DOCSLIB.ORG

Vision 2030 & Family

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Vision 2030 & Family VISION 2030 & FAMILY: SAUDI ARABIAN MALES’ PERCEPTION AFTER STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES A Dissertation Presented to The Graduate Faculty of The University of Akron In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Ebtesam Alqahtani May, 2020 VISION 2030 & FAMILY: SAUDI ARABIAN MALES’ PERCEPTION AFTER STUDYING IN THE UNITED STATES Ebtesam Alqahtani Dissertation Approved: Accepted: ______________________________ ______________________________ Advisor Department Chair Dr. Francis Broadway Dr. Lisa Lenhart ______________________________ ______________________________ Committee Member Dean of the College Dr. Shannon Zentall Dr. Jarrod Tudor ______________________________ ______________________________ Committee Member Acting Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Nidaa Makki Dr. Marnie Saunders ______________________________ ______________________________ Committee Member Date Dr. Brad Maguth ______________________________ Committee Member Dr. Shernavaz Vakil ABSTRACT This study explored the views of Saudi Arabian males, who matriculated at institutions of higher education in the United States, concerning traditional Saudi values (women, culture and family roles) and Saudi Vision 2030. As an initiative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 is a blueprint to expand the oil-based economical structure. The research question inquired about how the acculturation of Saudi male students in the United States influenced their acceptance of the Saudi Vision 2030 agreement, regarding male dominance, women empowerment, and cultural changes. A sample of 265 Saudi male undergraduate and graduate students from multiple universities in the United States completed an online survey. Participants reported their degree of acculturation before and after attending school in the United States via the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA). Results suggested that mainstream acculturation influenced Saudi male students’ views on women empowerment. Heritage and mainstream acculturation, however, did not influence Saudi male students’ views on male dominance or cultural changes. The length of time students spent studying in the United States shaped their views toward women empowerment and cultural changes. Students’ before views and education levels affected Saudi male students’ views toward male dominance. The findings suggested that studying in the United States affected Saudi male views toward women’s rights, male dominance, and cultural changes. iii DEDICATION I dedicate this dissertation to my beloved parents Mohammed and Zahba. My golden sun: Dad My full moon: Mom Thank you for all those years when you chose to give me the best life, warmest love, positive energy, happiness, and education. I hope this dissertation will complete the dream that you had for me. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The completion of this dissertation would not have been possible without Allah the Almighty praise be to God. (Alhamdu lil-laahil lathee bi ni’mathihee ta-timmus saalihhaat) [All praise is due to Allah, by whose honor and majesty, deeds of virtue are accomplished.] First and foremost, I extend my Thanks to my PhD advisor, Prof. Broadway. Without your unlimited support, patience, encouragement, and advising throughout this long journey, I couldn't have achieved this work. As well, I would like to thank my committee members, Dr. Shannon for her expert advice, encouragement, and support in this dissertation process especially in the statistical section. Dr. Makki, Dr. Maguth, and Dr. Vakil, thank you for your continued support and valuable comments and suggestions throughout the research process. I would like to thank everyone who played a real role in my academic journey; colleagues, friends, and the Bierce library stuff Prof. Frank and Dr. Blundell. Finally, to my parents, this study would not have been possible without the glimmer of hope that motivated me to continue and pursue my dream, despite all the tears, difficulties, homesickness and challenges I faced while studying in the United States. Your love, prayers, and the way you served as role models enabled me to pursue and continue working on this dissertation. I also wish to thank my ten planets in our Solar v System for surrounding me with their support, love and trust, my siblings (Azah, Fatemah, Abduallah, Amal, Dr. Areej, Dr. Reem, Nassem, Nessren, Faisal, and Sahad). To my wonderful children who have supported my progress through my dissertation (my beloved Saja, Sultan, Saud, Sedyn, Sidrate, and Salman), I love you all always and forever, and I am very grateful for you all inspire me to be better each day. Oh Dessert I've searched the world without finding land more barren, love more pure, or rage more fierce than yours. I came back to you, oh desert, sea-spray on my face; in my mind, a mirage of tears, a shadow moving in the sea before dawn and a golden flash of braided hair. On my lips, two lines of poetry a song without echo. I came back to you, disenchanted. I've found there's no trust between human beings. I came back to you deprived; the world's like a rib cage without a heart. Love is a word devoid of love. I came back to you defeated; I've been fighting life's battles with a sword forged from feeling. I came back to you .. and laid my anchor on the sand. As I washed my face with dew it seemed you were calling me. Then you whispered: 'Have you come back to me, my child?' Yes .. mother .. I came back to you. A child, forever grieving, flew to God's countries; unable to find his nest, vi he came back to search for his life in you. I came back to you, oh desert. I've thrown away my quiver and ceased wandering, I dally in your night-web of mystery, breathing on the soft winds of the Najd* the fragrance of Araar*. In you I live for poetry and moons. Ghazi Al Gosaibi (1926-2010) NOTE *Najd: Province in Saudi Arabia. Al-gosaibi’s birthplace. *Araar: A sweetly-scented white flower growing in the Najd vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................... xii LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................... xiv CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................ 