Showing posts with label ibn Saud. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ibn Saud. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Role of Saudi Arabia in Islamic World - 2 (Lebanon)




The Land of Hijaz

The land on which the rulership of Aale Saud exists is the most esteemed and sacred region Allah (s) has selected Hijaz as the centre for entire humanity and for the leadership of Muslim nation. It has been established as the destination for revelations and descended his completed religion through his Last Prophet (s.a.w.s) here so that light of guidance can spread all over the earth and this land can terminate the darkness thereby giving light from the lamps of privilege and salvation. The dispersed, divided and separated groups and tribes were brought out from the oven of sectarianism and stitched by the string of Unity on this land. The barbaric and non religious world received the message of civilization from Hijaz.

The historic period of Hijaz prior to the advent of Islam is known as the era of ignorance. Allah (s) addressed the new Arab Muslims in his pure book and said that you should never return to your old state after the demise of Messenger (s.a.w.s) thereby returning to sectarianism instead of unity, hatred instead of love, war instead of peace, indiscipline instead of ethics, cowardliness instead of bravery, ignorance instead of foresightedness and slavery instead of freedom.

After the advent of Islam Allah (s) does not tolerate at all hypocrisy, bad manners, prejudice, sectarianism and hatred on the land of Hijaz. Bani Umayyah started the sacrilege of the sanctity of this land which was later continued by Bani Abbas and others. Aale Saud took the stampeding of the sanctity of this region to its peak. The role played by them after taking control of the centre and Qiblah of Muslims which is ongoing has even ashamed Bani Umayyah and Bani Abbas.

In the past issue of the magazine a brief analysis was done about the role of Saudi Arabia in Palestine. In this current issue we will throw light on the Role of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon.

Lebanon



One country impacted by this role is also Lebanon. Lebanon is considered today as an important country of Middle East and Arab states; and this country possesses a long history as well. Until 1920 it has been a part of Syria and during the period of Ottoman Caliphate it got the status of a separate country with the intervention of France. From this time till 1943 it has remained under the dominance of France. The effects left by the incidents of World War II on the world did not keep Lebanon also secure from its effects. Thus the defeat of France in the war gave a unique opportunity of freedom and liberation to the French subjugated nations. Lebanon and Syria formally announced their independence. The existing system of Lebanon and its structure got formed in that period and is still continuing till date.

The significance of Lebanon

In Middle East Lebanon has importance in several regards. In trading its historical significance from ancient times is an established affair. This country also has a unique significance of being a Market of Habash (Ethiopia). It also has a specific importance for being a Neighbor of occupied Palestine and usurping Zionist government.

The four geographical dimensions of Lebanon


Geographically Lebanon is located on the east of Mediterranean Sea. It has Syria on its north and east; occupied Palestine in its south and the Mediterranean Sea on its West. The southern part of Lebanon is really beautiful; its apple and olive farms carry international stature. It was this beauty which made it to be referred as Switzerland of Middle East at a certain time. In regards to population Lebanon is counted amongst the nations having a complex population distribution. A big majority in this country is that of Muslims and other second majority is that of Christians but the accursed imperialistic have made complicated this simple population distribution. They divided Muslims in Shia and Sunni; Christians divided into Protestants and Catholics and along with this Druze have been given a separate status. In this way as per the census in 1932 it was made a country with Christian majority. The census was not allowed to take place till date after 1932. In 1932 the census that took place under French Imperialism all Muslims did not participate in it. At that time it was made famous that this census is a conspiracy and participating in this would be equivalent to giving French occupation a legal status. As such the Muslims were already divided into Sunni and Shia hence by not participating in the census they got considered as minority which opened the doors for Christian dominance.

The complex Political Structure of Lebanon


With Western and specifically French intervention the agreed political structure was that the President will always be Christian, Prime Minister will be Sunni and the Parliament Speaker would be Shia. A resembling Imperialistic division similar to this has been seen in Iraq as well. Iraq which has complete Muslim population has been divided into Shia, Sunni and Kurds. The President would be Kurd, Prime Minister Shia and Parliament Speaker as Sunni.

The Purpose behind Imperialistic division


This type of division is liked by both Imperialism and Global arrogant powers because this keeps the internal conflicts always alive. The nation and people can never breathe in peace and the doors for foreign intervention are always open. The clouds of internal power games are always hovering and this is the reason that Lebanon has been influenced by Western culture more than Arab culture.

According to the 1932 census there are 40% Christians in Lebanon, 25% to 30% Shia, 20 to 25% Sunni, 5% Druze and 1.7 % other sects are settled. After liberation Muslims have been subjugated by Christian population. 1n 1975 a small incident in Lebanon triggered a fifteen years internal civil war. The Phalange group of Christians under the leadership of Bashir Gemayel disturbed the peace in Lebanon. This group spread over Lebanon with the help of West and France. In order to change the map of Beirut and to change the distribution of population the Phalange Militia turned to dust the Muslim settled area of Beirut and Lebanon became insecure for Muslims.

The 1979 success of Islamic Revolution in Iran left a big impact on Lebanon. The same Muslims who were fighting as paid soldiers of Phalange Army were now occupied in thoughts of their security against them. In southern region of Beirut of south Zahle few Shia youths together started resistance activities for defence against Israel. It should be remembered that Israel has captured Beirut with the support of Phalangists and it was only the Southern region of Beirut which was resisting. This group later became the foundation of Hizbullah. Hizbullah is a group impressed by Islamic Revolution and is also a supporter of Iran. In 1980 its foundation was laid formally and till date not just in half of Lebanon but also across the world it is a powerful non governmental group of Muslims. Hizbullah is the group of Shia Muslims.

The beginning of intervention by Aale Saud in Lebanon


The Sunni Muslims of Lebanon were previously impressed with the thoughts of Egypt and its Al Azhar University's visions but after the organization of Shia Muslim groups and their missionary operations Saudi Arabia gave special attention to Lebanon.

The Hariri family and Aale Saud



The well known Hariri family from Lebanon is the one associated with Saudi Arabia. The head of this family Bahuddin Rafiq Hariri whose title is Abu Bahaa is well known in the business and political world as Rafiq Hariri. Rafiq has a significant role in the current issues of Lebanon. After being associated with Arab Nationalist Movement during his academic career he also remained connected for a short period with Palestinian Popular Front. In the 70's Rafiq Hariri laid the foundation of a construction company in Lebanon which started to take construction contracts in Lebanon. This company earned good profit till 1975 and started establishing its branches in other Arab countries. In this process it established relationship with a globally famous construction group Bin Laden from Saudi Arabia. After civil war started in Lebanon Hariri group moved its assets to Saudi Arabia and declared this land as its business centre and head quarter. There were many construction projects in Saudi Arabia which got materialized with the partnership of Hariri and Bin Laden. This partnership started to move from business level to political and ideological level. Therefore during the period of civil war in Lebanon Hariri family enhanced abundant capital in Saudi Arabia and at the same time established political relationship also with Saudi government.

Ruins for the sake of Contract

It is said that Rafiq Hariri abundantly supported Phalange Militia during the Lebanon civil war. He wanted Lebanon and specifically Beirut to be completely destroyed in the civil war so that he can get all the reconstruction contracts at the end of war. In 1990 the civil war inside Lebanon came to an end and the first phase of Hariri's plan was accomplished. In the 80's the Saudi King appointed Hariri as his special representative in Lebanon so that the political role of Hariri can become firm and established inside Lebanon. Hariri was also financially supporting the confronting groups in Lebanon with the money earned from his partnership with Bin Laden.

As per the past Lebanese Ambassador to America Abdullah Abu Habib in 1987 Hariri presented 30 Million dollars to Lebanese President Amin Gamel for giving resignation. This is the period in which Lebanon was under control of Syrian forces. In order to get Syria in agreement with him Hariri presented 50 Million dollars to Syria.

From Contractor to Prime Minister




In 1979 for the sake of reconciliation between the confronting groups in Lebanon the Taif conference took place which is considered as an outcome of Hariri and Saudi alliance. Bin Laden and Hariri Company spent millions of dollars to turn this conference in their favour. In lieu of Syrian control over Lebanon Hariri was in need of Syria's support which came in his fate in Taif conference. In 1990 after the end of war Hariri made ways for his Prime Ministership by presenting an expensive palace in Beirut to Lebanese President Ilyas Heravi and at the same time along with Saudi support got complete control over media in Lebanon. Thus in 1992 with the agreement of Syria Rafiq Hariri got the post of Prime Minister in Lebanon and this way this Saudi representative became the owner of everything in Lebanon.

During this period Rafiq Hariri handed over his business and commercial leadership to Fouad Siniora and placed Saudi trained individuals from his business group on all governmental posts. After strengthening the political, commercial and business grip over Lebanon Hariri started to stare at Syria and made attempts to strengthen his grip over those sections that were working under Syrian intervention. Hariri got the contracts for reconstruction of ruined Beirut to his company. Hariri became the richest person of Lebanon by purchasing expensive property in Beirut and other properties in Lebanon. The glamorous palace of Ex Lebanese President Al Khouri was also purchased by Hariri and changed into Hariri TV Studio.

