Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Indonesia, Algeria and Saudi Arabia

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Indonesia, Algeria and Saudi Arabia Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ Counter­Terrorism Strategies in Indonesia, Algeria and Saudi Arabia (Edited by Roel Meijer) Noorhaidi Hasan Bertus Hendriks Floor Janssen Roel Meijer Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ Clingendael 7 2597 VH The Hague Tel.: +31 (0)70–3245384 Fax: +31 (0)70–3746667 P.O. Box 93080 2509 AB The Hague E‐mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.clingendael.nl Copyright © WODC © WODC. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holders. WODC, Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek‐ en Documentatiecentrum Ministerie van Veiligheid en Justitie (Research and Documentation Centre, Ministry of Security and Justice). Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ Contents Foreword...............................................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................3 Research Problems.......................................................................................................................................................4 Proposed Research.......................................................................................................................................................8 1. Towards a Population‐Centric Strategy: .....................................................................................................13 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................13 1.2 Shades of Islamist Radicalism in Indonesia and the ‘Enemy‐Centric’ Approach.............17 1.3 The War against Terrorism after Suharto .......................................................................................20 1.4 From ‘Hard’ to ‘Soft’ Approaches.........................................................................................................28 1.5 The Role of Civil Society..........................................................................................................................38 1.6 Bringing the State’s Role Back In.........................................................................................................46 1.7 Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................................50 2. Algeria’s Counter‐Terrorism Strategy:.........................................................................................................69 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................69 2.2 The Terrorist Threat in Algeria: A Historical Overview.............................................................72 2.3 The State’s Response to the ‘National Tragedy’ ............................................................................79 2.4 Algeria’s Current Counter‐Terrorism Strategy..............................................................................91 Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ 2.5 The Road Ahead....................................................................................................................................... 106 2.6 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................. 108 3. Saudi Arabia’s Counter‐Terrorism Strategy............................................................................................ 117 3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 117 3.2 History of Dissent in Saudi Arabia ................................................................................................... 123 3.3 Counter‐Discourse of Extremism, Deviation and Passions ................................................... 128 3.4 The Campaigns and Institutional Setting of the Saudi Counter‐Terrorism Strategy.. 136 3.5 Effectiveness ............................................................................................................................................. 141 3.6 The Intellectual Level and Deradicalization ................................................................................ 142 3.7 The Military and Police Level............................................................................................................. 144 3.8 The Strategic Level................................................................................................................................. 145 3.9 The Proof in the Pudding: Yemen and the List of 85................................................................ 146 3.10 Intellectual Security............................................................................................................................... 154 3.11 Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................. 157 4. Conclusion............................................................................................................................................................. 165 4.1 The Historical Context and Institutional Setting of Counter‐Terrorism.......................... 