1 Background .................................................................................................. 1 Saudi Culture .......................................................................................... 1 Vision 2030 ............................................................................................ 4 Acculturation .......................................................................................... 5 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................. 7 Significance of the Study ............................................................................. 8 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................... 10 Research Question ........................................................................................ 10 Definition of Terms ...................................................................................... 11 II. LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................. 15 Introduction .................................................................................................. 15 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................ 15 History of Saudi Arabia Education and Studying Abroad Programs ........... 20 Vision 2030 – A Plan for Change ................................................................ 22 viii Acculturation / Assimilation ........................................................................ 23 Gender .................................................................................................... 29 Student Age .................................................................................................. 33 Time Studying in the United States .............................................................. 33 Students’ and Parents’ Education ................................................................. 34 III. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................. 36 Introduction .................................................................................................. 36 Significance of the Study ............................................................................. 36 Research Questions ...................................................................................... 38 Method .................................................................................................... 39 Participants ............................................................................................. 39 Materials ................................................................................................. 40 Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA) .............................................. 40 Saudi Male Perspectives Before and After Survey ...................................... 42 Procedures .................................................................................................... 43 Assumptions, Delimitations, and Limitations .............................................. 44 IV. RESULTS Introduction .................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Rising Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Implications for Real Estate Investment
    Rising Tourism in Saudi Arabia: Implications For Real Estate Investment Author: Ali S Daye Ali Daye will graduate from the Baker Program in Real Estate in 2019 with a concentration in development and sustainability. Prior to Cornell, Ali received a Master’s of Construction Management from NC A&T State University. During his 10-year career in the construction industry, he was involved in the buildouts of many large-scale projects while working for major construction management firms. Upon completion of the Baker Program, Ali intends to pursue a career in international real estate and development, with a focus on sustainability, concentrating in the markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 98 INTRODUCTION Over the last few years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has pursued a more aggressive approach towards economic diversification in order to plan for the future of its youth as nearly 60 percent of the country’s 3 million citizens are under the age of 30 (KSA-General Authority for Statics, 2017). Saudi Arabia traditionally has relied heavily on the public sector to absorb many of the educated Saudi nationals. However, the country is now looking to the private sector to create more jobs for its burgeoning population and has enacted policies that ease doing business in the country and make it more accessible to the outside world. Considered one of the world’s most insular nations, Saudi restructuring, focusing on projects that support the country’s Arabia is now investing billions of dollars to become more Vision 2030 plans as well as making major investments open under its Vision 2030 reform program.
