article
has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once a week.
I opted in for your RSS feed as well.
I got this web page from my buddy who told me about
this site and at the moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative
posts here.
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this post i thought i could also make comment
due to this sensible piece of writing.
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your
site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that
service? Appreciate it!
you’re truly a excellent webmaster. The website loading pace is incredible.
It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a magnificent process in this subject!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a
little comment to support you.
I used to be recommended this website via my cousin. I’m now not sure whether or not this post is written by
means of him as nobody else recognise such particular about my problem.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I am quite sure I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it,
you may be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back from now on. I want to encourage yourself
to continue your great work, have a nice day!
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a
coworker who has been conducting a little homework on this.
And he in fact ordered me dinner due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your web site.
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and
I’m impressed! Very useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
I was seeking this particular information for a very long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
Hi there friends, its wonderful post regarding teachingand completely
explained, keep it up all the time.
Ahaa, its fastidious discussion regarding this paragraph
at this place at this blog, I have read all that, so now me also commenting at this place.
great post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts
of this sector do not notice this. You should proceed
your writing. I am confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Outstanding post however I was wanting to know if you
could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be
very grateful if you could elaborate a little
bit further. Appreciate it!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that
I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you
write again soon!
I’m not sure exactly why but this weblog is loading extremely slow for
me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem
on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
That is really fascinating, You’re a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and sit up for in search of more of
your fantastic post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
It’s really very complex in this full of activity life to listen news on Television, thus I simply use world wide web for that purpose, and get the
hottest information.
Good day! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up
to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Great items from you, man. I’ve take into accout
your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely fantastic.
I actually like what you have got here, certainly like what you are stating
and the way in which in which you are saying it. You’re making it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
I can’t wait to learn far more from you. That is really
a wonderful website.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful post. Many thanks for
supplying these details.
Hi colleagues, nice paragraph and pleasant urging
commented here, I am truly enjoying by these.
You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe.
All the time follow your heart.
It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve read this submit and if I may just I wish
to counsel you some attention-grabbing things or
suggestions. Maybe you can write subsequent articles referring to this article.
I wish to learn more issues approximately it!
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is
time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting
things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to read even more things about it!
I do not even know the way I stopped up right here, but I believed this post was once good.
I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger in case you are not already.
Cheers!
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I
can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to
start. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
We stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might as well
check things out. I like what I see so now i’m
following you. Look forward to looking at your web page again.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page
layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two
pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
I think the admin of this web site is really working hard in support of his web site,
because here every stuff is quality based information.
Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and include approximately all significant infos.
I would like to see extra posts like this .
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.
It is perfect time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time
to be happy. I have learn this publish and if I may I wish
to recommend you few interesting issues or tips.
Perhaps you can write subsequent articles
regarding this article. I want to learn even more issues about it!
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog
and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Fantastic post but I was wanting to know if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little
bit further. Thank you!
Howdy! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering
if you knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my
comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and
I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!
I couldn’t resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting!
Keep up the fantastic works guys I’ve you guys to my own blogroll.
I have read a few excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how a lot effort you place to make this sort of magnificent informative site.
The examination can be extremely interesting.
If you need to experience slot resmi, I like to advise taking part in in reputable judi slot online websites.
Since you can obtain big benefits and get guaranteed internet marketer winnings.
If you want to experience, you could immediately have a look through in this post.
The web link is really a dock webpage which may be frequently used between Indonesian member.
It’s awesome in favor of me to have a site, which is useful designed for my know-how.
thanks admin
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and
interesting, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the
head. The issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently
about. Now i’m very happy that I found this during my hunt for something regarding this.
Remarkable! Its in fact amazing post, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this paragraph.