166 4.2 The Definition of Terrorism ............................................................................................................... 167 4.3 Food for Thought .................................................................................................................................... 172 5. English Abstract.................................................................................................................................................. 175 Dutch Synopsis/Nederlandse synopis ................................................................................................................ 177 Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ Foreword This report was tendered by the National Coordinator for Counter‐Terrorism and Security (NCTV) and commissioned by the Research and Documentary Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice. The report’s authors want to thank the members of the supervisory board for the time and effort that they spent in helping to solve the questions encountered during the research stage of this report. They include the president of the committee, Professor Ramses Wessels (University of Twente), and committee members Jos Vaessen (University of Maastricht), Hans van Miert (National Coordinator for Counter‐Terrorism and Security, NCTV), Professor Jan Melissen (Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’), as the replacement of Edwin Bakker, Peter Knoope (International Centre for Counter‐Terrorism, ICCT), Gerry van Klinken (Royal Netherlands Institute of South‐East Asian and Caribbean Studies, KITLV) and Casper van Nassau (Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek­ en Documentatiecentrum, WODC [Research and Documentation Centre]). The authors also thank Bibi van Ginkel (Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’) for her contribution at the beginning of the project. In addition the team has been inspired by the excellent comments and remarks made by experts Camille Tawil, Beatrice de Graaff and John Sidel during a seminar on 17 June 2011 at Clingendael Institute in The Hague. We would like thank them for sharing their insights with us. The Hague, 16 March 2012 ••• 1 Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ Introduction This report is the result of a year‐long study, conducted from March 2010 to March 2011, of the counter‐terrorist strategies of three countries: Indonesia; Algeria; and Saudi Arabia. The aim of the research was to acquire insight into the counter‐terrorist strategies of these three countries, to analyse them, and to compare them. The main question focused on how the combination of counter‐narratives, deradicalization programmes and political changes (democratization, amnesty, etc.) in these countries interacted. We were asked to determine the main characteristics of the counter‐terrorism strategies in these countries and to analyse the (historical) context in which the counter‐terrorism measures were taken. More concretely, we were asked to find the specific measures that had been adopted, how these programmes were organized, which specific institutions were involved, and how the policies were executed. Finally, we were asked to say something about the results of these programmes and their effectiveness. A comparison between the three countries would have the benefit of showing which combination of measures would be more effective and in what way the three countries contributed to countering terrorism and radicalization. We adopted the very straightforward definition of terrorism, as used by the United Nations: ‘Criminal acts intended or calculated
Recommended publications
  • DAILY Adhkār
    ﺍﻟﻴﻮﻡ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻴﻠﺔ DAILY adhkār Authentic Remembrances & Supplications prescribed by the Messenger of Allah DAILY adhkār Authentic Remembrances & Supplications prescribed by the Messenger of Allah Second Edition � � � � � � � N·� ÿ€@k� v� n�� c@Ô� „� Ï� «� Üa@� ·� ÿi�ä@� fib”Î� “And your Lord said: ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’” (40:60) � �� @Ò�Ï� «� Ü@� k� Ó� uc@L@k� Ì@� ã”@� Ô� „� hœ@� �� � «@� � Üb� j� «@� Ÿ� €d�@a� à�gÎ� � � � � � � @Ôi@aω� fl˚� Ó� €�Î@Ô€@aÏj� Ó� vn� �Ó� ‹œ@L@� Êb«� Ü@a� à�g@ aá€a� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � NÊ� Î� á� í@� ã� Ì@� ·� Ë� ‹»� € “When My servants ask you about Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them obey Me, and believe in Me that they may be guided.” (2:186) “Allah says: ‘I am as My slave thinks of me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me within himself, I remember him within Myself; and if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better gathering; and if he draws one span nearer to Me, I draw one cubit nearer to him; and if he draws one cubit nearer to Me, I draw a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’” (Hadīth Qudsī, Bukhārī) ABOUT UMMAH WELFARE TRUST Recent decades have seen this final Ummah encounter unprecedented trials and calamities. Millions who have taken Allah as their Lord and His Messenger as their guide have suffered and perished amidst continuous wars, natural disasters and enforced poverty.