    [Show full text]
  • Possibilities of a Strategic Relationship Between Russia and Saudi Arabia
    POLICY BRIEF Possibilities of a Strategic Relationship Between Russia and Saudi Arabia GRIGORY KOSACH Professor at the Chair of Modern East, Department of History, Political Science and Law, Russian State University for the Humanities ELENA MELKUMYAN Leading research fellow at the Modern East Shared Problems Research Center, RAS Institute of Oriental Studies, Professor at the Chair of Modern East, Department of History, Political Science and Law, Russian State University for the Humanities No. 6, August 2016 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDIUM Sergey Lavrov – Chairman Mikhail Margelov Petr Aven of the Board of Trustees Yury Osipov Igor Ivanov – RIAC President Sergey Prikhodko Andrey Kortunov – RIAC Director General Herman Gref Anatoly Torkunov Fyodor Lukyanov Aleksandr Dzasokhov Andrey Fursenko Aleksey Meshkov Leonid Drachevsky Aleksandr Shokhin Dmitry Peskov Aleksandr Dynkin Igor Yurgens Mikhail Komissar Konstantin Kosachev Editors-in-Chief: Timur Makhmutov, PhD, political science Ruslan Mamedov The Russian International Aff airs Council (RIAC) is a membership-based non-profi t Russian organiza- tion. RIAC’s activities are aimed at strengthening peace, friendship and solidarity between peoples, preventing international confl icts and promoting crisis resolution. The Council was founded in accor- dance with Russian Presidential Order No. 59-rp “On the Creation of the Russian International Aff airs Council non-profi t partnership”, dated February 2, 2010. Founders: Ministry of Foreign Aff airs of the Russian Federation Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Russian Academy of Sciences Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Interfax news agency RIAC Mission: The RIAC mission is to promote Russia’s prosperity by integrating it into the global world.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia.Pdf
    A saudi man with his horse Performance of Al Ardha, the Saudi national dance in Riyadh Flickr / Charles Roffey Flickr / Abraham Puthoor SAUDI ARABIA Dec. 2019 Table of Contents Chapter 1 | Geography . 6 Introduction . 6 Geographical Divisions . 7 Asir, the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �7 Rub al-Khali and the Southern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Hejaz, the Western Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 Nejd, the Central Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 The Eastern Region � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Topographical Divisions . .. 9 Deserts and Mountains � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �9 Climate . .. 10 Bodies of Water . 11 Red Sea � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Persian Gulf � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Wadis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 Major Cities . 12 Riyadh � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �12 Jeddah � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �13 Mecca � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
    [Show full text]
  • Russia and Saudi Arabia: Old Disenchantments, New Challenges by John W
    STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVES 35 Russia and Saudi Arabia: Old Disenchantments, New Challenges by John W. Parker and Thomas F. Lynch III Center for Strategic Research Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University The Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS) is National Defense University’s (NDU’s) dedicated research arm. INSS includes the Center for Strategic Research, Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, and Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The military and civilian analysts and staff who comprise INSS and its subcomponents execute their mission by conducting research and analysis, publishing, and participating in conferences, policy support, and outreach. The mission of INSS is to conduct strategic studies for the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the unified combatant commands in support of the academic programs at NDU and to perform outreach to other U.S. Government agencies and the broader national security community. Cover: Vladimir Putin presented an artifact made of mammoth tusk to Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh, October 14–15, 2019 (President of Russia Web site) Russia and Saudi Arabia Russia and Saudia Arabia: Old Disenchantments, New Challenges By John W. Parker and Thomas F. Lynch III Institute for National Strategic Studies Strategic Perspectives, No. 35 Series Editor: Denise Natali National Defense University Press Washington, D.C. June 2021 Opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are solely those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Defense Department or any other agency of the Federal Government.