The unified wealth of Hariri and Bin Laden also started to demonstrate its effects outside Lebanon under the guidance of Saudi Arabia. By taking advantage of bribing nature and greed of Syrians for a long time Hariri kept them in agreement. The wealth of Hariri came to use even outside Arab nations in Western countries. An example of this is 5 billion Francs spent in the election of Jacques Chirac.

The Assets of Hariri

When Hariri was assassinated in a Bomb blast he left behind four sons and one daughter. His elder son Bahaa Hariri is counted amongst the world leading billionaires. The second son Saad Hariri also inherited politics along with wealth from his father. Saad Hariri is also listed at number 150 amongst the richest people of the world. His daughter Hind Hariri is youngest billionaire woman. There are billions of dollars even in the share of his wife. The abundant wealth of Hariri and Bin Laden has also shown colours in Pakistan which would be discussed later series of this article.

Hariri dependent on Aale Saud and Western Politics

When Rafiq Hariri realized his strength in accordance with Saudi interests he slowly took steps in opposition to Syria. Saudi Arabia is highly sensitive about Hizbullah in Lebanon. The Western lords of Saudi also dislike Hizbullah. Hence both together designated Hariri the task of opposing Hizbullah and disarming them to get control over Hizbullah. This was the first step of opposition against Syria by Hariri. A powerful media network has been already established across the country. Thus different TV channels and newspaper Al Mustaqbil openly started criticizing Hizbullah. Syria took notice of this seriously and warned Hariri to refrain from opposing Hizbullah. This time Hariri ignored Syrian threats and continued acting on Saudi instructions. Everyday the clashes between Hariri and Syria kept on increasing to the extent that Hariri demanded exit of Syrian forces from Lebanon. On the other hand his Western supporters specifically France and America enhanced Global pressure but despite of all these attempts Syrian control continued on Lebanon and no form of reduction was seen in Syrian effectiveness on Lebanon.

Four players Chess board and its pawn


Hariri was at a certain time acting as a pawn for the sake American, French, Israel and Saudi interests. On several occasions with the help of Saudi wealth he very easily succeeded in meeting their pre agreed objectives. But the last and the most important targets of making Syria exit from Lebanon and disarming Hizbullah was out of reach for Hariri. One part of these two major objectives which the life of Hariri could not achieve was accomplished by his death. Thus on 14th February 2005 Hariri was assassinated in a planned car bomb blast in Beirut. In the world of politics the politicians who are crazy for power and in pursuit of desire for coming into power take support from foreign powers thereby playing the role of pawns for them are always used in the same way (means wiped off when required). The goals and objectives of Foreign powers which he could not acquire with his life they accomplished it by his death; just like what happened with Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. After the assassination of Hariri; France, America and Britain through United Nations increased pressure on Syria to move their forces out of Lebanon and this western initiative was fully supported by Arab nations. The Syrian government could not bear the pressure and seriously considered its refuge in exiting from Lebanon but Hizbullah continued as a Armed Militia thereby remaining as a piercing splinter in the eyes of America, Saudi and Israel.

The background of 33 days War


After Syria's exit from Lebanon doubting that Hizbullah has weakened; Israel with the support of Arab and Western background alliance attacked Lebanon in 2006 so that second conspiracy of Rafiq Hariri can also be accomplished. The enmity with Hizbullah has made Arab, West and Israel blind and deaf and they could not estimate Hizbullah's strength due to which first time in History Israel had to face defeat and its Arab and Western supporters could not even a find a place to hide their faces out of shame.

Islamic Revolution and the concerns of Arabs



As such all Arab rulers and specifically the ones dictated by Saudi had become alert after the success of Islamic Revolution in Iran. At the same time in order to defeat the Islamic Revolution they aroused Saddam to attack Iran in alliance with Western powers but they faced disgraceful defeat in this attack. The Arabs were scared of the effects of Iran inside their countries from this time itself. They did not leave any attempt or opportunity to do political and religious propaganda against Iran so as to create hatred towards Iran amongst Arabs. But despite of this the effects of Iran increased day by day amongst Shia Sunni's Muslims in Lebanon and specifically on Hizbullah which created panic amongst Arab rulers that too specifically Saudi rulers.

Iran Arab confrontation continued in every field and apart from Syria and Libya all other Arab nations have remained a victim of concerns about Iran. America and West made these Arab states more perplexed about Iran. Their discomfort and restlessness went to its peak when Iran favoured group Hamas in Palestine separated its path from other Palestinian groups and Arab countries thereby adopting Resistance and Perseverance as the path of salvation against Israel; and by winning the elections in Palestine they got their mettle proven and accepted. The success of Hizbullah in Lebanon and Hamas in Palestine made America, Israel, Western countries and Arab governments loose their sleep. From this time onwards pressure started to build up on Iran from all sides. Iran was being counted as supporter of terrorism on the basis of its support for Hizbullah and Hamas. There were restrictions and sanctions imposed on Iran, dreadful propaganda started on media, Iran Atomic plan was made controversial and in fact coalition plans were being made for armed attack on Iran. In all these acts Arab countries and specifically Saudi is in the forefront. The only condition for normalizing relationship with Iran was and is that the Islamic government of Iran should forsake their support for terrorist groups and what they intend from terrorist groups are the Muslims of Lebanon and Palestine specifically Hizbullah and Hamas.

The way common plans were made by America, Israel, West and Arab rulers for annihilation of Hamas the same plan was experimented for Hizbullah before. In the attacks on Gaza and Lebanon along with America and West the Arabs extended full economical, ammunition, political and intelligence support to Israel.

The Dramatic Role of Aale Saud after 9/11

Just like other Islamic world the role of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon became dramatic after 9/11 similar to America. The big Satan has always took full advantage after sniffing the weakness of Arabs. The feeble Arab rulers while delivering the rights of slavery towards America and West have broken the records of all slaves in history.

The actual weakness of Arab rulers



The actual weakness of Arab rulers and governments is that they are all non democratic, non republic , unlawful and incapable. America who has become standard bearer for name sake democracy across the world is in favour and supporter of all these non democratic governments. America is recovering the cost much more than the support it is providing them. The American Satans tactfully planned the story for the scenario of 9/11 drama. All the pawns involved in this were Arabs and the name sake leadership of these pawns was with Saudi citizens. When the names list of terrorists were announced after eight hours of attack in which all were Arabs were present than at that instance those possessing foresight understood this entire Film story.

When American Defence Ministry aircraft entered the boundaries of Khaleej and their fighter planes started to hover over Arab lands the telephone calls from American Foreign Minister started to ring in the Spider web type palaces of Arab rulers. When the merciless, dreadful and veiled agents of the American secret agency CIA were seen active in the Arab nations these puppet regimes were threatened for their survival.

The purpose of 9/11 drama

America has achieved many purposes out of 9/11 drama:

- Approach towards never diminishing energy resources in the worlds leading oil producing region.

- Invasion on Muslim nations for the sake of giving protection to Israel

- Transfer of jobless American forces posted in Europe after the cold war to Middle East.

- Encircling Iran

- Practical attempts for realization of long term American dream of ruling the world

In this dangerous game America kept two paths in front of many countries:

1. First option is to surrender in front of America, hand yourself complete to America and by accepting American Dictation take every step that America desires.

2. Second option is if you do not surrender than get counted amongst American enemies and opponents. And under this situation the non democratic governments of these nations would be obliterated and American favoured democratic governments would be established.

They will then be included amongst the list of nations violating human rights and pressure would be applied on them at international level thereby declaring them as supporters of terrorism and even armed attacks won't be ruled out. It is the same attitude and approach which America took against Iran and Syria for their non submission to American demands. The Arab nations and specifically Saudi Arabia cannot bear the second path hence they give preference to the first option as a result of which it became completely non authorative in front of America. Accepting American dictation has become the fundamental need for survival of power by Saudi rulers. This is the reason that Saudi stance for Lebanon is the same as that of America and Israel which is to eradicate Iran supportive Hizbullah at any cost. In order to achieve this purpose Saudi guides have crossed all political, ethical and religiously prohibited limits and have taken such steps which a Muslim cannot even think of doing.

Saudi Arabia's acts against Hizbullah

The Saudi Arabia rulers have taken numerous steps on the instructions of America and Israel for eradicating Hizbullah amongst which the important ones are:

1. Strengthening Hariri group in Lebanon

Aale Saud taking advantage of its long time business relationship with Hariri family used them as their operation tools in Lebanon. By getting Rafiq Hariri assassinated through Israel secret agency Mossad they got the sympathy of Lebanese people for Hariri family similar to the effects shown by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan. Rafiq Hariri was murdered as part of American, Israel and Arab conspiracy so that the Hizbullah supportive Syrian forces could be removed from Lebanon thus the responsibility of this murder was put on Syria. Then with international pressure Syria was pursued to leave Lebanon and became happy after removing Hizbullah supportive forces that Hizbullah is now alone and isolated. And with absence of Syria Iranian aid and support was also difficult to reach Hizbullah.

After the assassination of Hariri with massive propaganda the responsibility of this murder was put on Syria and Hizbullah. After this immediately elections were arranged in which the Al Mustaqbil group achieved expected success. Under the leadership of Saad Hariri the government of the finance manager of Hariri company Fouad Siniora was established. This government was given an important agenda of disarming Hizbullah. Thus with the help of Arab and non Arab supporters the Siniora government applied all possible pressure to disarm Hizbullah but Hizbullah denied accepting this. This way the first step of Arab and non Arab alliance got defeated.

