When we last left Saudi Arabia's Royal Family, they were quite squarely between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.
First of all, let's make sure we understand in what way the Saudi government is in a predicament.
Recall how, during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the Saudi Government addressed the possibility of using oil as a weapon against the United States over Israeli policy (see reference):
In September, Deputy Oil Minister Prince Saud al-Faysal stated that "Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly now prepared to use its key position as a major world supplier of crude oil to bring pressure on the U.S. government to moderate its pro-Israeli policy."
And, of course, shortly thereafter the 1973 Oil Embargo made history.
What would have happened if, twenty-eight years later (2001), the following had occurred?
In September, President of the United States George W. Bush stated that "The United States is undoubtedly now prepared to use its key position as a major military power to bring pressure on the Saudi government to moderate its pro-terrorist policy."
What would happen if some US President were to say that at some point in the future?
I could envision Mecca and Medina being trampled underfoot by a powerful infidel army.
I wonder if Allah would be pleased with that....
But, perhaps Yankee Doodle isn't tolerant enough. Perhaps Yankee Doodle is a little Islamophobic. Perhaps Yankee Doodle should make a greater effort to appreciate the diversity of our world.
Okay. Here we go. I shall endeavor to learn a little about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
:)
From Government on the Saudi Embassy's website:
Saudi Arabia is a monarchy based on Islam. The government is headed by the King, who is also the commander in chief of the military.
The King appoints a Crown Prince to help him with his duties. The Crown Prince is second in line to the throne.
The King governs with the help of the Council of Ministers, also called the Cabinet. There are 22 government ministries that are part of the Cabinet. Each ministry specializes in a different part of the government, such as foreign affairs, education and finance.
The King is also advised by a legislative body called the Consultative Council (Majlis Al-Shura). The Council proposes new laws and amends existing ones. It consists of 150 members who are appointed by the King for four-year terms that can be renewed.
The country is divided into 13 provinces, with a governor and deputy governor in each one. Each province has its own council that advises the governor and deals with the development of the province.
Because Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state, its judicial system is based on Islamic law (Shari’ah). The King is at the top of the legal system. He acts as the final court of appeal and can issue pardons.
So, basically, the King of Saudi Arabia is the boss of the Kingdom.
1) He is at the top of the Legislative Branch, and makes the laws.
2) He is at the top of the Executive Branch, and is responsible for executing and enforcing the laws.
3) And he is clearly at the top of the Judicial Branch, and has final authority for interpreting the laws.
Wow, I feel more tolerant already!
:)
Let's see if we can learn some more.
From Basic System of Government:
The Basic System of Government identifies the nature of the state, its goals and responsibilities, as well as the relationship between the ruler and citizens. It defines the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an Arab and Islamic sovereign state; its religion is Islam and its constitution is the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah.
(This last paragraph is clarified in the fine print.)
The King, who also acts as prime minister, ensures the application of the Shari'ah and the State's general policy, and supervises the protection and defense of the nation. The Crown Prince is appointed by the King. Members of the Council of Ministers assist the King in the performance of his duties.
The new bylaws introduced for the system in 1992 further explain that the purpose of the State is to ensure the security and rights of all citizens and residents. It emphasizes the importance of the family as the nucleus of Saudi society. The family plays a vital role by teaching its members to adhere to Islamic values.
In defining the relationship between the ruler and the people, the system emphasizes the equality of all Saudi citizens. All are equal before God and in their concern for the well-being, security, dignity and progress of their nation. All citizens are also equal before the law.
So, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the King is responsible for the application of Islamic Law, known as Shari'ah, and that includes a mandate "to ensure the security and rights of all citizens and residents".
Wow! I feel ready for a test!
:)
I would like to devote a section of this post as a special message to his Highness, the King of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and his closest, most trusted advisors. If you are not in that group, you are on your honor to not read the following message! Remember, Allah is watching!
So, Your Highness & Royal Company, how are things going?
Ready to come to Jesus? Maybe later?
Been practicing swimming? Not a lot of places to practice in the desert?
I understand.
:)
You know, I think I see a way out of your predicament.
When your predecessor, Muhammad ibn Saud (may Allah be pleased with him) made his deal with his new friend Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab (ditto) to spread Wahhab's beliefs about Islam, he set in motion a series of events which seems to have gotten out of control, and which now threatens the very existence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saud's descendents, and the two places in the world holiest to Islam -- places of which (and people of whom) you are the custodian! You need to bring these events back under control.
Here's what you do:
As the country's supreme religious leader and Custodian of Islam's Two Holiest Mosques at Mecca and Medina, declare that Al Qaeda are Khawarij (which everyone in the Islamic World knows is true, by the way). Declare them to be in rebellion against Allah and the teachings of Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him). Declare that their jihad is a false jihad, and that it is a severe violation of Islamic Law, since they are killing other believers. Declare that battling against the khawarij terrorists is the only true jihad in light of khawarij outrages. Furthermore, since Islamic Law is the law of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, declare that anyone who supports the khawarij terrorists is a traitor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, guilty of treason, and will be dealt with appropriately.
As the King of Saudi Arabia, as the country's supreme religious leader and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, tell the Kingdom's religious leaders that they have wandered too far astray from true Islam, that they are preaching too much hatred, that they are driving people away from true Islam, and that they are converting themselves and others into khawarij. In short, tell them to get their act together.
When they appeal this through appropriate channels, and the case comes before the Kingdom's supreme religious leader and top justice of the judicial system, hear their case, then rule in favor of yourself, and offer them the choices to either 1) toe the line or 2) be arrested for treason.
Replace any leader -- religious, political or military -- that doesn't follow the new course; they all serve at your discretion.
Crack down on the all funding of and other support for terrorism. Put an end to it. Show the world that you are serious about the War on Terror, which is really a War on Khawarij Terrorists, which it is your holy duty before Allah to prosecute to the fullest of your abilities.
Once you are doing this, and so have gained credibility and prestige in the international arena, turn to the United States, and anyone else as appropriate, thank them for defending Islam's holiest places, and point out to them that, since those places are no longer threatened by invading armies, it is time for their military forces to leave the Kingdom, except for those few that you deem to be still of use to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. This will gain you further credibility and prestige in the Islamic World, especially within the Kingdom, since no one will be able to accuse you of being some infidel's puppet. The traditional, conservative Muslims will respect you. Your concern for Islam will be seen as genuine, in very sharp contrast to the "concern" of Osama bin Laden, who is making a handsome profit off his khawarij terrorist banditry.
Your Highness, you have been too tolerant, and the khawarij terrorists have taken shameless advantage of your tolerance and generosity. It is high time these khawarij terrorist bandits get put in their place!
I suggest, Your Highness, that you do it now, while there is still time....
In September, the President of the United States stated that "The United States is undoubtedly now prepared to use its key position as a major military power to bring pressure on the Saudi government to moderate its pro-terrorist policy."
No comments:
Post a Comment