1. Saudi Arabia & “Democracy” By: John Goodwin

2. Flag of Saudi Arabia

3. Saudi Arabia’s Islamic roots Birthplace of Islam Mecca, destination of Hajj pilgrimage, as well as Medina. The Prophet Muhammud was born in Mecca in about 570. “Guardian of holy sites”

4. Abbasids and Ottomans Muawiyah I, the first Umayyad caliph, took charge on rebuilding Mecca. In 750, Mecca and the rest of the caliphate was passed to the Abassids. Ottoman Era: 1517-1918 Saudi Dynasty began in central Arabia in 1744 with Saud Family. Rose and fell throughout the years fighting with Ottoman empire. Britain and France supported Saudi’s fighting Ottomans

5. Ottoman Empire Before WW1

6. Ottoman Empire After WW1

7. 1932 Founding of Saudi Arabia Hejaz and Nejd Kingdoms united to form “Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” Treaties negotiated to form boundaries between Jordan, Iraq and Kuwait. 1934- treaty of Ta’if ended border war between Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Abdul Aziz Al Saud- founder of Saudi Arabia.

8. Post Unification

9. Family Rule 1938- vast oil deposits found. Production was in full swing by 1949. 1953- Abdul Aziz dies; his son King Saud takes throne. King Saud’s lavish spending caused half brother Prince Faisal to take over in 1964. 1975- Faisal killed by nephew Prince Faisal bin Musa’id Cycle continued throughout the years, and an absolute monarchy became established

10. Abdullah: Current King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud. 89 years old He is part of the third generation of the Saud family Power is passed among the Crown Princes, but the 3rd generation is now all in their 70's and in ill health One of the King's titles: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,being Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, which contains Islam's most sacred place, the Kaaba, and Al- Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina which contains Muhammad's tomb

11. Obama and King Abdullah

12. Lack of Elections High taxes and unemployment caused unrest After 1992’s implementation of “Basic Law”, King Sahd said: "A system based on elections is not consistent with our Islamic creed, which [approves of] government by consultation [sh ū r ā ].” February-April 2005- first municipal elections. Women couldn’t participate. King Abdullah announced by 2015 women can vote. Male guardian's permission is required in order to vote. Only Arab nation to never have national elections

13. Human Rights Have not accepted the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Country claims Islamic character and tradition justifies their social and political order. Absence of laws against violence to women noted by UN reporter in 2008 Ranked 129th out of 134 countries for gender parity by World Economic Forum. In courts, testimony of 1 man= testimony of 2 women. Every adult female must have a “male guardian.” Increasing unrest, both with younger generations and Shi'a in eastern Saudi Arabia

14. Religion Roughly 25 million Muslims:85% Sunni and 15% Shi’a Wahhabism- dominant form of Sunni Islam Allegedly, wahhabism encourages intolerance and promotes terrorism. Shias have issues finding employment and experience persecution for religious ceremonies. No faith other than Islam is permitted to be practiced, although there is reportedly 1 million Christians (mainly foreign workers). Women are required to wear Hijab but niqab is optional. Religious police(mutawa) impose restrictions on women in public

15. Role in Muslim World Guardian of the holy sites. The "swing" player in OPEC. It was a founding member and tries to balance price changes to not jeopardize western economies Founding member of Gulf Cooperation Council. Backs US strike against Syria. Supports Egypt military against Muslim brotherhood Opposed war in Gaza in 2009 and do not have relations with Israel but do try to help Palestine to become self- governing.

16. Terrorism Bin Laden and 15 other 9/11 terrorists were from Saudi Arabia, causing ties to be severed between US. Accusations that radicalism and terrorism was reinforced through educational system. Denies that they export or support radical religious beliefs.

17. Arab Spring Revolution and Civil Wars that began on Dec. 18, 2010 in Tunisia and spread throughout the Arab nations Inspired by unrest with local governments and income inequality strikes, demonstrations, marches, and rallies Reached Saudi Arabia on March 11 2011 and continues today. Saudi Arab Spring protest outcomes: male only elections sept 29 2011, economic concessions by King Abdullah, and announcement that women can vote in 2015. 24 Saudi protesters killed Total Death toll estimate: 122,418–127,431

18. Arab Spring Protest Pictures

19. Arab Spring and Social Media

20. What lies in the future? The 64-zillion dollar question -- what happens when the third generation dies and power descends to the next generation? Windham? Help? Seems clear that progressive reforms are inevitable, but by when, not so sure. Doubtful that Saud family will willingly give up power

21. Arab Spring Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOiX2BFq9qE