), in the form of illegal organizations. Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia - Political process: Participation in the political process is limited to a relatively small portion of the population. iPlayerMichaela Coel's unmissable drama, Revisiting unforgettable interviewees. In particular, the US and Saudi Arabia have a strong alliance in nearly every area. This is carried out by the ulama, the Saudi religious establishment. The government of the Saudi Arabia is ruled and dominated by the vast honorable royal family, the Al Saud. Real GDP contracted by -4.1%, following an already meagre expansion of … Due to their status as the minority group within Islam, the Shi’a minority of Saudi Arabia has been the target of ruthless state-sponsored oppression over the past few decades. Political context of Saudi Arabia : the nature of the state, the organization of the executive and legislative branches, the main ruling parties, dates of upcoming elections. Executive Power 1. 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The United States needs to lower its profile. A majority of Saudi Sunni Muslims follow the Wahhabi sect, whereas, most Saudi Shi’a Muslims are members of the Twelver sect. . The Blacklist: Saudi Arabia’s High-profile Political Detainees Members of the Saudi Royal Guard stand on duty outside the hall where the first meeting of the defence ministers of the 41-member Saudi-led Muslim counter-terrorism alliance is taking place in the capital Riyadh on November 26, 2017. Audio. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. In 1891, the Al Saud were exiled by the Al Rashid clan with whom they battled for control of the territory for decades. The ballerina dancing on ice for a real ‘swan lake’ Video, The ballerina dancing on ice for a real ‘swan lake’, Could lab-grown meat help tackle climate change? DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- One of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent political activists was released from prison Wednesday, ... have launched a high-profile campaign calling for her release. Women’s participation in politics is traditionally limited, although women were allowed to run for seats on municipal councils beginning in 2015. In addition to formal roles, the Saudi King also serves as the country’s Prime Minister. King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud ascended the throne in January 2015 following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah. […] Oil is discovered in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Main Political Parties No political parties are allowed in Saudi Arabia. 1938 - Oil is discovered and production begins under the US-controlled Aramco (Arabian American Oil Company). Its cities of Mecca and Medina were both thriving trade posts by the end of the 6th Century CE. Saudi Arabia (officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)) is a Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy located in the Middle East constituting of the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Saudi Arabia, September 2006 3 Nineteenth-Century Arabia: Following a six-year period of Egyptian interference, the Al Saud regained political control of the Najd region in 1824 under Turki ibn Abd Allah, who rebuilt This rivalry has played a role in numerous conflicts throughout the Middle East, such as the Syrian and Yemeni Civil Wars, the Arab Spring Protests, and the ongoing genocide against Shi’a Muslims in Pakistan, Yemen, and Bahrain. The section also discusses the country's performance according to World Bank Governance Indicators. The Czech Republic is a unitary parliamentary republic located in Central Europe. Another point of criticism regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record is its “Counter-Radicalization Program” the purpose of which is to “combat the spread and appeal of extremist ideologies among the general populous (sic)” and to “instill the true values of the Islamic faith, such as tolerance and moderation.”This “tolerance and moderation” has been called into question by numerous international observers. iPlayer, No topic is taboo for Poppy and Rubina. Democrats Being Formulating Coronavirus Relief Package, Happy 2021! In addition to the US, Saudi Arabia in recent years has sought to establish a close relationship with China, with a majority of Saudi citizens viewing Chinese influence on the world stage as positive. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the main players in the Arab world. Royal decrees are the other main source of law but are referred to as regulations rather than laws because they are subordinate to the Sharia. Between 1996 and 2000, Saudi Arabia acceded to four UN human rights conventions and, in 2004, the government approved the establishment of the National Society for Human Rights (NSHR), staffed by government employees, to monitor their implementation. Saudi Arabia plays a major role in the context of Middle Eastern politics due to its status as the birthplace of Islam and the world’s only remaining absolute monarchy, as well as its relatively strong and diverse economy and alliances with many Western powers. The Saudi system of justice has been criticized for its “ultra-puritanical judges,” who are often harsh in their sentencing, but also sometimes overly lenient and slow, for example leaving thousands of abandoned women unable to secure a divorce. Saudi Arabia has a population of 34.8 million people (in 2020); more than 10 million people are expatriates, mainly from Asia and the Middle East. Foreign policy observers note that the primary reason the US has continued to support Saudi Arabia despite its repressive government and support for terrorism is due to its vast oil reserves and mutual opposition to expanded Iranian and Shi’a influence in the region. – The political landscape section discusses the evolution of the political scenario in Saudi Arabia, as well as the country's economic, social, foreign, and defense policies. Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abd-al-Aziz and he has been succeeded by his various sons. 1. Arabs are the largest ethnic group in Saudi Arabia and Arabic is the official language. Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King... MEDIA. It targets "pornographic", Islam-related, human rights and political sites. The system has also been criticized for being arcane, lacking in some of the safeguards of justice, and unable to deal with the modern world. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of budget revenues, 42% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Goals include reinforcing economic and investment activities, increasing non-oil industry trade between countries through goods and consumer products, and increasing government spending on the military. Could lab-grown meat help tackle climate change? Saudi Arabia’s economy was hit hard by the double whammy of the global Covid-19 crisis and the marked decline in oil prices in 2020. Iraq bordered... One of the most unstable countries in the Middle East is Lebanon. 1. Area 2.24 million sq km (864,869 sq miles), Life expectancy 73 years (men), 76 years (women). In conclusion, Saudi Arabia is one of the most important countries in the Middle East due to its relative stability, a strong economy, and close ties with Western powers. iPlayerThe true tale of the US sex equality war, No topic is taboo for Poppy and Rubina. By the time of his death in 632 CE, Muhammad was able to unite the various tribes of Saudi Arabia under a single religion and also worked to end many of the social injustices prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabic society. 2011 - As ''Arab Spring'' protests ripple across the region, Saudi troops participate in crackdown on unrest in Bahrain. Officially known as the Lebanese Republic, Lebanon is a parliamentary republic located... You have entered an incorrect email address! Matt is also involved in the preservation of recorded sound through IASA International Bibliography of Discographies, and is an avid record collector. This, in turn, has led to strong political and military relationships that at times have been a source of awkwardness for both sides. Type of State Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy in which the King has supreme powers. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, the original homeland of the Arabs, the place of origin of the Arabian language, and the historic center of Islam.Saudi Arabia is bounded by the Red Sea in the west and the Persian Gulf in the east. The government openly acknowledges that widespread internet filtering takes place. By means of his website he continues to call for political reform in the kingdom and latterly the removal of the Saudi monarchy. © Matt Rose and Ourpolitics.Net, 2020. American oil companies soon obtain concessions that allow them to access the […], […] at a time of mounting pressure from the United States and its regional allies.”The US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel want to put Iran in a corner, but they don’t know that with this action they are […], […] of the Iranian government throughout the speech, President Donald Trump praised the governments of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, stating that they have pledged “billions of dollars to aid […], […] a “disaster” and a significant security risk for US allies in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and Israel. On the other hand, […]. Despite the stringent nature of the sanctions, there are several exceptions that could […], […] rate of incarceration, behind the small country of Seychelles. The Ottoman Empire collapsed after the 1918 Arab Revolt and end of WWI. Moreover, Saudi Arabia maintains diplomatic relations with a majority of countries and has attempted to frame itself as a voice for stability in the Middle East. The Economist rated the Saudi government as the fifth most authoritarian government out of 167 rated in its 2012 Democracy In… It possesses about 16% of the world’s proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, although, according to the Basic Law of Saudi Arabia adopted by royal decree in 1992, the king must comply with Sharia (that is, Islamic law) and the Qur'an. Some key events in Saudi Arabia's history: 1932 - The areas controlled by King Abd-al-Aziz are unified under the name Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The current constitution of Saudi Arabia (known as the “Basic Law”) was adopted on January 30, 1992, and stipulates that Saudi Arabia is an absolute theocratic monarchy. Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abd-al-Aziz - known as the Lion of Najd - who seized Hejaz from the Hashemite family and united the country under his … Currently, Saudi Arabia has a GDP of $1.7 trillion (the largest in the Middle East and 19th largest in the world) and Human Development score of 0.853. In terms of demographics, Saudi Arabia is estimated to be ~99% Muslim. These factors include potential economic, social, and political sources of stress, as well as the capacity of the state to manage potential internal challenges or external shocks , including the loyalty of internal security forces, cohesion of the leadership, and the state … In response to the continuing criticism of its human rights record, the Saudi government points to the special Islamic character of the country and asserts that this justifies a different social and political order. Having been immediately appointed defense minister upon his father’s accession, he quickly launched an aggressive military policy in Yemen known as Operation Decisive Storm. Biden took a hard line on Saudi Arabia ... seeking to safeguard a series of high-profile arms deals negotiated ... is that the Saudis have lost both political parties . What happened next? US Senate reaches deal, closing arguments begin in Trump impeachment trial Prince Mohammed was born to King Salman and Fahda bint Falah, the King’s third spouse, in 1985. The unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia is estimated to be ~6 as of 2018 and the country has a GDP per capita of $55,000. 117th Congress Sworn In. The House of Saud reclaimed Riyadh from the Al Rashid in 1902 and eventually regained control of most of their former territory by the time King Abdul-Aziz bin Saud established the present-day state of Saudi Arabia in 1932. What made Harriet Tubman a real force for change? Officials familiar with the matter stated that the Trump administration was pushing Saudi Arabia, who leads the coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen, to take part in secret talks in Oman with […], […] routes extended more than four thousand miles to parts of the Middle East such as present-day Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and into parts of Europe including modern-day Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. iPlayer, Revisiting unforgettable interviewees. - CRMPB6 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Over the ensuing millennia, Saudi Arabia soon became a thriving trade center for Middle Eastern Empires such as the Achaemenid Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Sassanid Empire. Saudi Arabia joined the United Nations in 1945 and is a founding member of member of the Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, Muslim World League, OPEC, and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation. Breaking News the Democratic Primary winner is Phil Murphy. Saudi Arabia is the third leading source of imported oil for the United States, providing about half a million barrels per day of oil to the U.S. market. © 2020 Matthew Rose | Developed by Anar Consulting. Sponsored by: Travelling Saudi-class: King Salman travels to Asia. Some of Saudi Arabia’s strongest regional allies include Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Download this stock image: Political map of Saudi Arabia with the several provinces where Northern Borders Province is highlighted. Mar 2nd 2017, 1:52 from Web-only article. Audio, The true tale of the US sex equality war. Early Life and Education. Royal Family Profile. In a deeply personal TV interview, Meghan tells Oprah Winfrey that she did not get help when she asked for it. Some of the human rights issues that have attracted strong criticism include the disadvantaged position of women, capital punishment for even the most minor crimes, religious discrimination (particularly against the large Shi’a Muslim minority within the country), the lack of religious freedom, and the activities of the religious police. Oil prices quadruple. Approximately 80-85% of Saudi Muslims are Sunni, whereas 15-20% are Shi’a, who primarily reside in the oil-rich Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, traditional tribal law and custom remain significant. The history of  Saudi Arabia can be traced back to 20,000 BCE when the earliest nomadic tribes settled in the area. At the time, Saudi Arabia ranked among the world’s poorest countries, but the nation’s fortunes dramatically changed after vast Persian Gulf oil reserves were discovered just a few years later in 1938. Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia - Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: Mohammed bin Salman was already an active policy maker prior to becoming the heir apparent. 1973 - Saudi Arabia leads an oil boycott against the Western countries that supported Israel in the October War against Egypt and Syria. It stands out for its espousal of a puritan version of Sunni Islam, including harsh punishments such as public beheadings, and its restrictions on the rights of women. 2020 Election: Supreme Court Rules In... One of the essential tools used in the research and documentation of recorded sounds is the Discography. This resource is intended to enable people to understand the role of the media in shaping public policy as well as the influence of politics at the local and international levels. The members of this royal family are the principle political leaders. Read about our approach to external linking. As Leopold Weiss (Muhammad Asad (d. 1992)), said: “The rules of this shari’ah were formulated in a way that no rule would contradict with the original nature of man and the significant requirements of human Billionaire Mackenzie Scott marries science teacher, BP staff set to work from home two days a week, Starlings stop man's car in 'impressive' display, Crowds of celebrating Rangers fans 'disgraceful', NHS approves 'most expensive' drug for genetic disease, Deliveroo boss: 'I was never into start-ups', Michaela Coel's unmissable drama. A retinue of 1,500 people has come with him. Saudi Arabia remains one of the very few countries in the world not to accept the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, certain political movements may exist (Islamists, Communists, Liberals, Greens, etc. Saudi Arabia is home to Mecca and Medina, two of the three holiest cities in Islam, and major pilgrimage sites for Muslims throughout the world. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Since 2010, the US has sold Saudi Arabia an estimated $400 billion in weapons and other military aid. Saudi Arabia has a poor human rights record and has been repeatedly criticized by much of the international community. 2018 October - The killing of emigre reporter Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul causes an international outcry. Despite its relative stability, Saudi Arabia continues to have one of the worlds worst human rights records and has destabilized much of the Middle East through its spread of Wahhabism and advocacy of genocide and repression of Shi’a Muslims and other minority groups throughout the region. Topics Index › Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia (officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)) is a Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy located in the Middle East constituting of the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula. The rapid increase in the rate of […], […] in power than on standing up for the Palestinians. The first municipal elections in Saudi Arabia took place in 2005. Prince Mohammed controls all the major levers of government from defence to the economy, and has stamped his authority by carrying out high-profile purges of allegedly corrupt members of the elite. There are no elections for national bodies, and political parties are outlawed. In addition, there are an estimated 2 million members (mostly foreign workers) of other religious communities residing in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is also a major critic of the current Iranian government and has repeatedly called for military intervention against Iran. Additionally, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel has improved immensely since Mohammed bin Salman became Crown Prince in 2017, with both countries expanding their military cooperation (due to their mutual opposition to the Iranian government), developing close economic ties, and beginning to negotiate an agreement establishing formal diplomatic ties. In September 2015, Faisal bin Hassan Trad, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, has been elected Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Council panel that appoints independent experts. No political parties or national elections are permitted. The Al Saud dynasty holds a monopoly of political power. He has also projected himself as a reformer in the ultra-conservative kingdom with a series of bold moves, including the decision to allow women to drive. Most of Saudi Arabia once again fell under a traditional tribal rule and the Sharif of Mecca who ruled the holy city between the 10th and early 20th centuries had to defer to the Abbasids, Egyptians, and Ottomans, who each conquered Saudi Arabia at various times over the centuries. Discover the incredible life of the legendary American hero and abolitionist, A young girl who is the voice of a generation, The story of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, 12 things we learned from Meghan's Oprah interview1, Billionaire Mackenzie Scott marries science teacher2, Meghan 'didn't want to be alive any more'3, BP staff set to work from home two days a week4, Starlings stop man's car in 'impressive' display5, Crowds of celebrating Rangers fans 'disgraceful'6, NHS approves 'most expensive' drug for genetic disease7, Deliveroo boss: 'I was never into start-ups'9, Naga Munchetty: It’s time to talk about race10, Michaela Coel's unmissable drama. Saudi Arabia has a literacy rate of 94.7% and a life expectancy of 75.5 years, comparable to the US and many Western countries. Saudi Arabia Country Profile - View the latest economic research, credit research, market research, investment research, and news on Saudi Arabia. In January 2016, Saudi Arabia executed the prominent Shi’aa cleric Sheikh Nimr who had called for pro-democracy demonstrations and for free elections in Saudi Arabia. The history of Saudi Arabia entered into a period of immense change after the birth of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, in 570. Saudi Arabia - Politics. Access the latest politics analysis and economic growth summary through 2011 for Saudi Arabia from The Economist Intelligence Unit Analysts assessing the susceptibility of states to political instability often examine a basket of “risk factors” generally believed to be associated with the onset of such events. The Qur'an and the Sunnah are declared to be the country's constitution. Could lab-grown meat help tackle climate change? There are no political parties. Profile: Saudi political opposition ... Mr Faqih - a physician by training - now runs the London-based Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia. The show did not go on. Saudi Arabia’s primary trade partners are the US, China, South Korea, Japan, and Germany. Critics regard it as a totalitarian dictatorship. Additionally, many Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates have increased diplomatic ties Israel, seeing it as a […], […] conflict. He has been part of the ruling group of princes for decades, and has continued the main thrusts of Saudi strategic policy - including maintaining the alliance with the United States and working towards energy market stability.