    [Show full text]
  • As-Sabr (Tålmodighed)
    Ass--Saabbr (TTåållmmoddiigghed) . / 0 *.+ - * *+, )" ( %&' #$ ! " ABC : ?@+8" => " ;< : 93/6 7*58*' " #"6, ) 5 " 34 . 12 %&' O PL "* #MN % $ L8$" %&' 8$ * K IJ 7H G$ :6" 2- F " D*E8C" #"S- 7R O PL "* " IJ-4N" 7:N : 12'H 7'Q ”Og søg hjælp i tålmodighed og As-Salah (bønnen). Allah er sandelig med As-Sabireen (de tålmodige). Og sig ikke om dem, som bliver dræbt for Allahs skyld, ”De er døde.” Nej, de er levende, men I sanser det ikke. Og Vi vil absolut teste jer med en vis andel af frygt, sult, tab af ejendom, liv og afgrøder, men giv en glædelig nyhed til As-Sabireen; som siger, når de rammes af lidelser; ”Sandelig, vi tilhører Allah, og vi vil sandelig vende tilbage til Ham.” Disse er dem, hvorover deres Herres Salawaat (Velsignelser) og Rahmah (Barmhjertighed) bliver skænket, og det er disse, som er de vejledte.” [Al-Baqarah 2:153-157] Allah den Almægtige forklarer følgende i disse Ayaat : 1. Efter at have lært os, at Allah den Ophøjede sendte budbringere fra iblandt os, som reciterede Allahs tegn for os, rensede os for idoltilbedelse; og efter at have lært os alt hvad der blev pålagt os, af ’Aqidah punkter og regler, vi skal leve efter, for at vi ihukommer Allah og kalder til Islam. Efter det beordrede Allah den Ophøjede os til at søge hjælp i Sabr (tålmodighed og standhaftighed) og bøn. Formuleringen ( Mantooq ) i disse Ayaat har en indikativ mening; at Da’wah til Islam og praktiseringen af den islamiske Shari’ah er besværlig, og at der forekommer modgang.
    [Show full text]
  • Understanding the Concept of Islamic Sufism
    Journal of Education & Social Policy Vol. 1 No. 1; June 2014 Understanding the Concept of Islamic Sufism Shahida Bilqies Research Scholar, Shah-i-Hamadan Institute of Islamic Studies University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006 Jammu and Kashmir, India. Sufism, being the marrow of the bone or the inner dimension of the Islamic revelation, is the means par excellence whereby Tawhid is achieved. All Muslims believe in Unity as expressed in the most Universal sense possible by the Shahadah, la ilaha ill’Allah. The Sufi has realized the mysteries of Tawhid, who knows what this assertion means. It is only he who sees God everywhere.1 Sufism can also be explained from the perspective of the three basic religious attitudes mentioned in the Qur’an. These are the attitudes of Islam, Iman and Ihsan.There is a Hadith of the Prophet (saw) which describes the three attitudes separately as components of Din (religion), while several other traditions in the Kitab-ul-Iman of Sahih Bukhari discuss Islam and Iman as distinct attitudes varying in religious significance. These are also mentioned as having various degrees of intensity and varieties in themselves. The attitude of Islam, which has given its name to the Islamic religion, means Submission to the Will of Allah. This is the minimum qualification for being a Muslim. Technically, it implies an acceptance, even if only formal, of the teachings contained in the Qur’an and the Traditions of the Prophet (saw). Iman is a more advanced stage in the field of religion than Islam. It designates a further penetration into the heart of religion and a firm faith in its teachings.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ultimate Dimension of Life’ During His(RA) Lifetime
    ABOUT THE BOOK This book unveils the glory and marvellous reality of a spiritual and ascetic personality who followed a rare Sufi Order called ‘Malamatia’ (The Carrier of Blame). Being his(RA) chosen Waris and an ardent follower, the learned and blessed author of the book has narrated the sacred life style and concern of this exalted Sufi in such a profound style that a reader gets immersed in the mystic realities of spiritual life. This book reflects the true essence of the message of Islam and underscores the need for imbibing within us, a humane attitude of peace, amity, humility, compassion, characterized by selfless THE ULTIMATE and passionate love for the suffering humanity; disregarding all prejudices DIMENSION OF LIFE and bias relating to caste, creed, An English translation of the book ‘Qurb-e-Haq’ written on the colour, nationality or religion. Surely, ascetic life and spiritual contemplations of Hazrat Makhdoom the readers would get enlightened on Syed Safdar Ali Bukhari (RA), popularly known as Qalandar the purpose of creation of the Pak Baba Bukhari Kakian Wali Sarkar. His(RA) most devout mankind by The God Almighty, and follower Mr Syed Shakir Uzair who was fondly called by which had been the point of focus and Qalandar Pak(RA) as ‘Syed Baba’ has authored the book. He has been an all-time enthusiast and zealous adorer of Qalandar objective of the Holy Prophet Pak(RA), as well as an accomplished and acclaimed senior Muhammad PBUH. It touches the Producer & Director of PTV. In his illustrious career spanning most pertinent subject in the current over four decades, he produced and directed many famous PTV times marred by hatred, greed, lust, Plays, Drama Serials and Programs including the breathtaking despondency, affliction, destruction, and amazing program ‘Al-Rehman’ and the magnificient ‘Qaseeda Burda Sharif’.
