Saudi Arabia is 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, a country plagued by violence
and extremism, which threatens its very core. Given
this threat, the story of violence and extremism
begins in 1929 and ends in 2003, with each incident
examined for its symbolic meaning. Saudi Arabia s
response is also examined domestically, regionally
and internationally. Its response is vitally
important because 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. Arguably, the
policy employed, although not perfect, is better than
that which is employed in the United States.
Islam; a country all Muslims, if capable, should
visit at least once in their lifetime to undertake
hajj (pilgrimage); and, a country plagued by violence
and extremism, which threatens its very core. Given
this threat, the story of violence and extremism
begins in 1929 and ends in 2003, with each incident
examined for its symbolic meaning. Saudi Arabia s
response is also examined domestically, regionally
and internationally. Its response is vitally
important because 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. Arguably, the
policy employed, although not perfect, is better than
that which is employed in the United States.