2. Israel's attack on Hizbullah



When the plan for disarming Hizbullah experienced defeat then the Arab and non Arab alliance took one more step and that was to arouse Israel to attack Hizbullah. Thus by estimating Hizbullah as alone and isolated Israel attacked Lebanon in 2006. This attack was not on Lebanon but in reality on Hizbullah. Israel started bombarding Hizbullah locations in extreme barbaric and beastly manner. Israel President Shimon Perez and other Israeli leaders explicitly said on media that this attack was done on invitation by Arab rulers. The entire world was aware that amongst the invitations from Arab world Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan were present. This statement of Zionists was not denied or rejected by any Arab government leader.

The role of Saudi Supportive Lebanese government in the 33 days war



Siniora government was the Saudi Arabia, West and American supportive government. Its cabinet completely supported Israel in this 33 days war. The defence minister of Siniora cabinet had continuous contact with the Israeli Generals during the entire war. These people would inform Israeli Air force about Hizbullah locations after which Israel would brutally bombard these locations due to which several women and children would get martyred. Southern Zahle; the populated locality of Beirut turned to ruins due to the cooperation of these guys. The Lebanese government espionage network was struggling day and night to find the secret location of Hizbullah leader Sayed Nasrallah and inform this to Israel. Four major residential buildings were destroyed based on their incorrect information.

Disposition of weapons to Israel

In the 33 days war America opened the doors of its stored Weapons depot in Arab states. The modern weapons which were purchased by Saudi Arabia from America; a part of that was also given to Israel. During the war fuel for Israeli aircrafts was transported from Saudi Arabia and Emirates.


The role of Bandar bin Sultan



Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz is a well known prince of Saudi Royal family. He has been the Saudi Ambassador in America for 22 years from 1983 to 2005. The relationships with Five American Presidents, ten American foreign ministers and dozens of CIA Chiefs with practical experiences has made this prince a very sharp conspiracy architect. During the period of George Bush Bandar Bin Sultan was taunted as being a part of American Cabinet. This level of proximity and approach to White house was never acquired by any non American other than this prince. At present he is counted as the strongest individual of Aale Saud and in fact his name has been voiced for Saudi kingship after Malik Abdullah.

He has been leading the Saudi National Security since 2005. All espionage organizations are running under his supervision. During his stay in American his leisure house in American state of Colorado was much bigger than White house. He is counted as a person with most extreme opinions about Iran, Hizbullah and Shia Muslims.

During the Israel Hizbullah war this prince has played significant role. He has been the part of planning attacks on Hizbullah by meeting Israeli secret agencies on several occasions on the Island of Qibris.

Fuelling Shia Sunni differences


The most painful wound in the Muslim nation is that of sectarianism though the Holy Quran has strictly emphasized the Muslim nations on refraining from sectarianism; the Holy Prophet has also emphasized and said to the Muslim nation for refraining and keeping away from Sectarianism and the intelligence also denies sectarianism. Sectarianism is the biggest activator for weakness of Muslim nation. The secret of success and victory lies under Unity and brotherhood.


The well known and eminent personalities from amongst Muslims Scholars have invited the Muslim nation (Ummah) towards unity. In the current era the greatest well wisher of Muslims Imam Khomeini (r.a) says that one who creates discords between Shia and Sunni is neither a Shia nor a Sunni.

The most effective weapon in the hands of enemies of Islam against Muslims is sectarianism. The enemies of Islam are everyday sharpening the dagger of sectarianism and stabbing in the back of Muslims. After the Salibi war the West and Christianity have taken severe revenge from Muslims by taking advantage from sectarianism. The ancient historic enemy of Muslims; the Jews and Zionists by taking advantage from sectarianism has captured the first Qiblah of Muslims. One billion plus Muslim population is weak and frustrated in front of handful of Muslims just because of their internal discords. Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan are burning in the fire of sectarianism. It is heart longing desire of America and Israel to spread the cancer of discord and sectarianism across the entire Islamic world and specifically they want to sow the seed of discord on those lands from where America and Israel is facing difficulties. At present the land of Lebanon is considered as the Global Islamic Front line against Zionists thus weakening this front line is the first priority for America and Zionists.

A grievous affair related to discords is that always ignorant, illiterate, foolish, selfish, power worshippers, fame desirous and lustful Muslims have been used. It is this sectarianism nurtured by these discord gardeners and religious traders sometimes in the form of rulers and sometimes as scholars that Muslims are today enemies of each other.

And it is very sad that from the land of revelations the rulers who are careless about their hereafter and the name sake scholars are in the forefront for fuelling the fire of discord across the Muslim world and in order to enhance the flames of this fire they do not refrain from taking any type of step. In just last twenty years millions of Muslims have been burnt in the hell of discord and sectarianism.

The example Shia Sunni unity in Lebanon has been ongoing since long and has earned fruitful results. In Lebanon the Shia Sunni Scholars and intellectuals are the ones who have maintained this unity amongst which the leaders of Hizbullah are on top of the list. Hizbullah has continuously foiled the conspiracies made for sectarianism. On multiple occasions Hizbullah has stepped back from their established rights for the sake of avoiding any clashes between the two major Muslim sects of Shias and Sunnis so that the Zionists do not benefit from this. Iran has also been a supporter of Shia Sunni unity and specifically in Lebanon where in this regard it has taken several practical steps as well.

Certain Arab states specifically Saudi Arabia on American dictations is busy in this heinous act of creating discord amongst Muslims. The most active person for fuelling Shia Sunni discord in Lebanon is Sheikh Salim Al Shahal who with the help of Saudi Arab religious groups has made an organization in Lebanon by the name Al Harqat Al Salafiyah whose centre is in Tripoli the southern city of Lebanon. The task of this group is to turn the direction of Sunni Muslims of Lebanon from Al Azhar in Egypt towards Saudi Arabia. From 1980 to 2005 this group has spread its roots across the Sunni dominant areas of Lebanon. In 2005 after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri this Saudi supportive religious group got connected with Saudi favoured political group of Hariri. Though the 14th March mission group or Al Mustaqbil group is secular whereas this religious group is extremist but still on the basis of certain commonalities a unique unity was established amongst them.

The reasons for this unity is common

- One is that the leadership of both these groups is with Saudi Arabia

- Second is that both are strong opponents of Hizbullah

- Third is the target for both of them is to eradicate Hizbullah

In order to achieve this purpose they have taken support from Shia Sunni discords in Lebanon. This is because Hizbullah is a Shia group and the Shia government of Iran is its supporter hence in order to reduce the admiration towards Hizbullah they want to spread discords with Shia thereby getting Hizbullah under this charter. Similarly there are many small and big groups who are occupied in spreading discord in Lebanon like "Asbat Al Ansar Al Islamia", the Jundal Sham group associated with Zarqawi and Fath-ul Islamia.

Saudi bribe to Lebanese Mufti



According to reliable sources Saudi Agencies have offered a bribe of 17 million dollars to Lebanese Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani and his successor for arousing Muslims against Hizbullah in Lebanon. On the second day of receiving the amount Waleed Jumblat and the Mufti issued a similar statement. Qabbani created this doubt amongst Sunni Muslims that the purpose of Hizbullah is to capture Beirut and Lebanon in order to convert Sunni's to Shia. Similar accusations and allegations were imposed on Hizbullah by Egyptian government and its leaders in reply to which Sayed Nasrallah said on a TV address that we do not want to make Sunni's as Shia but we want to defend the Sunni Muslims of Palestine.

The Saudi, media and their associated groups within Lebanon are continously occupied in transforming the opposition to Hariri group by Hizbullah and its allied groups into a religious and Shia Sunni affair. This is because Hizbullah is a Shia group whereas Hariri is a Sunni group and the entire world is well that that this is opposition is political and not religious.

The Infidelity declaring Mufti's Fatwa (verdict) of dissension.


The Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz in Riyadh issued an astonishing verdict (Fatwa) in history. This Mufti said that Hizbullah is responsible for all problems in Lebanon and this group has nothing to do with Islam and there is no difference between Hizbullah and Jews. He also said that Hizbullah is working for Jews and towards the end he supplicated that Allah should give refuge to us from this evil. This statement was delivered by him in Shariah-e-Islami Faculty of Mohammad bin Saud University in front of a big audience of teachers and faculty.

In the same way during the 33 days war of Hizbullah with Israel another Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abdullah bin Jibreen issued a verdict that Hizbullah is not Muslim and no support should be provided to them in the war and he even declared supplicating for victory of Hizbullah against Israel as forbidden.

Fath-ul-Islam

The disgraceful defeat of Israel by the hands of Hizbullah despaired a lot the Arab and Western supporters of Israel. In this 33 days war they ascertained that resistance against Israel that too specifically of Hizbullah cannot be easily annihilated. In this war the activities of Hizbullah astonished entire world whereas Israel, America, West and their Arab associates had to panic. In this panic they undertook one more awkward step so as to weaken Hizbullah.

This was the same accursed Satanic tactic by which this Satanic Triangle (Zionist, West and Arab government) has done open brutal killing of Muslims and has run streams of blood with the blood of innocent followers of the same Qiblah; i.e. Terrorism.

