Saudi Arabia

Jamal Khashoggi

The journalist who was killed because he was reporting on the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman al Saud.

This shows how little the Saudi Arabian government cares about human rights if they are willing to kill journalists to protect themselves.

Example of MBS’s total control

Yom Kippur War

1.  Began in October of 1973, mainly between Israel and Arab states (including Saudi Arabia). Estimated 8-18.5K killed and 18-35K wounded. Ended up reeling the US and Soviet Union into the war, the goal was to negotiate terms with Israel.

Islamic (Shari’ah) Law

The law the court system is based off of and the law the government runs off of to make decisions. This law is based on the Quran’s teachings and rules. Provides a basis for the segregation of genders and discrimination against women. This includes inequality in employment, volition, and education.

Oil Crisis

Two events that occurred in Western countries as a result of oil embargos by Saudi Arabia. These embargos were in response to Western support of Israel.

Boosted oil prices

Caused Saudi Arabia to purchase Aramco

Caused the West to reduce oil reliance by increasing production

“Oil as a weapon”

Public Investment Fund (P.I.F.)

The sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, the money that the government spends on public services such as education and health.

Kafala System

1. A system present in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries that is essentially legal slavery. People come in from Asia, primarily India, for work and have passports held by employers. The power balance leads to exploitation on a massive scale.

   1. Worse human rights

   2. Cheaper labor

   3. Harsh working conditions