Saudi Royal Family

Saudi Arabia was established in 1932 by King Abd-al-Aziz - known as the Lion of Najd he took over Hijaz from the Hashemite family. The Hashmites moved to Jordan and Iraq where today Jordan is still ruled by the Hashemite family. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia has since been ruled successively by the sons of King Abd Al Aziz. All members of the Saudi royal family are from the Al Saud family.

According to Data Arabia, the Al Saud family is a member of the Anizah, a Northern Arabian or Adnani, tribal confederation historically located in the Najd, or Central Arabian Peninsula. The family derives its name from its18th Century ancestor, Muhammad bin Saud, who joined forces with an austere Islamic reformer, Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab, in a military religious alliance for control over Central Arabia. After two centuries of inter-tribal struggle for control over the region, the Al Saud consolidated its rule over modern Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi royal family through distribution of the country's oil revenue has managed to transform the country from an economically underdeveloped backwater into financially wealthy nation. Thanks to the government's expenditure in such crucial areas as health, education and infrastructure, Saudi citizens have enjoyed a comparatively high standard of living for many years. The wealth and high standard of living has played an important role in maintaining the relative stability and popularity of the Royal family.

Role of Islam

Article 1 of the 1992 Saudi Basic Law states that that the Islamic Holy Book (The Koran) and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad underpin the kingdom's constitution. Since Saudi Arabia's inception in 1932 Islam has played a central role in Saudi authority. This is owing to the important role which the Wahabi religious warriors played in establishing the country. In return for their assistance, every Saudi leader has since allowed the country's supreme Islamic authority to play a role in almost all areas of Saudi society and economy. This includes politics, defence, economy, security, health and education. As an example, prior to the first Gulf war in 1991, Saudi royal family first awaited a fatwa from the religious authorities permitting the stationing of US forces on Saudi soil before allowing the US forces to enter the country. This role continues. The Ulama also make demands from the Saudi government regarding the role of religion in Saudi Arabia's politics and economics.

Furthermore, as the ruler of the land where the two holiest muslim sites of Mecca and Medina are located, Saudi Arabia considers itself as the guardian of the centre of islamic world. Therefore it is considered as a duty for the Saudi leaders to follow the teachings of islam in Saudi society and politics.

Subsequently Saudi Arabia is one of the more strict islamic countries in its following of the Wahabi Islamic sect. As a result there are no cineams in Saudi Arabia (excpet for foreign forces stationed in the country), alcohol is strictly forbidden, women are not allowed to have any active part in political life or drive, and shops are expected to close 5 times a day for daily prayers. Furthermore the country has its own religious police who are responsible for ensuring that strict Islamic guidelines are maintained in public and to punish those who break them.

Constitution

There are no elections in Saudi Arabia. All major decisions regarding the country's affairs are taken by the Royal family. The Royal family has its own decision making body called the Family Council. The Council is chaired by the King himself and the council members are senior Princes. The Council of Ministers discusses and makes decisions regarding internal issues and matters referred to it by the Council of Ministers and the Consultative Council.

There are two decision making bodies outside the immediate Royal family.

The Council of Ministers is an advisory body headed by the King, who holds the post of prime minister, and is responsible for addressing major issues such as health, education and defence. All members are appointed by the King and therefore the Royal family is strongly represented in this council where the Crown Prince serves as the deputy Prime Minister. Issues discussed in this council are referred from the Consultative Council.

The Majlis Al Shura (Consultative Council) was established in 1993. The Consultative Council has 120 members who are chosen directly by the King for four year terms. Its job is only a consultative one and has no legislative power. However recently it has become a political debating forum where many subjects are discussed by its members. Recent developments include the demand by the members of the Consultative Council to have authority over budgetary matters. This is yet to be approved.

Recent Developments and Reforms

The Saudi government has recently started a gradual reform program for the country's political system. These include elections for the first time in the country's history for its municipalities which were successfully carried out in February 2005. Pro islamic candidates were the main winners of the elections.

The reasons behind the recent reforms in Saudi politics include calls from within Saudi Arabia for more political participation. Such calls are from both the public and the country's religious authorities. The US government has also been calling on the Saudi government to introduce reforms as means of reducing opposition to the government and its close relations with the US. The pressure from US on the Saudi government increased after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 where 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis. The attackers as well as being vehemently anti- American, were also against the Saudi Royal family. The same anti-government forces have also staged a number of a attacks within Saudi Arabia against foreigners and government forces. Such internal attacks further increased calls for internal political reform as means of reducing support for anti-government forces.

End of Analysis

By: Meir Javedanfar- www.meepas.com

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