The expertise which this triangle has in terrorism no clue of this can be found in entire history. Every city, town, street and ally bears witness to this. This brutal weapon of Zionists, West and Arab alliance was also used in Lebanon.

In 2008 well known terrorist Shakir Al Isa laid the foundation of a terrorist organization in Tripoli, city of Lebanon on the pattern of Al Qaida. This group was named as Fath-ul-Islam. He is the same bloodthirsty beast who along with Abu Mussab Zarqawi made a group of Arab terrorists in 2003 in Iraq. This group shed the blood of thousands of Muslims, Women and Children in Iraq , did the sacrilege of sacred places and ruined them in bomb blasts; and have assassinated many religious and political personalities in Iraq. In 2006 Abu Mussab Al Zarqawi who belongs to Jordan got killed in an Arial attack but his other colleague Shakir Al Isa kept on easily doing his activities. He kept on moving freely between Iraq and Jordan. After conducting blood hounded operations in Iraq he would immediately go to Jordan and then again return to Iraq with the plan for another attack. He has maintained close relationship with American and Jordan forces.

In 2007 he got a new delegation and that was to weaken Hizbullah through terrorism similar to what he did in Iraq and specifically the Hizbullah leadership of Sayed Nasrallah should be made target. Therefore this Arab terrorist with his 140 trained terrorists moved to the city of Tripoli in Lebanon. He established his den in the Palestinian immigrant camp Nihar Al Badr.

After the 33 days war not just Hizbullah achieved victory but instead the acceptance of Hizbullah and its leadership of Sayed Nasrallah increased significantly across the Islamic world. The Arab Sunni Muslims started to openly express their sympathy towards Hizbullah and took out many processions in support of Hizbullah.

This acceptance could not be tolerated by Arab rulers at all because they could see everything of theirs getting destroyed. Thus they whole heartedly started to strengthen the Fath-ul-Islam group of Shakir Al Isa. The Saudi Salafis capitalists transferred a lot of money to Fath-ul-Islam through American banks. Within a year they adorned themselves completely with all modern weapons and means of warfare. In August 2008 in order to express their existence they aggressively attacked the Lebanese forces appointed for security in the Palestinian camp which resulted into increased anxiety in the internal environment and also at international level. Saad Hariri with guidance from Saudi Arabia was deputed to support this group financially. He got into a difficult and perplexed state since he was holding the reigns of Lebanese government in his hands. Anyhow Lebanese forces with internal and external pressure carried out a military operation against this group as a result of which many of Isa's effective terrorists were killed.

With the support of Fath-ul-Islam and many other similar groups by using Terrorism engaging Hizbullah in internal issues was the main purpose so that the danger of Hizbullah can get off the heads of Israelis and also the degrading status of Arab rulers due to Hizbullah can be preserved. But the foresighted leadership of Hizbullah once again foiled the evil conspiracy of this Satanic triangle.

The Martyrdom of Hizbullah think tank "Haji Rizwan"

On 12th February 2008 the news agencies and TV Channels stopped their routine programs and broadcasted a news which could be named as an Atomic news explosion.

The news was that in Damascus, the capital of Syria an important commander of Hizbullah Emad Mughniya was assassinated. Though the people in the world were not familiar with the name of Emad Mughniya but all the enemy forces of Islam i.e. the Zionists, Israeli forces, American CIA and their Arab partners were very well versed with this name. This is the reason that this news was most pleasing for them.


Emad Mughniya known amongst his friends as Haji Rizwan was a symbol of fear and terror for Israeli forces. America has announced 25 million dollars for his arrest. The war analysts have a unified opinion that in the 33 days war success of Hizbullah against Israel the central role was played by this great commander. In war strategies Haji Rizwan was an incomparable brain. This is the reason that Israeli Secret Agency Mossad, American CIA, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arab Intelligence was in pursuit of Haji Rizwan on daily basis.


According to the search report by the investigating agencies of Syria in this cruelty there were hands of Mossad, CIA, Jordan and Saudi Arab secret agencies. In this operation the key role after Mossad has been played by Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan. The involvement of Saudi Secret Agency in the martyrdom of Haji Rizwan has many evidences present. The dramatic exit of Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Al Khwaj from Beirut immediately after this martyrdom, fleeing of a senior office of Saudi Embassy in Damascus who was involved in this assassination , pressure applied by Saudi government on Syrian government to stop investigations on this case, offer of several benefits to Syrian government for removing the name of Saudi in the investigation phases are all the proofs expressed by Saudi themselves. On top of all this the senior Saudi Embassy officer who ran away from Damascus was once again brought back to Damascus by a trap laid by Syrian secret agencies. He had an affair with a Damascus woman through her he was brought back to Damascus. The car which was used for the blast was registered in the name of this woman. After purchasing this car the Saudi Embassy officer gave this car to specific persons to place explosives inside it. When the explosives were filled in the car it was placed outside the house of Haji in the car parking. This Saudi officer is imprisoned in one of the prisons of Damascus and Saudi government has done everything possible for his release. The current delighted relationship between Syria and Saudi indicates that he may have been released.

The alternative for Hizbullah

There is one more interesting step taken for weakening and eradicating Hizbullah amongst the conspiracies of Zionists, West and Arabs. This step was creation of an organization of Shia's resembling Hizbullah whose leader is one Shia scholar Sayed Mohammed Ali Al Hussaini. This group has been made solely by Saudi wealth and all forms of support has been extended by Saudi government specifically media needs. Saudi media is introducing this group as a moderate Shia group whereas Hizbullah has been declared as an extremist group. The purpose of this propagation is to make the Lebanese people that too specifically Shia Muslims frustrated from Hizbullah thereby presenting this group as successor to Hizbullah.


Under the leadership of Al Hussaini this Saudi supported group which is an alternate to Hizbullah is named as "Al Moqawamat Al Islamia al Arabia" and its political party is named as "Al Majlis Al Islami Al Arabia". Their leader in an interview has emphasized that our purpose is to defend Arabism instead of Islam.

He also says that our purpose is to cleanse the control of Hizbullah over Resistance (Moqawamat) and involve all other groups in it. He also said in the interview that our strength is much more than Hizbullah and we will demonstrate it when time comes. According to Al Hussaini one other purpose is to keep Iran's interference away from Arab issues. While speaking in the language and tone of Saudi media he also said that the cause for all the problems in Lebanon is Iran. Apart from this he also mentioned that this group has such long range missiles which can even go beyond Israel; what he intends and refers could be Iran.

The leader of "Al Moqawamat Al Islamia al Arabia" Sayed Mohammed Ali Al Hussaini has taken some practical steps also apart from these claims. These steps include issuing newspaper statements on various events, sending commendations and condolence cards, dinner meetings in Beirut with various Arab ambassadors; it is just like some Allama's are busy in doing the same in Pakistan.

Media Propaganda

The role of Media is foremost in all the ongoing issues in the world. The power of media is more than the power of military and weapons. Today those who possess atomic weapons are not considered as super power but instead those who can play a decisive role by having a powerful media are the super powers. Establishing governments, bringing down governments, transfer of power, raising economic crisis, defeating opposing nations are all done with the weapon of media.

A big source of interfering in other countries is media. The interesting games of media are to create an environment of fear and terror, making terrorists as hero and doing character assassination of heroes. The West specifically America with the help of media in order to gain control over the world has created chaos across the globe. This power (of media) which was kept under limits for a certain period is now nested across all lands. In this field there are two primary means of communication; one is Print Media and second is Electronic Media. The reigns of religion, economic, culture, civilization, living needs, technology and public communication are all in the hands of these two means. Corruption, transgression, nudity, indecency and immodesty have all reached every home through media only. Those countries which are downtrodden in context of education and technology there also the market of modern media is glamorous. Those who do not possess power to make an ordinary Radio are today the owners of Universal Satellite Channels.


The maximum impact of media on two areas is worth witnessing; one is culture and second politics. These Arab nations have been spectators of indecency on Western Channels since long. When they were completely drowned in indecencies, lavishness and corruption then the Western guides made them owners of different Electronic channels so that they can play the role of local soldiers in the ongoing Media war of America and Zionists against Islam and Muslim world.

In this regards first was the launch of Al Jazeera TV Channel from Qatar. After the successful operation of Al Jazeera several other Arab Channels were launched one after another amongst which the Saudi Arab TV Channel Al Arabia is quite famous. Al Jazeera is playing the role of spokesperson for Al Qaida since several years. The videos of Bin Laden and his supporters are broadcasted from Al Jazeera every other day. He is the same Bin laden for whose eradication America destroyed entire Afghanistan and still who is not coming in the hands of NATO forces but is met by Al Jazeera news reporters every other day. In Iraq and Lebanon it has left behind BBC, CNN, Fox news and VOA channels. After Al Jazeera the Saudi Channel Al Arabic broke the records of Al Jazeera. This channel which is associated with the Saudi Royal family is openly supporting the interests of America and Zionists to such an extent that the leader of Resistance Sayed Nasrallah has named this channel as " Al Abriya" instead of Al Arabia. This channel which is spokesperson of American and Zionists propaganda in Lebanon and Iraq is fuelling the fire of sectarianism. The verdicts (fatwa's) of infidelity by prejudicial, narrow minded, courtyard Mullah's are issued from this channel. Its main purpose is to enhance the sectarian conflict between Shia and Sunni's. This Royal channel is busy in convincing its Arab audience that the actual enemy of Arabs is not Israel but Shia's. One more purpose of this channel is to give protection to the non democratic governments in Arab states and to prove that if Hizbullah delivers a strong and successful character in Lebanon than Arab people will have to see a new Islamic model. For this reason the purpose of this Royal channel established with Millions of dollar is to keep Arab people away from Hizbullah. By taking advantage from absurd and disgraced tactics this channel is sowing the seed of hatred amongst Muslims. When someone watches first time programs related to Lebanon on this channel he is forced to think whether this channel is Zionist Channel or Saudi because its tone and accent regarding Hizbullah Resistance is same as that of Zionists.