    [Show full text]
  • Kuwait Terrorism DA Policy Debate 2010-2011
    Dynasty Debate www.dynasty-debate.com Kuwait Terrorism DA Policy Debate 2010-2011 Kuwait Terrorism Disadvantage Table of Contents Uniqueness: Kuwait Terrorism OK Now ............................................................................................................... 2 Uniqueness: Kuwait Terrorism OK Now (2) .......................................................................................................... 3 Link: Iraq Withdrawal............................................................................................................................................. 4 Link: Kuwait Withdrawal ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Brink: Hostility High .............................................................................................................................................. 6 Brink: Terrorism Threats ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Brink: al-Qaeda ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 Impact: Terrorism ................................................................................................................................................... 9 Impact Calc: Terrorism is Worst Impact .............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • At - Taqwā July - September 2014
    At - Taqwā July - September 2014 The Month of Ramadhãn By Mawlãnã Muhammad Ali Mankda Let us imagine the extent of the desire of the Prophet s to meet Allāh S and also the great insight the Prophet s had regarding the bounties of the Hereafter; He had already seen Jannah and was bestowed with the honour of seeing and communicating with Allāh S. Yet, despite this great longing and desire, upon the advent of Rajab the Prophet s would make the following duā desiring to remain in this world until Ramadhān: ِ ِ ِّ اللُّه َّم بَارْك لَنَا ف ْي َرَج َب َو َشْعبَا َن َو بَ لغْنَا َرَم َضا َن O Allāh, make the month of Rajab and Sha‟bān blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadhān. (At Tabrānī) From this we understand the extraordinary nature of Ramadhān, for it is so great that the Prophet s would supplicate for the prolongation of his worldly life so that he could take advantage of this great month and all its blessings. The great scholar and reformer Shaykh Ahmad Farūqi v (Mujaddid Alf Thāni) said, “If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadhān.” Ahādith on the merits and virtues of this month are well known. For example, “The month of Ramadhān, the month of blessing has come to you, wherein Allāh turns towards you and sends down on you His special Mercy, forgives your faults, accepts prayers, observes your competition for doing good deeds and boasts to the angels about you.
    [Show full text]
  • Testimonies of Jewish Converts to Islam Introduction
    Testimonies of Jewish Converts To Islam Introduction Thousands of Jews convert to Islam, from Rabbis to reform Jews, as well as Jews for Jesus, each after research, study and comparison, discover the Truth and Beauty of Islam and how Islam completes our lives, fills our spirits, and brings us closer to God and on the path of Righteousness. Included here are the testimonies of a few of our fellow Jewish brothers and sisters who have accepted Islam as their religion, Allah as their God, and Muhammad as the final Prophet, ameen. 1. Rachel Singer 2. Rabbi of Makhachkala 3. Hajj Mustafa Ali (David Sterling) 4. Suleyman Ahmad 5. Jemima Goldsmith 6. Maryam Jameelah 7. Fouad 8. Michelle 9. Kari Ann Owen 10. Emad ud Deen 11. Michael Wolfe 12. Muhammad Asad 13. From Messiah to Muslim (Shabbetai Zevi) 14. Abdullah Ibn Sailam, the first Rabbi convert 15. Hasan from Yard Al Mukaddasa 16. Reform Jew convert to Islam 17. Rabbi from Morocco: Abdul Haqq Al-Islami 18. Moshe 19. Founder of Al Azhar 20. Muhammad Daniel (1) WHOMEVER HEARS, ANSWER! Rashida S. (Rachel Singer - USA) I came to Islam late, a daughter of a devout Roman Catholic mother/very devout Jewish father. By age 4 I knew of Allah and in 1991 I traveled to Egypt to read some of my writing. I had already spent almost 20 years among the most pious of Jews, had married, had children. When I heard the muezzin* before Fajr* his voice was like the arrow one dreams that a lover will shoot into the heart, it cut & held me unable to speak.
