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! 😊
This info is worth everyone’s attention. When can I find out more?
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you
if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look
forward to new posts.
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook
group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Cheers
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who has been conducting a little homework on this.
And he actually bought me breakfast due to the fact that I discovered it for him…
lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this subject here on your blog.
Thankfulness to my father who informed me concerning this blog, this weblog is genuinely remarkable.
Heya just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you
know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both
show the same results.
Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there
that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any tips? Thanks a lot!
Good blog post. I definitely appreciate this website. Keep writing!
Somebody essentially assist to make seriously posts I might
state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far?
I amazed with the research you made to create this actual post amazing.
Magnificent activity!
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this website, because i wish for enjoyment,
since this this web page conations truly fastidious funny stuff too.
Greate pieces. Keep posting such kind of information on your site.
Im really impressed by your blog.
Hey there, You have performed a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it
and for my part suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be
benefited from this web site.
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that
would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward
to new updates.
I’m really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one
today.
After looking over a few of the blog articles on your
web site, I truly appreciate your technique of blogging.
I book-marked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my website too and let me
know what you think.
Magnificent web site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to some buddies ans additionally
sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks for your effort!
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Extremely helpful info particularly the last part
🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
Your style is really unique compared to other people I’ve read stuff from.
Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity,
Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
and you’re just too wonderful. I really like what you
have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and
the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining
and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific site.
I’ve read a few good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for
revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you put to create this type
of great informative web site.
Receive all the most modern agen judi casino game title of
the article alone regarding all of our internet site.
It truly is feasible enjoy situs casino online pleasantly as you
will discover several choices of providers.
Attain every single current agen casino online activities
essentially on the website. You can execute agen live casino
online wonderfully seeing that there is many choices of providers.
I blog often and I truly thank you for your content.
Your article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your
site and keep checking for new details about once a week.
I opted in for your Feed too.
Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a
blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before end I am reading this wonderful piece of writing to
improve my experience.
Hey! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
I visited multiple websites except the audio feature for audio
songs present at this site is truly marvelous.
Everything is very open with a really clear clarification of the issues.
It was really informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Thanks for sharing!
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I am not sure
whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You are incredible! Thanks!
I’ve learn a few good stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting.
I wonder how much attempt you set to create one of these
great informative web site.
What i do not understood is in fact how you are no longer really a lot more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now.
You’re very intelligent. You recognize thus significantly
relating to this topic, made me in my opinion believe it from so many numerous angles.
Its like women and men don’t seem to be involved except it’s one thing to do
with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent.
At all times care for it up!
Hey! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when browsing from my
apple iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Thank you!
It’s not my first time to visit this web page, i am visiting this website dailly
and get fastidious facts from here every day.
Heya i’m for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much.
I am hoping to give one thing back and help others such as you aided me.
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges.
It was really informative. Your website is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you
so much, However I am encountering issues with your RSS.
I don’t know the reason why I am unable to join it.
Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
I am in fact thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this fantastic article
at at this place.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You obviously know what youre talking about, why
waste your intelligence on just posting videos to
your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
This information is invaluable. When can I find out more?
Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing.
The clearness in your publish is just great and i can suppose you’re a professional in this subject.
Well together with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to stay updated with drawing close post.
Thank you 1,000,000 and please carry on the gratifying
work.
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new
initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a
wonderful job!
Asking questions are really good thing if you are not understanding something completely,
however this piece of writing gives fastidious understanding yet.
First off I want to say great blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to
ask if you do not mind. I was interested to
know how you center yourself and clear your mind
before writing. I have had trouble clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.
I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10
to 15 minutes tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Thanks!
I always spent my half an hour to read this website’s articles every day along with a cup of coffee.
Hi to every body, it’s my first go to see of this web site; this web site contains awesome and actually good information in favor of readers.
If you desire to improve your experience just keep visiting this web
page and be updated with the most recent news update posted here.
No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing, therefore he/she wants to be available that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.
My brother recommended I might like this web
site. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for
this information! Thanks!
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether
this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You’re incredible! Thanks!
The analysis is extremely interesting. If you would like to perceive slot pulsa, I recommend playing regarding relied on slot terpercaya personal blogs.
Because you can accomplish big benefits all the benefits and get guaranteed confederate affiliate payouts.
If you want that can be played out, you might in a straight line stick
to the link below. The hyperlink is known as a slot machine game
game website that may be frequently employed among Indonesia the members.