The role of Aale Saud in recent Lebanon elections




As it was indicated in the beginning of this write up that the population distribution of Lebanon has made its political situation very complex. The expanse of foreign doors of intervention in Lebanon cannot be found to this extent in any other nation. The nations that are effective today in the Lebanese politics are America, France, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iran on top of the list. Apart from these as well some other nations also have an effective role in Lebanese politics but the decision making role is that of these above mentioned five nations.

It should be clear that all these nations are not having the same role in Lebanon instead they all have a specific and different role. Since in this article we are not discussing about role of other nations and only limiting to the role of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government is involved in Lebanese politics in several regards and in fact the shadow of Saudi Arabia on Lebanon politics is having the maximum cover. In order to make 14th March Forum Aale Saud has pumped in abundant money. This Alliance came into existence in 2005 after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri with the support of America and Saudi Arabia. Its leadership is in the hands of Saad Hariri , Samir Jejo and Walid Jumblat. It has major minor Sunni, Christian and Druze groups like the Progressive Socialist Party, Lebanese forces, Phalangist Kateeb Party , National Liberal Party, Independence movement, Tripoli block, Democratic Renewal, Left Democratic Party, Armenian Liberal, Social Democratic Party, National Lebanese Block, Free Shia Movement are all remembered as 14 March Alliance.

In 2005 elections the above mentioned alliance got majority and established their government. It became successful by winning 72 seats out of 128. The environment that got created after the assassination of Rafiq Hariri in 2005 and slogans of exit of Syrian forces played a significant role in getting them victory in the that election but the situation changed completely in 2009. The success of Hizbullah in the 33 days war, the treachery of government in this and the internal rifts within country weakened the position of this alliance. The analysts keeping an eye on the situation of Lebanon had a unanimous opinion that 8th March Alliance formed under the leadership of Hizbullah will win this election with clear majority. The increasing popularity of Hizbullah and the enhanced orientation of Lebanese people towards Hizbullah is an evidence to this point. The leadership of Hizbullah just like other political analysts were certain about their victory. The highly confidential speeches of Sayed Nasrallah was demonstrating the same thing but the elections results astonished Lebanese politicians and the entire world include Lebanese people.

This time also against expectations 14th March Alliance was successful. Even though this success came with a very narrow majority margin but there were many elements involved in this success amongst which the biggest was the unlimited wealth of Saudi Arabia. All the members in the alliance were given the money they asked for; centres were setup in Lebanon for buying votes, several dollars were given for just one one vote. The famous American magazine Newsweek released an article by Christopher Deki about Lebanese elections which highlighted the effective elements on election. According to Christopher Deki the money spent by Saudi on Lebanon election campaign was more than the money spent in the American elections campaigns where Obama was elected. It should be remembered that in American history maximum money in election campaigns has been spent on Barrack Obama. According to Christopher Deki Saudi has spent 715 Million dollars.

According to Iraqi newspaper "Al Bayyanah Al Jadeedah" Saudi Arab has spent 2 billion dollars to achieve its objective in the Lebanon election. The Saudi rulers have not kept this royal spending of theirs concealed but instead have accepted this as welfare aid for Lebanese people. During the election it was a general announcement made that anyone who casts vote against Hizbullah will be given an agreed amount. The United Arab Emirates also participated in this good deed whole heartedly.

The leader of Hizbullah Sayed Nasrallah has always extended unity and brotherly hands towards Arab states and specifically Saudi Arabia. In one of his speeches complaining on Arab rulers he said that we are defenders of your dignity and stature, we are not against any Islamic or Arab country, we are not thinking of bringing down any Arab state. The common enmity of Islam, Muslims and Arabs is against Zionism and as per principles you should be supporting us and if you cannot do this then at least do not oppose us; do not weaken the Resistance, do not end the existing Islamic brotherhood in Lebanon and this would be the biggest help from you.

There is hope that may be this appeal of Sayed Nasrallah, the leader of resistance will soften the hearts of Arab leaders.

It is our supplication to Allah (s) that may the land of Hijaz spread the message of unity, brotherhood and love.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism and the Spread of Sunni Theofascism











Saudi Arabia, Wahhabism and the Spread of Sunni Theofascism



by Ambassador Curtin Winsor, Jr.




Curtin Winsor, Jr. is a former US ambassador to Costa Rica (1983-1985). He was Special Emissary to the Middle East at the outset of the Reagan administration. He is chairman and owner of the American Chemical Services Company of Marmet, WV and serves on the boards of several public policy organizations, including the William H. Donner Foundation, the Atlas Foundation for Economic Research, the Media Research Center and the Hudson Institute.




The United States has largely eliminated the infrastructure and operational leadership of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda terrorist network over the past five years. However, its ideological offspring continue to proliferate across the globe.




