Identity, foreign policy, and the war on terrorism in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, a country host to two of the holiest places in Islam; a country all Muslims, if capable, should visit at least once in their lifetime to undertake hajj (pilgrimage); and, it is a country all Muslims feel a kinship with. It has been, however, a country plagued by violence, by terror, and by extremism. Violence, terror, and extremism attempt to threaten the very core of what makes this country a home to every Muslim. The story of terrorism and Islamic extremism in Arabia begins in 1929. This study is a historical analysis of terrorism and Islamic extremism from 1929 to 2003. In chapter two, the identity of state will be examined. It is the state's identity, its Islamic identity in particular, that is challenged by extremists. In chapter three, competing identities of internal actors are examined. These competing identities are also challenging the state and being challenged by extremists. How the state manages these competing identities will influence how effective its policies are for combating extremism and terrorism. In chapter four, a historical analysis is presented of incidents of terror from 1929 to 2003. Not every incident of terrorism is related to extremism. Some acts are criminal in nature such as the "turf wars" between bootleggers, and family or land disputes gone wrong. In chapter five, the interpretation of extremists of the doctrine of jihad will be examined. In chapter six, the battle between extremists and Arabia is presented. While this introductory chapter defines these concepts, chapter six examines specifically the debate in Arabia, paying particular attention to symbolism. Each incident of terror conducted by extremists has symbolic meaning in overarching battle they are waging. By understanding this symbolism, the response of the state becomes more clear. Chapter seven examines specifically Saudi Arabia's response to terrorism and extremism, looking at the War on Terrorism, Finance and Extremism domestically, regionally and internationally. Saudi Arabia has been severely criticized in the western media for not doing enough or waging its war on terrorism in the wrong way. As will become evident, Saudi Arabia has done a lot in the overall war against terrorism. The policy employed, although not perfect, is better than that which is employed in the United States.