A Brief History of Saudi Arabia (eBook)

An important ally in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a mysterious land to most Americans, who may know it only as the place where Islam originated and Islamic fundamentalism is a powerful force. In recent years, the relationship between the governments of the United States and Saudi Arabia has come under increasing pressure, and among the general public in the United States there is a need and desire for a greater understanding of this country. A language barrier and the closed nature of the Saudi Arabian society have done little to invite or ease open inquiry to all but trained academics and linguists. A Brief History of Saudi Arabia redresses the lack of suitable references to this unique and important country and offers a balanced, informed perspective on its long history. This readable and comprehensive overview of the history of Saudi Arabia places the political, economic, and cultural events of today into a broad historical context. It provides a concise yet thorough account of the genesis of Saudi Arabia, from the geology of its land mass and its settlement in prehistoric times through recent events that have reminded the world of Saudi Arabia's strategic importance to glob "An extremely important ally in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a mysterious land to most Americans, who may know it only as the place where Islam originated and Islamic fundamentalism is a powerful force. In recent years, the relationship between the governments of the United States and Saudi Arabia has created a need and desire for a greater understanding of Saudi Arabia among Western students and general readers alike. A language barrier and the closed nature of the Saudi Arabian society have done little to invite or ease open inquiry to all but trained academics and linguists. A Brief History of Saudi Arabia redresses the lack of suitable references to this unique and important country and offers a balanced, informed perspective on its long history." "This overview of the history of Saudi Arabia places the political, economic, and cultural events of today into a broad historical context. It provides a concise yet thorough account of the genesis of Saudi Arabia, from the geology of its landmass and its settlement in perhistoric times through recent events that have reminded the world of Saudi Arabia's strategic importance to global peace and stability. A chronology, a bibliography, and a list of suggested reading make up the appendices."--BOOK JACKET. Contents......Page 6 List of Illustrations......Page 8 List of Maps......Page 9 List of Charts......Page 10 Foreword......Page 11 Acknowledgments......Page 15 Note on Photos......Page 16 Note on Arabic Transliteration and Spelling......Page 17 Introduction......Page 18 Ch 1: Arabia: The Land and its Pre-Islamic History......Page 20 Ch 2: The Birth of Islam (571-632)......Page 43 Ch 3: The Islamic Empire and Arabia (632-1258)......Page 67 Ch 4: The Golden Age of Islam (ca. 750-1258)......Page 93 Ch 6: The First Saudi State (1745-1818)......Page 137 Ch 7: Roots of Modern Arabia (1818-1891)......Page 163 Ch 8: Unity and Independence (1891-1932)......Page 184 Ch 9: Birth of a Kingdom (1932-1953)......Page 207 Ch 10: A Path to World Power (1953-1973)......Page 228 Ch 11: Oil and Arms (1973-1990)......Page 252 Ch 12: The Gulf Crisis and its Aftermath (1990-2001)......Page 273 Ch 13: The Challenges Ahead......Page 292 Appendix 1: Glossary......Page 310 Appendix 2: Basic Facts about Saudi Arabia......Page 313 Appendix 3: Chronology......Page 317 Appendix 4: Bibliography......Page 326 Appendix 5: Suggested Reading......Page 331 Index......Page 336

Aimed at students and general readers, this text presents an overview of the history of Saudi Arabia from its settlement in prehistoric times to its designation as a key player in the global order of the present day. A sampling of topics includes the birth and spread of Islam, Bedouin society and culture, the origins of the House of Saud, and the current battle between conservative and progressive elements in the monarchy. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

An important U.S. ally in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is a mysterious land to most Americans, who may know it only as the place where Islam originated and Islamic fundamentalism is a powerful force. Traces the history of Saudi Arabia, from its pre-Islamic origins, through the rise of the House of Saud, to issues facing the country today.