American efforts to combat this contagion are hamstrung by the fact that its ideological and financial epicenter is Saudi Arabia, where an ostensibly pro-Western royal family governs through a centuries-old alliance with the fanatical Wahhabi Islamic sect. In addition to indoctrinating its own citizens with this extremist creed, the Saudi government has lavishly financed the propagation of Wahhabism throughout the world, sweeping away moderate interpretations of Islam even within the borders of the United States itself.
The Bush administration has done little to halt this ideological onslaught beyond quietly (and unsuccessfully) urging the Saudi royal family to desist. This lack of resolve is rooted in American dependence on Saudi oil production, fears of instability in the kingdom, wishful thinking about democracy promotion as an antidote to religious extremism, and preoccupation with confronting Iran.
Background
Wahhabism is derived from the teachings of Muhammad ibn abd al-Wahhab, an eighteenth century religious zealot from the Arabian interior. Like most Sunni Islamic fundamentalist movements, the Wahhabis advocated the fusion of state power and religion through the reestablishment of the Caliphate, the form of government adopted by the Prophet Muhammad's successors during the age of Muslim expansion. What sets Wahhabism apart from other Sunni Islamist movements is its historical obsession with purging Sufis, Shiites, and other Muslims who do not conform to its twisted interpretation of Islamic scripture.
Jannat al-Baqi" hspace=3 src="http://www.mideastmonitor.org/images/as_0705_1.jpg" width=300 align=right border=0>In 1744, Ibn Abd al-Wahhab forged an historic alliance with the Al-Saud clan and sanctified its drive to vanquish its rivals. In return, the Al-Saud supported campaigns by Wahhabi zealots to cleanse the land of "unbelievers." In 1801, Saudi-Wahhabi warriors crossed into present day Iraq and sacked the Shiite holy city of Karbala, killing over 4,000 people. After the Saudis conquered Mecca and Medina in the 1920s, they destroyed such "idolatrous" shrines as the Jannat al-Baqi cemetary, where four of the twelve Shiite imams were buried (on the grounds that grave markers are bida'a, or objectionable innovations).
In return for endorsing the royal family's authority in political, security, and economic spheres after the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, Wahhabi clerics were granted control over state religious and educational institutions and allowed to enforce their rigid interpretation of sharia (Islamic law).
Wahhabism was largely confined to the Arabian peninsula until the 1960s, when the Saudi monarchy gave refuge to radical members of the Muslim Brotherhood fleeing persecution in Nasser's Egypt. A cross-fertilization of sorts occurred between the atavistic but isolated Wahhabi creed of the Saudi religious establishment and the Salafi jihadist teachings of Sayyid Qutb, who denounced secular Arab rulers as unbelievers and legitimate targets of holy war (jihad). "It was the synthesis of the twain-Wahhabi social and cultural conservatism, and Qutbist political radicalism- that produced the militant variety of Wahhabist political Islam that eventually (produced) al-Qaeda."[1]
The terms Islamofascism and theofascism have been frequently misused by Westerners to refer to virtually all forms of radical Islamism, but they are fitting appellations for Wahhabism today.[2] The sect's rejection of individual liberties, disparagement and reduction of women's rights and status,[3] disregard for the intrinsic value of human life, and encouragement of violence against unbelievers, are unparalleled among Islamic fundamentalist movements.
Former CIA Director R. James Woolsey has used the term "Sunni theocratic totalitarianism,"[4] a term that highlights both the movement's "will to power" over the most minute aspects of Muslim daily life and its global ambitions. He also notes that its adherents do not raise the banner of Islam in pursuit of specific national, political, or territorial gains. Al-Qaeda's second in command, Ayman al-Zawahiri has sharply rebuked the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas[5] and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood for participating in national elections.[6]
During the 1970s, Wahhabi clerics encouraged the spread of this revolutionary and atavistic ideological synthesis into Saudi universities and mosques, because it was seen as a barrier to the threat of cultural Westernization and spread of corruption that accompanied the 1970s oil boom. Consequently, the royal family and their religious establishment looked for a cause with which to deflect the growing zealotry from Wahhabist theofascism, a danger highlighted by the seizure of the Grand Mosque at Mecca by heavily armed Islamic Studies students in 1979. The diversion that the royal family seized upon was the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
The Saudis financed a large-scale program of assistance to the Afghan mujahideen, in coordination with the Pakistan's Inter Service Intelligence agency (ISI) and the CIA, while funding radicalized madrassas to disseminate neo-Wahhabi ideology and literature in the sprawling Afghan refugee camps of Pakistan. They also dispatched thousands of volunteer jihadis from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to fight alongside the mujahideen.
These so-called "Arab Afghans" dispersed to far-flung areas of the world after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1988. They pursued further victories against "unbelievers" in the name of Islam, and they were accompanied by militant Wahhabi preachers. These elements would form the backbone of al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda was initially headquartered in Sudan, but returned to Afghanistan in 1996, following the seizure of Kabul by the Taliban. This was a new Afghan force, recruited in Wahhabi madrassas and, trained by the Pakistanis. Its goal was the establishment of a model Wahhabi state in Afghanistan.
The Saudi royal family revoked bin Laden's Saudi citizenship (in response to heavy American pressure), but did little to interfere with Wahhabi "charities" in the Kingdom and abroad.. These entities raised money for al-Qaeda, while the religious onslaught of Wahhabism continued to receive government sponsorship and funding. Osama bin Laden is widely believed to have reached an agreement with Prince Turki al-Faisal, then-chief of Saudi National Security and Intelligence in the mid 1990s, whereby al-Qaeda would not target the Kingdom, and the Kingdom would not interfere with al-Qaeda's fundraising or seek bin Laden's extradition.[7] In fact, Al-Qaeda abstained completely from attacks on Saudi targets within the Kingdom prior to 9/11.
Terrorist attacks and clashes between Saudi police and Islamist militants have erupted erupting periodically since May 2003, after the Saudi Government began cracking down on underground cells in the Kingdom (under pressure from Washington). However, it appears that most Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist groups still respect this quid pro quo Hundreds of members of the Saudi royal family jet around the world without fear of assassination. The country's vulnerable petroleum industry has only once been targeted by terrorists, and then in a less that serious manner. In return, and notwithstanding its limited cooperation with Washington in restricting terrorist financing, the Saudi monarchy has maintained its commitment to propagating Wahhabism at home and abroad, providing the terrorist underground with a growing flood of eager recruits.
Wahhabi Indoctrination
"Man . . . requires proper instruction and a fortunate nature, and then of all animals he becomes the most divine and most civilized; but if he be insufficiently or ill educated, he is the most savage of earthly creatures."Plato
It is estimated that well over one-third of Saudi Arabia's public school curriculum is devoted to Wahhabi teachings. Passages from Saudi textbooks quoted in the American media after 9/11 generated much controversy. One textbook, for example, informed ninth grade students that Judgment Day will not come "until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them," while another stated that it is "compulsory" for Muslims "to consider the infidels their enemy."[8] Embarrassed by the revelations, the Saudi government purported to launch a comprehensive review of its educational curricula and pledged that all such references would be removed. Last year, however, Freedom House published an exhaustive report on the new curriculum, concluding that it "continues to propagate an ideology of hate toward the 'unbeliever,' which include Christians, Jews, Shiites, Sufis, Sunni Muslims who do not follow Wahhabi doctrine, Hindus, atheists and others."[9]
Some analysts dismiss the relevance of this indoctrination on the grounds that "conforming to an ultra-conservative, anti-pluralistic faith does not necessarily make you a violent individual,"[10] but this reasoning is fallacious. If only one percent of the 5 million Saudi students exposed to these teachings resort to violence, this would produce 50,000 jihadis.[11] Not surprisingly, bin Laden himself denounced foreign interference in Saudi school curricula in an April 2006 audiotape.
Moreover, these teachings are reinforced by Wahhabi clerics in Saudi Arabia, who advocate jihad against enemies of "true" Islam - outside the kingdom." Incitement to violence against Shiites is particularly common. In December 2006, a high-ranking cleric close to the Saudi royal family, Abdul Rahman al-Barak, denounced Shiites as an "evil sect . . . more dangerous than Jews and Christians."[12]
In November of 2004, twenty-six clerics, most of whom held positions as lecturers of Islamic studies at various Saudi state-funded universities, issued a call for jihad against American forces in Iraq. Two Saudi officials denounced the fatwa in interviews with the Western media, but no retraction was made in Arabic to local media outlets. Months later, a Saudi dissident group released a videotape showing the Chief Justice of Saudi Arabia's Supreme Judicial Council, Saleh bin Muhammad al-Luhaidan, advising young Saudis at a government mosque on how to infiltrate Iraq and fight US troops, as well as assuring them that Saudi security forces would not punish them after their return.[13] While Luhaidan publicly retracted his statements, videotapes of prominent Saudi clerics exhorting the public to wage jihad in Iraq and elsewhere continue to surface.[14]
Exporting Hatred
While Saudi citizens remain the vanguard of Islamic theofascism around the world, the growth potential for this ideology lies outside the Kingdom. The Saudis have spent at least $87 billion propagating Wahhabism abroad during the past two decades,[15] and the scale of financing is believed to have increased in the past two years as oil prices have skyrocketed. The bulk of this funding goes to the construction and operating expenses of mosques, madrassas, and other religious institutions that preach Wahhabism. It also supports the training of imams; domination of mass media and publishing outlets; distribution of Wahhabi textbooks and other literature; and endowments to universities (in exchange for influence over the appointment of Islamic scholars). By comparison, the Communist Party of the USSR and its Comintern spent just over $7 billion propagating its ideology worldwide between 1921 and 1991.[16]
The lack of a formal ecclesiastical hierarchy within Sunni Islam renders traditional religious institutions weak in the face of well-funded Wahhabi missionary activities. Most Sunni Muslims look to their local imams for religious guidance. In poor countries, these imams and local leaders often find it difficult to resist the siren song of small amounts of Saudi aid that accompany Wahhabist missionaries in poor. Moderate imams do not have a comparable source of financial patronage with which to combat its spread.[17]
Important fronts in this campaign are in south and southeast Asia, where the majority of the world's Muslims live. In Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and southern Thailand, Wahhabis have co-opted (or replaced) village and neighborhood imams, and there is a fresh stream of converts returning from stays as guest workers in Saudi Arabia. The children of poor converts are often taken to Saudi Arabia for "education" and many are returned as cannon fodder for use by Wahhabi terrorist fronts.[18] In India, efforts are underway to capture a portion that country's huge Muslim minority as well as the Untouchable Caste.