    [Show full text]
  • Doctor of Philosophy
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by AMU Repository (Knowledge Repository) THE CONCEPT OF LIGHT IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ISHRAQ THESIS SUBMITTED FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF Doctor of Philosophy IN PHILOSOPHY By NAZIMA HASSAN UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF Dr. HAYAT AMIR DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY ALIGARH (INDIA) 2015 Dedicated to My Loving Parents & Supervisor Exter : 2700920-21-24 Phones Inter.: 1550-1551 DEPARTMENT OF PHILOSOPHY ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY Dated…………………… Certificate This is to certify that the thesis titled “TheConcept ofLight in the Philosophy of Ishraq” is an original piece of research carried out byMs.Nazima Hassan (Enrol.No.GC-2061)under my supervision and the same has not been published or submitted elsewhere for the award of any other degree. Miss Nazima Hassan has consulted all the relevant and appropriate research material with regard to the topic of her Ph.D.theis. In my opinion, the present research work is of high quality and fit to be submitted for the award of the degree of the Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy of the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India). (Dr. Hayat Aamir) Supervisor ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Every Time We Remember to Say “Thank You”, We Experience Nothing less than Heaven on Earth. -Sarah Ban Breathnach I pen down my immense gratitude to all the people who were associated with me in any form during the tenure of this research work. It is rather a pleasure to convey my gratitude to all of them. This is the best opportunity and my pleasant duty to express my deep sense of gratitude to my esteemed supervisor, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • RSIS COMMENTARIES RSIS Commentaries Are Intended to Provide Timely And, Where Appropriate, Policy Relevant Background and Analysis of Contemporary Developments
    119/2008 RSIS COMMENTARIES RSIS Commentaries are intended to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy relevant background and analysis of contemporary developments. The views of the authors are their own and do not represent the official position of the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced electronically or in print with prior permission from RSIS. Due recognition must be given to the author or authors and RSIS. Please email: [email protected] or call 6790 6982 to speak to the Editor RSIS Commentaries, Yang Razali Kassim. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ LEGACY OF THE BALI TRIO: A Changing Threat Pattern from Jemaah Islamiyah V. Arianti 14 November 2008 The trio responsible for Bali Bombing I have been executed. The Indonesian authorities have received threats to expect retaliation for the executions. Will the threats materialize? What are legacies of the three bombers for the Indonesian radical community? THE BALI bombers trio – Imam Samudra (38), Ali Ghufron alias Mukhlas (48), and Amrozi (47) – were finally executed by an Indonesian firing squad on Sunday, 9 November 2008 at 00.15 am. The three were sentenced to death by the Denpasar District Court in 2003 for their roles in Bali Bombing I in October 2002 that killed 202 people. They had exhausted their appeals against the death penalty. Their final effort was to ask for a judicial review on the method of the execution by the firing squad, which they considered un-Islamic and torturous. This request was rejected by the Constitutional Court on 21 October 2008. Interestingly, the trio did not ask for a presidential clemency; even if they had it would have been rejected.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft ASA Conference Paper Cultural Perceptions of Tourism And
    Draft ASA Conference Paper Cultural Perceptions of Tourism and Terrorism Michael Hitchcock and I Nyoman Darma Putra Introduction Michel Houellebecq's controversial novel 'Platform' (2002) manages to combine an account of sex tourism with an horrific terrorist attack in Thailand. Whatever the merits of the book, which was originally published in French in 1999, the author is eerily prescient about how tourist resorts could become terrorism targets in Southeast Asia. Houellebecq may be concerned with Thailand, which has suffered attacks on nightclubs and centres of entertainment, but has not experienced the same level of terrorist violence as other Southeast Asian countries, notably the Philippines. There the militant Islamic group Abu Sayyaf took 21 hostages, including 10 foreign tourists, from