Combating Deviants: The Saudi Arabian Approach to Countering Extremism and Terrorism
Abstract
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia performs a key role in the war on Islamic extremism and terrorism. The Kingdom maintains the distinction of being the birthplace of Islam and its government is the epitome of Islamic rule in the region. The Kingdom's response to Islamic terrorists attacks in their country, as well as the United States before and after 9/11, require exploration in order to comprehend the origins and possible solutions in dealing with the Islamic extremist/terrorist through cultural, religious economic and/or military means. The Kingdom defines Islamic extremism and terrorism as separate entities and categorizes those who participate in either as deviants or deviators from the true path of Islam. This concept is further explored, in conjunction with identifying the successful initiatives employed by the Kingdom which can aid the United States and its allies in developing further deterrence options in matters with regard to Islamic extremism/terrorism. The government of the Kingdom feels it has done a great deal to counter the effects of Islamic deviants since 9/11 and are adopting many methods in countering extremism and terrorism on the Arabian Peninsula. However, detractors against the Kingdom say this is not the case and that the Saudi government has not done enough to counter these threats. It is for this reason that the purpose of this monograph is to examine the methods and strategies executed by the Kingdom in countering these threats. The question this research will answer is: What policies, practices and strategies employed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are successful in countering the current Islamic extremist/terrorist threat? To answer this question this research will utilize literature written on and in the Kingdom by scholars and authorities in Middle Eastern affairs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA505019
Entities
People
- Michael G. Gonzalez
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College