Saudi Arabia Society Government And The Gulf Crisis

Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country located in the Middle East. It is a land of rich history, culture, and traditions. With its ancient heritage and oil-rich economy, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in global politics and economy. In recent years, the country has been in the spotlight due to various societal, governmental, and geopolitical issues including the Gulf Crisis.

Saudi Arabian Society and Culture

Saudi Arabia has a unique societal structure deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. The country follows a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam and adheres to Islamic Sharia law. These religious values shape the Saudi society, defining the roles of men and women, family structure, and overall conduct of day-to-day life.

Family is considered the cornerstone of Saudi society. The concept of extended family is prevalent, and kinship ties are highly valued. Marriage within the family is common to maintain lineage and preserve wealth. Women play a vital role within the family, primarily as caretakers and homemakers. However, there have been significant strides in women's rights and empowerment in recent years.

Saudi Arabia: Society, Government and the Gulf Crisis

by Mordechai Abir(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1509 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

Traditional Saudi Arabian clothing, such as the Thobe for men and Abaya for women, is a reflection of their cultural identity. The country's love for poetry, traditional music, dance, and camel racing showcases their rich heritage, which is deeply intertwined with their Islamic beliefs.

The Saudi Arabian Government

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, with the King serving as both the head of state and the head of government. The country operates under a hereditary system of governance, where the crown is passed down within the Saudi royal family. The current king, King Salman, ascended to the throne in 2015.

The government's main decision-making body is the Council of Ministers, led by the King. It is responsible for formulating policies, proposing laws, and overseeing administrative matters. The country also has a consultative assembly, the Shura Council, which advises the King on matters of legislation and policy.

Economically, Saudi Arabia is heavily reliant on its oil reserves. The government, with its vast oil wealth, provides extensive social welfare benefits to its citizens, including free healthcare, education, and housing. However, efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil are underway as part of the country's Vision 2030 initiative.

The Gulf Crisis

The Gulf Crisis, which erupted in 2017, has had a profound impact on Saudi Arabia and the entire region. The crisis began when several Arab countries severed their diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism and aligning with Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival.

Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on Qatar, cutting off trade routes and isolating the country. This action led to a significant economic and political fallout within the Gulf region.

The Gulf Crisis has strained relations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and highlighted the ongoing power struggle between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It has also exposed divisions among Arab nations, leading to a complex web of regional alliances and rivalries.

Efforts have been made to resolve the crisis through diplomatic negotiations, but a comprehensive solution has yet to be achieved. The ongoing Gulf Crisis continues to shape regional dynamics, with potential long-term consequences for the stability and security of the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's society, government, and the Gulf Crisis are all interconnected aspects of the country's complex landscape. The influence of Islamic traditions on society, the stability offered by the monarchy, and the geopolitical challenges faced in the region all contribute to Saudi Arabia's unique position on the global stage.

As the country moves forward, it faces the task of balancing tradition with modernization, diversifying its economy, and navigating regional alliances and conflicts. The outcome of these endeavors will have significant implications not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the broader Middle East and international community.

Saudi Arabia: Society, Government and the Gulf Crisis

by Mordechai Abir(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1509 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

This much-revised edition of Professor Abir's Saudi Arabia in the Oil Era now includes consideration of both Gulf Wars. Abir examines the social and political forces that have shaped Saudi Arabia, including the impact of Islam and of Westernization, drawing heavily on Saudi sources. There is also essential analysis of regional security dilemmas and of the country's prospects in the post-Gulf War era.