Wahhabism has made less headway in the former Soviet Republics of Central Asia, despite the fact that decades of Communist rule had weakened their traditional Islamic institutions. Several successor governments, especially the Uzbekis, have cracked down harshly on militant Islamist groups, while encouraging educational systems in the Hanafi tradition that promote tolerant and peaceful Islam. Africa is also a critical area of Wahhabi expansion, as it offers a multitude of "failed states" and communal cleavages ripe for exploitation, most notably in the Sudan and Nigeria.[19]
In all of these areas, the central dynamic is the same - it is the overwhelming wealth of Saudi Arabia that enables the Wahhabi sect to proselytize on a global scale, not the intrinsic appeal of its teachings. Throughout the world, moderates echo the assessment of Somali journalist Bashir Gothar, who writes that his country's tolerant Sufi-infused Islamic culture has been: "swept aside by a new brand of Islam that is being pushed down the throat of our people - Wahhabism. Anywhere one looks, one finds that alien, perverted version of Islam."[20]
Wahhabism in the West
Wahhabi proselytizing is not limited to the Islamic world. The Saudis have financed the growth of thousands of Wahhabi mosques, madrassas, and other religious institutions in Western countries that have fast-growing Muslim minorities during the past three decades.[21] Wahhabi penetration is deepest in the social welfare states of Western Europe, where chronically high unemployment has created large pools of able-bodied young Muslim men who have "become permanent wards of the state at the cost of their basic human dignity."[22] This is a perfect storm of alienation and idleness, ripe for terrorist recruitment. The perpetrators of the 2005 London subway attacks were native-born Britons of Pakistani descent, recruited locally and trained in the use of explosives during visits to Pakistan. The Dutch Moroccan who murdered Dutch filmmaker Theodor Van Gogh in 2004 (for producing a film critical of Islam) was also a product of Wahhabi indoctrination.
The Wahhabis have had less traction in the United States, which lacks the masses of unassimilated young people that exist in Europe. US welfare laws no longer allow able-bodied young men to have indefinite periods of government subsidized unemployment and immigrants (both Muslim and non-Muslim) tend to find a more stable niche in American society.
Nevertheless, Wahhabi penetration of US mainstream Islamic institutions is substantial. A 2005 Freedom House Report examined over 200 books and other publications distributed in 15 prominent Saudi-funded American mosques. One such publication, bearing the imprint of the Saudi embassy and distributed by the King Fahd Mosque in Los Angeles, contained the following injunctions for Muslims living in America:
Be dissociated from the infidels, hate them for their religion, leave them, never rely on them for support, do not admire them, and always oppose them in every way according to Islamic law.[W]hoever helps unbelievers against Muslims, regardless of what type of support he lends to them, he is an unbeliever himself.Never greet the Christian or Jew first. Never congratulate the infidel on his holiday. Never befriend an infidel unless it is to convert him. Never imitate the infidel. Never work for an infidel. Do not wear a graduation gown because this imitates the infidel.[23]
Although Saudi-funded religious institutions have been careful not to incite or explicitly endorse violence since 9/11, they unapologetically promote distrust toward non-Muslims and self-segregation. In effect, they are trying to reproduce in America the kind of social conditions that have fueled radicalization and terrorist recruitment in Europe.
Saudi-funded religious institutions, such as the American Muslim Council (AMC), have long been treated as representatives of the American Muslim community by the US government. Abdurahman Almoudi, the founder of the AMC, was a frequent visitor to White House under the Clinton and Bush administrations despite having publicly proclaimed support for the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas (he is now in jail for having illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Libyan government).
High level political access has enabled such groups to penetrate the American prison system. The US Bureau of Prisons has relied on chaplain endorsements from the so-called Graduate School of Islamic and Social Sciences (GSISS), a Saudi-funded organization.[24] The most egregious example of this penetration is the case of Imam Deen Umar, the Administrative Chaplain for the State of New York Department of Corrections. Umar, an American convert who made two visits to Saudi Arabia and studied at the GSISS, and the men he hired as chaplains, had exclusive access to the 13,000 Muslims in the New York prison system. According to then FBI Assistant Director for Counterterrorism John S. Pistole, Umar was found to have "denied prisoners access to mainstream imams and materials" and "sought to incite prisoners against America, preaching that the 9/11 hijackers should be remembered as martyrs and heroes."[25]
While there is little evidence that al-Qaeda has recruited inside the American prison system, it is noteworthy that José Padilla (arrested in 2002 in connection with an al-Qaeda plot to detonate a radioactive "dirty bomb" in the United States) first embraced radical Islam while in prison, as did Richard Reid (the so-called "shoe bomber" arrested in 2001) in the UK and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Jordan.
The American Muslim Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Council (a branch of the AMC), along with the Saudi-funded Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), secured the right to select, train and certify all Muslim chaplains for the US Armed Forces.[26] It has been reported that Saudi Arabia provided more than 100 US Armed Forces personnel with free trips to Mecca as an opportunity to make their hajj.[27] Almoudi arranged for the Saudi-controlled Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences (IIAS) to train "American soldiers and civilians to provide spiritual guidance when paid Muslim chaplains aren't available." The Wall Street Journal also reported that there were signs that: "the school . . . disseminates the intolerant and anti-Western strain of Islam espoused by the [Saudi] Kingdom's religious establishment."[28]
While the Saudi ambassador in Washington said last year that his government was undertaking a "very intense review" of all missionary activities in the United States,[29] it is clear that the Saudis are concerned primarily with avoiding bad publicity, not abandoning their drive to dominate Islamic institutions in America.
Causes of American Inaction
The Bush administration has been reluctant to put serious pressure on the Saudis to stop propagating Wahhabism, despite the enormous threat to American security posed by Sunni theofascism. There are several reasons for this..
The first is American dependence on the kingdom's abundant oil reserves, which enable to the Saudis to maintain roughly 3 million b/d in spare production capacity. This spare capacity has been called the "energy equivalent of nuclear weapons," because it puts the Saudis in a unique position to compensate for disruptions in supplies from other producers and discourage price gouging - a service provided to the United States (and other industrialized nations) in exchange for protection.[30] However, the argument that a firm public stance against Saudi propagation of religious hatred might lead the kingdom to retaliate economically is spurious. Saudi Arabia's use of the oil weapon would alienate the entire industrialized world, while threatening the relative economic prosperity that preserves stability in the kingdom.
Some politicians and writers have voiced concern that pushing the Saudi royal family to curtail the Wahhabis could lead to terrorist attacks on the country's vulnerable petroleum infrastructure or lead to the collapse of the monarchy, which would produce an even worse outcome - a Saudi state controlled exclusively by religious fanatics. While these are serious risks, it must be borne in mind that most Wahhabi radicals view the monarchy (and its oil fields) as a golden goose. It is only by disguising Saudi Arabia as a 'friendly nation' that they have been able to go as far as they have in spreading their atavistic perversion of Islam.
Such concerns reveal a tendency to imagine or spin the Saudi royal family as fundamentally pro-Western. Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who served as ambassador to the United States from 1983 to 2005, has played an important role in masking Saudi - Wahhabi realities. His personal charm, Washington Post journalist David Ignatius writes, "many American leaders and even presidents to forget that he represented a secretive, repressive Muslim kingdom that survived because it had made a pact with 'puritanical' Wahhabi clerics who despised America."[31]
Bandar was also instrumental in the growth of what Daniel Pipes has called a "culture of corruption" that renders the executive branch of the American government "incapable of dealing with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the farsighted and disinterested manner that US foreign policy requires." Pipes points to a "revolving door syndrome" afflicting senior diplomats and policymakers who deal with the Saudis in their official capacities.[32] Very often, they have enjoyed lucrative post-government careers working as consultants for Saudi businessmen and companies, or running Saudi-financed nongovernmental organizations. "If the reputation then builds that the Saudis take care of friends when they leave office," Bandar once reportedly told a close associate: "you'd be surprised how much better friends you have who are just coming into office."[33]
Unable or unwilling to combat the spread of Sunni theofascism at its main source (Saudi Arabia), the Bush administration launched a democracy promotion campaign intended to eradicate political conditions receptive to its global spread. However, rather than building stable and less oppressive systems resistant to religious extremism in Afghanistan and Iraq, the accumulating shortfalls of American intervention in both countries have made them magnets for jihadist recruitment.
The Question of Iran
The Bush Administration's reluctance to challenge the Saudis after 9/11 initially encountered impassioned objections from conservative and liberal commentators alike, but the outrage has tapered off as attention has became increasingly focused on Shiite Iran and its nuclear weapons program. In the view of the administration, the Iranian threat to American national security not only supercedes the threat of Sunni theofascism, but supercedes it to such a degree that a more accommodating policy toward Saudi Arabia is warranted. However, while the prospect of militant Shiite clerics in possession of nuclear weapons is understandably disconcerting to many Americans, the Iranian threat is mitigated by several important factors.
For all of the shrill and unsettling words of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, his government's foreign policy is driven more by Iranian nationalism than Shiite Islamism (this is evident, for example, in Tehran's support for the predominantly Christian nation of Armenia in its dispute with Shiite Azerbaijan). This is not surprising, as Iran (known as Persia prior to the twentieth century) has existed in one form or another since biblical times, while it embraced Shiite Islam just 500 years ago. While Ahmadinejad exploits Iranian nationalism to win public support in his confrontation with the West, it can easily turn against him if he were to embark on a global adventure. Wahhabi clerics may support the Saudi royal family as a necessary evil in order to protect their global proselytizing mission, but they recognize no Saudi Arabian "nation" whose interests take precedence over their agenda. Such is not the case in Iran.