    [Show full text]
  • Privacy As the Basis of Architectural Planning in the Islamic Culture of Saudi Arabia
    Arch. & Comport. / Arch. & Behav., Vol. 11, no 3-4, p. 269 - 288 ( 269 ) 93 Privacy as the Basis of Architectural Planning in the Islamic Culture of Saudi Arabia Tawfiq Abu-Gaueh Department of Architecture and Building Sciences King Saud University P. O.Box 57448 Riyadh 11574 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abstract The degree to which spatial partitioning occurs varies from culture to culture. In Saudi Arabia, spatial boundaries are of prime importance in planning the use of space. Saudis create physical boundaries through the use of walls, curtains and other partitions. Why do the people of Saudi Arabia partition their environment more than others? This article, by studying the effects of two organizing principles, gender and function, examines how the culture of Saudi Arabia, influenced by the Islamic reli- gion, affects the organization of boundaries and architecture planning. Based on this research, two primary conclusions are reached. First, physical parti- tions are the primary mechanisms which people in Saudi Arabia use to nonverbally communicate their concern about privacy to outsiders. Second, users of human spaces in this country make their choices regarding territorial behavior based on their strong adherence to the Islamic religion and on their sense of self identity. Introduction In determining whether to partition or segregate space, modern humans use culture- specific, cognitively-important practices that vary depending on the society. There- fore, certain behavior such as the use of space and architecture, can be seen as a tangible expression of the nontangible culture. Ethnological explanations (Lawrence and Low, 1990), such as territoriality and visual privacy, can be used to account for patterning that is not otherwise discernible.
    [Show full text]
  • Transforming the Rentier State: Prospects for Saudi Arabia
    TRANSFORMING THE RENTIER STATE: PROSPECTS FOR SAUDI ARABIA: A SMALL N CASE STUDY OF RENTIER STATE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION AND ITS EFFECTS WITH APPLICATION TO SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030 by MOHAMMED ALJUMIE A Dissertation submitted to the Graduate School-Newark Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey In partiaL fulfiLLment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of PhiLosophy in GLobaL Affairs Graduate Program in GLobaL Affairs Written under the direction of Carlos Seiglie and approved by Newark, New Jersey October 2020 ©2020 Mohammed ALjumie ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Transforming the Rentier State: Prospects for Saudi Arabia: A SmaLL N Case Study of Rentier State Economic Diversification and its Effects with Application to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 BY MOHAMMED ALJUMIE Dissertation Director: Dr. Carlos Seiglie This research project sought to determine, to the extent feasible prior to fulL implementation of the eLements of Saudi Vision 2030, the degree to which a strategy for economic diversification incLuding major legaL, regulatory and governmentaL activities and culturaL shifts is LikeLy to achieve its fundamentaL goaLs of economic diversification and an end to reLiance on rentier state resources. Saudi Vision 2030 depicts a comprehensive approach to achieving economic diversification whiLe diminishing the Kingdom’s reLiance on oiL and gas sector revenues. The researcher compared the possible impact of diversification via Saudi Vision 2030 to case studies of simiLar diversification in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. The comparison identified the specific deveLopment initiatives undertaken by the five target states and their known economic impacts, and then further considered whether simiLar eLements or proposaLs of Saudi Vision 2030 might achieve simiLar ends.
    [Show full text]
  • Empowering Economic Development by Promoting Saudi Arabia's
    Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1700 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2855 (Online) DOI: 10.7176/JESD Vol.10, No.14, 2019 Empowering Economic Development by Promoting Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Heritage Nadia Yusuf King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 42795, Jeddah 21551, Saudi Arabia Abstract Saudi Arabia is known for its unique historical heritage mainly in western regions such as the tombs and the castles. Some of these features are significant to Islam. However, other sites can be traced back during the pre-Islamic period. Saudi Arabia also has specific landmarks such as the Arabian Peninsula and pre-Islamic Fort towns. Other natural landscapes such as the volcanoes and historical wells are some of the important features for tourist attraction. Preserving Saudi’s heritage should be a priority. This is important in creating a vibrant community and also sustains the local economies. The proposed program is to rehabilitate and preserve some of the country’s rich cultural heritage and raise awareness of the importance of specific historical sites which forms part of the people memory and a national pride. Keywords: heritage, Saudi culture, documenting, historical sites, rehabilitate, 2030 vision DOI : 10.7176/JESD/10-14-01 Publication date :July 31 st 2019 1. Introduction Many countries are majorly recognized for their economic growth but, not cultural heritage. Saudi Arabia is known for its various features such as oil reserves and military strength, however, its rich cultural that binds its citizen people have not been vibrant. Unfortunately, the government focuses on enhancing the national economy through its natural resources.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia HVAC-R Market Outlook, 2021
    Saudi Arabia HVAC-R Market Outlook, 2021 Market Intelligence . Consulting Table of Contents S. No. Contents Page No. 1. Saudi Arabia HVAC-R: Key Projects 5 2. Saudi Arabia Thermal Insulation Market Outlook 12 2.1. Market Size & Forecast 2.1.1. By Value 13 2.2. Market Share & Forecast 2.2.1. By Type 14 2.2.2 By Application 15 3. Saudi Arabia District Cooling Market Outlook 16 3.1. Market Size & Forecast 3.1.1. By Value & Volume 17 4. Saudi Arabia Refrigeration Market Outlook 19 4.1. Market Size & Forecast 4.1.1. By Value 20 5. Saudi Arabia HVAC-R Market Outlook 21 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value 23 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Region 25 6. Sustainability and Energy Saving in HVAC-R Saudi Arabia Market 30 7. About Us & Disclaimer 37 2 8. About HVACR Expo Saudi 38 © TechSci Research List of Figures Figure No. Figure Title Page No. Figure 1: Saudi Arabia GDP, 2013-2019F (USD Billion) 6 Figure 2: Saudi Arabia Sector-wise Construction Spending Share, 2014 6 Figure 3: Saudi Arabia Thermal Insulation Market Size, By Value, 2011-2021F (USD Million) 13 Figure 4: Saudi Arabia Thermal Insulation Market Share, By Type, By Value, 2015 & 2021F 14 Figure 5: Saudi Arabia Electricity Consumption Share, By Sector, By Value, 2014 14 Figure 6: Saudi Arabia Thermal Insulation Market Share, By Application, By Value, 2015 & 2021F 15 Saudi Arabia District Cooling Market Size, By Value (USD Billion), By Volume (Million Figure 7: 17 TR), 2011-2021F Figure 8: Saudi Arabia District Cooling Market Share in GCC Region, By Value, 2015 18 Figure
    [Show full text]
  • Arabian Peninsula from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia Jump to Navigationjump to Search "Arabia" and "Arabian" Redirect Here
    Arabian Peninsula From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigationJump to search "Arabia" and "Arabian" redirect here. For other uses, see Arabia (disambiguation) and Arabian (disambiguation). Arabian Peninsula Area 3.2 million km2 (1.25 million mi²) Population 77,983,936 Demonym Arabian Countries Saudi Arabia Yemen Oman United Arab Emirates Kuwait Qatar Bahrain -shibhu l-jazīrati l ِش ْبهُ ا ْل َج ِزي َرةِ ا ْلعَ َربِيَّة :The Arabian Peninsula, or simply Arabia[1] (/əˈreɪbiə/; Arabic jazīratu l-ʿarab, 'Island of the Arabs'),[2] is َج ِزي َرةُ ا ْلعَ َرب ʿarabiyyah, 'Arabian peninsula' or a peninsula of Western Asia situated northeast of Africa on the Arabian plate. From a geographical perspective, it is considered a subcontinent of Asia.[3] It is the largest peninsula in the world, at 3,237,500 km2 (1,250,000 sq mi).[4][5][6][7][8] The peninsula consists of the countries Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.[9] The peninsula formed as a result of the rifting of the Red Sea between 56 and 23 million years ago, and is bordered by the Red Sea to the west and southwest, the Persian Gulf to the northeast, the Levant to the north and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. The peninsula plays a critical geopolitical role in the Arab world due to its vast reserves of oil and natural gas. The most populous cities on the Arabian Peninsula are Riyadh, Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, Sanaʽa, and Mecca. Before the modern era, it was divided into four distinct regions: Red Sea Coast (Tihamah), Central Plateau (Al-Yamama), Indian Ocean Coast (Hadhramaut) and Persian Gulf Coast (Al-Bahrain).