a diving resort in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The kidnap earned Abu Sayyaf US$ 20 million, reportedly paid by Libya (Rabasa, 2003: 54). The worst outrage to date occurred in Bali in 2002 where over 201 people lost their lives when three bombs were ignited. In this case the bombers were rounded up relatively quickly and on admitting their guilt where quick to point out why they had acted as they did. Thailand, however, is arguably one of the most iconic of tourism destinations and the fact that the real terrorist outrages have happened elsewhere does not detract from one of the main messages of the book: tourists are easily attacked and some of what they engage in may be used as a justification for attacking them. Houellebecq is of course a novelist and a very opinionated one according to some of his critics, but he does investigate the cultural ramifications of terrorists attacking tourists.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Department of State, 1991 Patterns of Global Terrorism
    Terrorism Resources Patterns of Global Terrorism: 1991 Office of the Secretary of State Office of the Coordiantor for Couterterrorism Released April 1991 Table of Contents Introduction The Year in Review Africa Overview Asia Overview Western European Overview Latin America Overview Middle East Overview Overview of State-Sponsored Terrorism Appendix A: Chronology of Significant Terrorist Incidents, 1991 Appendix B: Background Information on Terrorist Groups Patterns of Global Terrorism: 1991 The Year in Review The number of international terrorist incidents rose in 1991 as a result of the Persian Gulf war, when terrorists in many regions of the world attacked targets belonging to the international coalition opposed to Saddam Hussein. Most of these were minor incidents, resulting only in property damage. War-related attacks brought the total number of international terrorist incidents in 1991 to 557, up from 456 in 1990. Fully half of the incidents in 1991 occurred during January and February, while Operation Desert Storm was under way. After the war, however, the number of terrorist incidents dropped sharply and actually fell below 1990 levels. Several events in 1991 revealed the threat and extent of state-sponsored terrorism, particularly as practiced by Iraq, Libya, and Iran. In the months following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Iraq issued repeated exhortations to terrorists to strike at coalition targets worldwide. Terrorists of many stripes embraced Saddam Hussein and publicly vowed to launch attacks in the event of war. During Operation Desert Storm, we recorded 275 terrorist incidents. Most of these attacks, however, were sporadic, uncoordinated, and low-level incidents. Only a small percentage resulted in deaths, significant injuries, or property damage.
    [Show full text]
  • Kuwaiti National Security and the US-Kuwaiti Strategic Relationship
    KUWAITI NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE U.S.-KUWAITI STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP AFTER SADDAM W. Andrew Terrill September 2007 Visit our website for other free publication downloads http://www.StrategicStudiesInstitute.army.mil/ To rate this publication click here. This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. As such, it is in the public domain, and under the provisions of Title 17, United States Code, Section 105, it may not be copyrighted. ***** The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. This report is cleared for public release; distribution is unlimited. ***** This work has benefited greatly from the comments and suggestions that friends and colleagues provided on earlier drafts. Space and privacy limitations prevent me from acknowledging everyone, but some individuals deserve my special gratitude. I would particularly like to thank Professor Mary Ann Tetreault of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, for detailed and exceptionally helpful comments based on her deep understanding of Kuwaiti issues. Sarah E. Womer provided a number of useful and insightful comments that allowed me to benefit from her strong understanding of the region and previous time in Kuwait. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Friedenberg of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait was an indispensable source of support and assistance on my 2006 and 2007 visits. He has been an especially helpful and informed source of insight, contacts, and information based on his long and valuable service to the United States in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Middle East.
    [Show full text]