Furthermore, Shiite Islamism does not exhibit theofascist tendencies. Radical clerics in Iran have been responsible for horrendous abuses of power, but they do not regard non-Shiite Muslims as "unbelievers" who must be systematically purged - and even if they did, the fact that Shiites comprise only 10-15% of the world's Muslims would make such a project impractical. Even within the Shiite world, there is no prospect of a Wahhabi-style Iranian takeover of religious discourse because unlike the Sunnis, Shiite Islam is rigidly hierarchical. Iraqi and Lebanese Shiites gladly accept Iranian financial and military support, but they are fiercely loyal to their own clerical establishments.
An even greater fallacy is the widespread belief in Washington that a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia is an asset in confronting Iran. On the contrary, coddling the Saudis makes it more difficult for the United States to deal with Iran. The Bush administration's refusal to hold Saudi leaders accountable for their incitement of Wahhabi jihadists (who have murdered far more Shiites than Americans, mostly in Iraq and Pakistan) is a source of deep resentment in the Shiite world. It is no surprise that the only two major public demonstrations against Al-Qaeda in the Islamic world after the 9/11 attacks were both organized by Shiites (in Tehran and Karachi, Pakistan).
It is interesting to note that the recent escalation of US - Iranian tensions has made the Saudis less accommodating about Iraq than ever before. Reports that the Saudi Government is threatening to openly fund and arm Sunni insurgent groups if American forces withdraw from Iraq are a case in point.[34] In effect, the Saudis are signaling to the Bush administration that they will thwart any American plan to cede control of Iraq to its Shiite-dominated, democratically-elected government, while signaling to the Sunni insurgents in Iraq that they can reject American efforts to broker a political settlement and not be left to face the consequences alone.
Iran has no history of direct aggression against its neighbors, and unlike Saddam's Sunni-dominated Iraq, they have never used weapons of mass destruction during invasions of neighbors or against their own people. The strongest argument for this approach lies with the extent that Iran craves recognition of its actual status as the historically authentic nation state in the Middle East. Iran has long aspired to be and probably will be the region's predominant Islamic regional power.
The Road Ahead
Washington will eventually have to face the reality that derailing Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons (and, more broadly, its emergence as the predominant Islamic regional power) may be impossible over the long-term, and possible in the short term only at the expense of fatally undermining efforts to contain the spread of Sunni theofascism. The United States would do better to find a mutually acceptable means of working with this reality, rather sustaining a deadlocked confrontation by conditioning its willingness to normalize relations with Tehran on the abandonment of its nuclear aspirations. US - Iranian engagement will greatly enhance American leverage over the Saudis, as well as check the threat of Sunni theofascist terrorism in Iraq and, to a lesser extent, Afghanistan. Saudi officials have urged the Bush administration not to talk with Iran because they know that a reduction in US - Iranian tensions will draw more attention to their unbridled export of Wahhabism.
Reducing American dependence on Saudi oil must also be part of any comprehensive strategy for addressing the threat of Sunni theofascism. Although President Bush has expressed commitment to developing alternative energy sources, the surplus production capacity of the Saudis enables them to lower prices as necessary to ensure that this will not be cost effective for a long time. Barring radical breakthroughs in fuel technologies, an optimistic forecast would have bio fuels (ethanol, synthetic diesel and bio oil) making up to 30% of US petroleum equivalent needs by 2030.[35] For the short to medium term future, only conservation can significantly alter American petroleum dependency.
In addition, countering the theofascist threat will require the same kind of comprehensive strategy used to combat the spread of Communism during the twentieth century. While the First Amendment undoubtedly protects the right of individuals to inveigh against pluralism, individual freedoms, and other Western norms, there is nothing in the constitution that protects the right of foreign governments or nationals to disseminate this message on American soil. As for the rest of the world, poor Muslim countries (many of them dependent on Saudi economic aid or remittances from workers in the Arab Gulf) cannot be expected to demand that Riyadh rein in Wahhabi missionaries - they are looking to Washington to apply pressure.
Without the billions of dollars in Saudi funds, the ideological, political, and psychological edifice of Wahhabi theofascism will begin to crumble, particularly if a concerted effort is made by the Bush administration to promote moderate Islamic institutions (a recent study by the RAND Corporation offers some insightful recommendations).[36] Ultimately, the devil is not in the details - it is the administration's broad lack of resolve in confronting the threat of theofascism, not the lack of viable methods of combating it, that imperils American security.
Notes [1] See Mohammed Ayoob, "Political Islam: Image and Reality," World Policy Journal, Vol. 11, No. 3, Fall 2004. [2] Fascism is "a form of political behavior marked by obsessive preoccupation with community decline, humiliation, or victim-hood and by compensatory cults of unity, energy, and purity, in which a mass-based party of committed nationalist militants, working in uneasy but effective collaboration with traditional elites, abandons democratic liberties and pursues with redemptive violence and without ethical or legal restraints goals of internal cleansing and external expansion." See Robert Paxton, The Anatomy of Fascism (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004), p. 218. [3] Saudi police 'stopped' fire rescue, BBC, 15 March 2002. Wahhabi religious police (mutaween) prevented Saudi schoolgirls from fleeing a burning school because they were not properly veiled, leaving fifteen of them to die inside in 2002, an outrage equaled only by the Taliban's rein of terror against women in Afghanistan. [4] R. James Woolsey, "The Elephant in The Middle East Living Room: Watching Wahhabis," The National Review, 14 December 2005. [5] Zawahiri declared in a December 2006 videotape, "How could they not demand an Islamic constitution before entering these elections? Are they not an Islamic movement?" See: "Al Qaeda Warns U.S. on Fighting in Muslim Lands," The New York Times, 21 December 2006. [6] Zawahiri accused it of being "duped, provoked and used" by the United States after it participated in the 2005 legislative elections. See "Al-Qaida's No. 2 leader praises U.S. hints of troop reduction in Iraq," The Associated Press, 6 January 2006. [7] In his 2003 book, Why America Slept, Gerald Posner cites two unidentified senior Bush administration officials as saying that captured Al-Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah revealed details of a Saudi-Pakistani-Bin Laden triangle. See Gerald Posner, Why America Slept: The Failure to Prevent 9/11, (New York: Random House, 2003). [8] "Inside the Kingdom," Time, 7 September 2003. [9] Nina Shea, Saudi Arabia's Curriculum of Intolerance, Freedom House, 2006. [10] John Esposito, quoted in Gary Leupp, On Terrorism, Methodism, Saudi 'Wahhabism' and the Censored 9-11 Report, Counterpunch, 8 August 2003. [11] Ali al-Ahmed of the Washington Institute for Gulf Affairs makes this point. See Saudi Arabia's Curriculum of Intolerance, CBN.org, 14 June 2006. [12] "Top Saudi cleric issues religious edict declaring Shiites to be infidels," Associated Press, 29 December 2006. [13] More Evidence of Saudi Double Talk?, MSNBC, 26 April 2005. [14] In an April 2006 lecture, Saudi cleric Nasser bin Suleiman al-Omar cautioned his audience not to "get involved in things that are not jihad . . . [and] divert the strife and calamity into the lands of the Muslims, instead of aiming them directly at the enemies." He continued, saying that: "there are places where jihad is proper - in Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq, Chechnya, Kashmir, and the Philippines." See Saudi Cleric Nasser bin Suleiman Al-'Omar: 'America is Now Disappearing From the Hearts Within America Itself . . . MEMRI Special Dispatch #1154, 4 May 2006. [15] Alex Alexiev, "Terrorism: Growing Wahhabi Influence in the United States", Testimony before the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security, 26 June 2003. [16] Author interview with Evgueni Novokov, Ph.D., former colonel, senior staff officer for the Soviet Politburo and deputy director for Middle East Operations, in charge of Arabic Department, and relationships with CPSU Central Committee front organizations and friendly parties; advised Central Committee members on Islamic affairs, 1986 -1988. 22 October 2006. [17] Author interview with Abdel Guzman, Grand Imam of Jolo, Jolo City, Sulu Province, The Philippines, 5 March 2004. [18] Author's interview with Abdel Guzman, The Grand Imam of Jolo, Op. Cit. [19] See Freedom House, The Talibanization of Nigeria: Radical Islam, Extremist Sharia Law, and Religious Freedom, March 2002. [20] "Against the Saudization of Somaliland," Addis Tribune (Ethiopia), 21 November 2003. http://www.addistribune.com/Archives/2003/11/21-11-03/Against.htm [21] In March 2002, the official Saudi magazine Ain al-Yaqeen estimated that the Saudi royal family in countries where Muslims were a minority has funded 210 Islamic centers, 1,500 mosques, 202 colleges, and 2,000 madrassas. The number of all Saudi Government and charitably funded institutions beyond Saudi Arabia is much higher. Cited in "Inside the Kingdom," Time, 7 September 2003. [22] Alex Alexiev, "France at the Brink", The San Diego Union Tribune, 20 November 2005. See also: Alex Alexiev, Europe's Islamist Future is Now, The Center for Security Policy, 13 June 2005. [23] Other publications examined include textbooks from the Saudi Ministry of Education and collections of religious edicts by state-sanctioned clerics in the kingdom. See Freedom House, Saudi Publications on Hate Ideology Fill American Mosques, January 2005. [24] Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, "Wahhabism in the Big House: The Teaching of Jihad in American Penitentiaries," The Weekly Standard, 26 September 2005. [25] "Terrorist Recruitment in Prisons and The Recent Arrests Related to Guantanamo Bay Detainees," Testimony of John S. Pistole, Assistant Director, Counterterrorism Division, FBI, before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology, and Homeland Security, 14 October 2003. [26] Testimony of Dr. J. Michael Waller before the US Senate Judiciary Committee's Terrorism Subcommittee, 14 October 2003. [27] Frank Gaffney, A Troubling Influence, Front Page Magazine.com, 9 December 2003. [28] Glenn Simpson, "Suspect Lessons: A Muslim School Used by Military Has Troubling Ties," The Wall Street Journal, 3 December 2003. [29] "For Conservative Muslims, Goal of Isolation a Challenge; 9/11 Put Strict Adherents on the Defensive," The Washington Post, 5 September 2006. [30] Edward L. Morse and James Richard, "The Battle for Energy Dominance," Foreign Affairs, March/April 2002. [31] David Ignatius, "The Operator," The Washington Post, 5 November 2006, p.7. [32] Daniel Pipes, "The Scandal of U.S.-Saudi Relations," The National Interest, Winter 2002/2003. [33] "Oil for Security Fueled Close Ties; But Major Differences Led to Tensions," The Washington Post, 11 February 2002. [34] In November 2006, Nawaf Obaid, a close advisor to Prince Turki, warned in a Washington Post op-ed that a phased American withdrawal from Iraq will result in "massive Saudi intervention," with options including "funding, arms and logistical support" to Sunni insurgents. "As the economic powerhouse of the Middle East, the birthplace of Islam and the de facto leader of the world's Sunni community (which comprises 85 percent of all Muslims), Saudi Arabia has both the means and the religious responsibility to intervene." See Nawaf Obaid, "Stepping Into Iraq: Saudi Arabia Will Protect Sunnis if the U.S. Leaves," The Washington Post, 29 November 2006. [35] Outlook on Renewable Energy in America, Volume II: Joint Summary Report, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), March 2007. [36] The Rand Corporation, Building Moderate Muslim Networks, 2007.