January 5, 2016
By David A. Graham
...Ibn Saud’s forces conquered al-Ahsa in 1913, (click here) before the founding of the modern Saudi state. At that time, Wahhabist militias affiliated with him began cracking down on Shiites, destroying burial sites, trying to force conversions, and destroying mosques, writes David Commins. In response, some Shiites left for Bahrain or Iraq, but many remained. The region remains one of Saudi Arabia’s poorest. Nimr was born in the village of al-Awamiyah, in al-Ahsa, in 1960....
Saudi Arabia obviously feels besieged by all the upspring conflicts in the region. Saudi Arabia has the right to protect it's citizens. Today in the "Arab News" there are editorials stating the need for the government to act to protect citizens.
The statement in "The Atlantic" brings forward that familiar scenario breeding extremism. Poverty is known to be a primary driver in extremism.
Saudi Arabia has also been experiencing relentless MERS (click here) outbreaks. The outbreaks are taking place among the poor before effecting other socioeconomic levels. MERS is similar to what the world once called SARS. They are both respiratory virus, break out in the poor of a country, crosses species lines to infect humans and are both corona virus.
There are many reasons for Saudi Arabia to address the poverty within it's borders, the least of which is the recruitment of men into the ranks of extremist groups such as al Qaeda. While killing prisoners sentenced due to their estrangement from loyalty to the country might send a message to further warn citizens of the resolve of the country, it could also act to increase reasons for communities to isolate themselves in fear.
There is no doubt this is a difficult time for the Kingdom, but, to simply kill to make a statement regarding the Kingdom's resolve can cause reaction and perhaps in ways the Kingdom does not expect.
Jeddah: The fourth edition of Hayya Jeddah (click here)
is ready to launch from Jan. 7 till Feb. 7. Jeddah will witness the
largest festival for children, entertainment and games under the
patronage of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, who is also chairman
of the Tourism Promotion Council.The Jeddah Chamber...
I think the celebration engaged by Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed is very wise. He is reaching out to the very people that need to have the strongest loyalty to the Kingdom. I believe there are ways of moving people out of poverty within Saudi Arabia and all avenues should be considered.
By David A. Graham
...Ibn Saud’s forces conquered al-Ahsa in 1913, (click here) before the founding of the modern Saudi state. At that time, Wahhabist militias affiliated with him began cracking down on Shiites, destroying burial sites, trying to force conversions, and destroying mosques, writes David Commins. In response, some Shiites left for Bahrain or Iraq, but many remained. The region remains one of Saudi Arabia’s poorest. Nimr was born in the village of al-Awamiyah, in al-Ahsa, in 1960....
Saudi Arabia obviously feels besieged by all the upspring conflicts in the region. Saudi Arabia has the right to protect it's citizens. Today in the "Arab News" there are editorials stating the need for the government to act to protect citizens.
The statement in "The Atlantic" brings forward that familiar scenario breeding extremism. Poverty is known to be a primary driver in extremism.
Saudi Arabia has also been experiencing relentless MERS (click here) outbreaks. The outbreaks are taking place among the poor before effecting other socioeconomic levels. MERS is similar to what the world once called SARS. They are both respiratory virus, break out in the poor of a country, crosses species lines to infect humans and are both corona virus.
There are many reasons for Saudi Arabia to address the poverty within it's borders, the least of which is the recruitment of men into the ranks of extremist groups such as al Qaeda. While killing prisoners sentenced due to their estrangement from loyalty to the country might send a message to further warn citizens of the resolve of the country, it could also act to increase reasons for communities to isolate themselves in fear.
There is no doubt this is a difficult time for the Kingdom, but, to simply kill to make a statement regarding the Kingdom's resolve can cause reaction and perhaps in ways the Kingdom does not expect.
I think the celebration engaged by Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed is very wise. He is reaching out to the very people that need to have the strongest loyalty to the Kingdom. I believe there are ways of moving people out of poverty within Saudi Arabia and all avenues should be considered.
