Legal and Political Reforms in Saudi Arabia

by Kechichian; Joseph

• ISBN13: 9780415630191
• ISBN10: 0415630193
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2013-01-08
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Near the top of Washington' many preoccupations is the rift that has developed in the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. In the aftermath of 9/11 and ongoing wars (Afghanistan, Iraq, extremism, terrorism, etc…), the United States confronts an acute dilemma: How to cooperate with Riyadh against terrorism while confronting acute anti-Americanism? To be sure, Washington has in depth knowledge of what ails the kingdom but, more often than not, these concentrate on ruling family matters (still very critical), economic (vital oil concerns), or security ties (because Saudi Arabia is a major market for Western military industries). Where there is a key deficiency is in understanding internal Saudi dynamics and the carefully planned institutional changes that are under way. Consequently, the chief purpose of this book is to analyze Saudi domestic reforms, not only by addressing the significant deficiency of information on such diverse matters as the judiciary and ongoing national dialogues, but to provide alternative understandings of what motivates Saudis. How these reforms may impact on future Saudi decision-making will surely generate a slew of policy concerns for the United States and the study offers a few clarifications and solutions.