Saudi Arabia: Between Reform and Preserving Power
Mai Yamani | Survival | March 2008
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has come to play a peculiar role on the Arabian Peninsula. This country has the largest petroleum resources in the world, is the home to the most important historic holy sites of Islam, and entertains good relations with the United States. In addition, Saudi Arabia is diplomatically one of the most dynamic countries of the region, whether with respect to the US-invasion of Iraq, mediation in the Middle East conflict, or the containment of Iran. Nonetheless, internally, the country is deeply divided and the time has come to make a decisive choice: either King Abdullah initiates political openness, - a process which, while it would guarantee him popular support, is highly controversial among members of the ruling family, or the regime remains stubborn and limits its openness to symbolic diplomacy, thereby hoping to score points at home as well.
The domestic pressure on the Saudi ruling family who are followers of Wahhabism, a dogmatic and conservative sect of Sunni Islam, is increasing. In this situation, two factors are proving particularly problematic:
- Dependence on oil:
The Wahhabis' power is drawn from wealth acquired in the petroleum industry. So far, high revenues have strengthened the Saudi state. However should the prices of raw materials start to fall, the territorial integrity and the national identity of Saudi Arabia could be put at risk by latent separatist tendencies. Despite the royal family's efforts to encourage the creation of a culturally uniform nation, a variety of groups and people of very different religious persuasions live in the country. Moreover, these groups and people have largely succeeded in preserving their cultural diversity. - Population explosion and unemployment:
More than half of the Saudi population of over 22 million is under 15 years of age. This mass of young people threatens the existing system of employment inheritance. The Shiites, who make up a majority in the country and benefit from the increasing fascination with which many young Arabs regard them, are in favor of a fairer distribution of the wealth derived from the oil industry. With their call for reforms, they have obtained the support of educated Saudis from all over the country. Their demands range from political and civil rights issues, to anti-corruption measures, and even to campaigns advocating limitation of the ruling Wahhabis' power.
In comparison with other countries and despite internal difficulties, Saudi Arabia is relatively stabile. Growing chaos in the neighboring states offers the Saudi ruling elite the opportunity to present the country as a pool of peace in the region and thereby regain political legitimacy domestically.
This summary was prepared by the Atlantic Community editorial team from "The Two Faces of Saudi Arabia" published here in Survival.
Related materials from the Atlantic Community:
- Charles Kupchan and Ray Takeyh: Iran Just Won't Stay Isolated
- Matt Dupuis: Dealing With Iran: Deterrence Is Not Enough
Fri, Mar 21st 2008, 09:31
Fouad Naji Maarouf, Freie Universität Berlin, Bronze Contributor (25)
Having such a huge royal family with all it princes is and their luxurious way of life is a big financial burden for the Saudi citizen. When most of the oil revenues flow in the pockets of the royals, then its no wonder that poverty and high unemployment excist between the young, who constitute the biggest part of the Saudi society.
Having big reforms is essential, if Suadi Arabia wants to keep its wealth and position in the world and to keep its citizens in a good state.
Now to come to the way the Saudi Arabai was established. Under King Saud the first or the great -as he is called there- he with the backing of many tribes and mostly the backing of the Islamic Brotherhood the (Al Ikhwan Al-Muslimun) defeated the ruling Sharifi family, and made them flee to Jordan and Iraq. Through many raids and wars the family Saud managed to take control over most of the Arab Peninsula.
Till today this coalition of the religious sect and the Al-Saud continue to shape the social and international policies of the country.
I think the best choise for the Saudis is to have a constitutional monarchy, like in the UK and Jordan. But would the royal family agree and join hands with their felow contry men and women?. We saw how in the last months and years, every voice of reform or change was harshly undermind and supressed by the authorities. Many intelectuals and thinkers were thrown into jail or were forced to give up their citizenship and go into exil.
But the Saudi society isn´t giving up yet. Many bright and well educuated young and old Saudis are countinuing the presure on their governmet for cahnge and are gathering national and international support. But is the goverment respoding?
The late armed operation by militant young men in Riad and Khubar, was a clear message of discontent and anger against the goverment, but also am exrtreem and dangerous one too.
The first step is to guaranty the rights of the Saudi woman, and to lift the banes that have been laid on her, not by Islam but by old supressive traditions.
Secondly, a constitutional change, that regulate the position of King and royal family, making them equal to their citizens and punishable by law.
Thirdly, a new constitution which is built on islam and Shari´a in one part, but also on human rights, equality and unity, also guaranteeing the rights of minorities.
Forthly, freedom of speech and freedom of consituting political parties.
Fifthy, a Saudi parliament, which would be an important forum for making new rules and regulations and a hub for justice and democracy for the Saudi people.
There are many issues which should also be discussed but these points would be enough for the beginnig. Hopefully there would be change soon, as I´m sure that the Saudis are strong and smart enough to change their country for the better.