    [Show full text]
  • The Names and Boundaries of Eretz-Israel (Palestine) As Reflections of Stages in Its History
    THE NAMES AND BOUNDARIES OF ERETZ-ISRAEL (PALESTINE) AS REFLECTIONS OF STAGES IN ITS HISTORY GIDEON BIGER INTRODUCTION Classical historical geography focuses on research of the boundaries of the various states, along with the historical development of these boundaries over time. Edward Freeman, in his book written in 1881 and entitled The Historical Geography of Europe, defines the nature of historical-geographical research as follows: "The work which we have now before us is to trace out the extent of territory which the different states and nations have held at different times in the world's history, to mark the different boundaries which the same country has had and the different meanings in which the same name has been used." The author further claims that "it is of great importance carefully to make these distinctions, because great mistakes as to the facts of history are often caused through men thinking and speaking as if the names of different countries have always meant exactly the same extent of territory. "1 Although this approach - which regards research on boundaries as the essence of historical geography- is not accepted at present, the claim that it is necessary to define the extent of territory over history is as valid today as ever. It is impossible to discuss the development of any geographical area having political and territorial significance without knowing and understanding its physical extent. Of no less significance for such research are the names attached to any particular expanse. The naming of a place is the first step in defining it politically and historically.
    [Show full text]
  • Saudi Arabia Vision 2030- Life After
    Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 The Kingdom’s plan for life after oil February 2017 kpmg.co.uk 1 Saudi Vision 2030: Life after oil Saudi Vision 2030: Life after oil Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious reform programme with Vision 2030, a long-term strategy to bolster the country’s fiscal position and diversify its economy in a world of low oil prices. The strategy provides international firms with the opportunity to invest in the country, particularly in its non-oil sectors. The strategy, approved by King Salman in early 2016, has However the focus on Saudi Aramco’s privatisation made headlines for its plan to privatise at least five percent obscures the broader significance of Vision 2030 and how it of the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (“Saudi Aramco”), the is seeking to transform the country’s economy. The vision world’s largest oil conglomerate responsible for of wholesale structural change adopted by the government approximately 12 percent of global production(a). In a March does not come free of challenges but, if successful, will 2016 interview, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin open up much of the Saudi economy to foreign investors for Salman, viewed widely as the main architect behind Vision the first time. This brief looks at the context for this change, 2030, stated his prediction that the privatisation would raise the initial reforms and challenges faced by the government, much of USD 2 trillion envisaged for the creation of a new and some of the opportunities ahead. sovereign wealth fund. Dependent on oil Oil revenue as a ratio of
    [Show full text]
  • Western Intrusion Collides with Tradition in the Middle East
    Western Intrusion Collides With Tradition in the Middle East Kenneth W. Stein The Carter Center February, 1991 Dr. Kenneth W. Stein is an Associate Professor of Middle Eastern History and Political Science and Director of Middle Eastern Programs of the Carter Center at Emory University. He is the author of The Land Question in Palestine, 1917-1939 as well as numerous articles on Palestine and the Arab-Israeli peace process. In the Damascus office of President Hafez al-Assad of Syria, there is a mural depicting the Battle of Hittin: in July 1187 near Tiberias in the Holy Land, Saladin won a crucial victory over the Crusaders. Seven years ago, while standing in front of that painting, I commented to the Syrian president that the Battle of Hittin was where the Muslims soundly defeated the Christians. "No," he said with a teasing smile, "this was where the Arabs defeated the West." Whether one accepts President Assad's interpretation or not, the global response to Saddam Hussein's preemptive invasion of Kuwait is the latest event in a thousand-year encounter between Western and Arab political cultures. Saddam's invasion of Kuwait amalgamated personal and national incentives. Laced with the emotionally charged concepts of pan-Arabism, anti-Westernism and anti- Zionism, the invasion fundamentally purported to enhance Iraqi preeminence in the Arab world and the Gulf, as well as within the oil-producing community. Saddam's effort to remake Kuwait's identity in his own image was an obvious acknowledgement that Iraq had squandered billions of dollars in the unsuccessful eight-year Gulf war against Iran; it was a distinct admission that Iraq's financial recovery was torturously retarded by a huge external debt, in part held by what Saddam considered to be an uncooperative and hughty Kuwaiti leadership.
    [Show full text]