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King Abdullah has passed away - PDF extends its condolences to the Saudi people

You're Christian? From your last couple post here on the forum, you were encouraging the death and killing of Christians in Syria and Iraq and rest of the region....

Yes, I am. And to clarify, I was not encouraging the killing of Christians in Syria, I merely was stating that I'm against the civil war in the country. As I've said in my interaction with @al-Hasani , @1000 , @Ahmed Jo and others -- I am against the violent religious extremism in Syria , which have decimated many ethnic minorities in the country. For example are Christian Orthodox, Catholics in Syria, as well as Muslims et al. I've been against arming and funding Al Nusra, FSA, ISIL, and ISIS. The fact is this, the civil war has now claimed over 300,000 peoples' lives, and in order for restitution of peace it requires certain things to happen:
  1. Assad must step down; he simply does not hold any legitimacy to rule the country post-civil war
  2. All members and rebel factions must be dis-armed and have to be disbanded
  3. Peace Keeping Mission of say UN must be there to help administer and enforce rule of law and prevent instance of communal revenge-killings.
  4. Then , a new transitional government should be set in place by popular will, and in accordance to leadership ethics to protect and vouchsafe for religious minorities, ethnic minorities in the country. This includes Christians, Shia, Sunni, Druze et al -- have to evade in violence and work together to prevent communal discord.

Now that I have clarified my position. Let's not discuss this here in this thread any further, out of respect of the Late King Abdullah. Please and Thank You.
 
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Firstly, condolences to the Saudi people over the loss of a man they loved and respected as a father, even moreso than a king. Saw genuine sadness yesterday on both traditional and social media from so many Saudis, Arabs and Muslims.

May Allah have mercy on him and forgive his shortcomings.

Yes, he may have died but in Salman a more assertive and pro-active foreign policy will take shape, he is by far one of the strongest personalities in the Middle East, and is not afraid to take gambles and risks when appropriate, pretty much Salman is Abdullah on steroids.

Interesting you say this, as most media outlets have stressed that there'll simply be continuity in policy. On what basis do you claim that King Salman's foreign policy will be so much more assertive? And how do you think that will manifest?

@al-Hasani, would appreciate your thoughts also.
 
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Yes, I am. And to clarify, I was not encouraging the killing of Christians in Syria, I merely was stating that I'm against the civil war in the country. As I've said in my interaction with @al-Hasani , @1000 , @Ahmed Jo and others -- I am against the violent religious extremism in Syria , which have decimated many ethnic minorities in the country. For example are Christian Orthodox, Catholics in Syria, as well as Muslims et al. I've been against arming and funding Al Nusra, FSA, ISIL, and ISIS. The fact is this, the civil war has now claimed over 300,000 peoples' lives, and in order for restitution of peace it requires certain things to happen:
  1. Assad must step down; he simply does not hold any legitimacy to rule the country post-civil war
  2. All members and rebel factions must be dis-armed and have to be disbanded
  3. Peace Keeping Mission of say UN must be there to help administer and enforce rule of law and prevent instance of communal revenge-killings.
  4. Then , a new transitional government should be set in place by popular will, and in accordance to leadership ethics to protect and vouchsafe for religious minorities, ethnic minorities in the country. This includes Christians, Shia, Sunni, Druze et al -- have to evade in violence and work together to prevent communal discord.

Now that I have clarified my position. Let's not discuss this here in this thread any further, out of respect of the Late King Abdullah. Please and Thank You.
Alasad stepping down will solve the problem?? Wow you're genius... you're praising "kings" and dictators and now you want alasad to step down?
If Syrians wanted alasad gone he would have been gone long time ago...
You have no say on what goes on Syria and Iraq... Look at the freedom in Iraq and now Libya... You call that democracy??

Enough with you...
 
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Alasad stepping down will solve the problem?? Wow you're genius... Enough with your bs, you're praising "kings" and dictators and now you want alasad to step down?
If Syrians wanted alasad gone he would have been gone long time ago...
You have no say on what goes on Syria and Iraq... Look at the freedom in Iraq and now Libya... You call that democracy??

Enough with you...

As I said, I will not entreat in further discussion in this thread.
 
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i know this may not be right time but sorry if some one got hert , its just out of curiosirty ,
can you one tell me his 5 achivements , 5 failuree . political, social , economical,
5 thing wil change forever because he is not the driving force ?w hy ? is it good or bad ?
thanks
 
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Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates heading the UAE delegation and the one behind him is Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Emirate of Ajman, United Arab Emirates.

such jokes can come back and bite you very bad remember that. the same people you are targeting will return the favour if any important Iranian personality dies

This is what they were saying earlier. It is normal for them.

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January 13, 2015

Vatan-e-Emrooz, a conservative daily, has been summoned over a front page story on January 6 headlined with a Persian expression often interpreted as “may I hear the news of his death”.

Use of the expression — Khabar-e-Margesh — is usually regarded as an insult.

The story also carried sub-headings, including; “Signs of collapse of Saudi Arabia,” “Death of Abdullah and $200 oil,” “Wahabism equals terrorism,” and “Crisis of succession of Abdullah.”

Iran summons newspaper over Saudi king death headline
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Just out of curiosity: Was Nawaz Sharif the last leader to visit the late King before his death.
 
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Mourners gather around the grave of Saudi King Abdullah following his burial in Riyadh January 23, 2015. Saudi King Salman pledged on Friday to maintain existing energy and foreign policies then quickly moved to appoint younger men as his heirs, settling the succession for years to come by naming a deputy crown prince from his dynasty's next generation. King Abdullah, who died early on Friday after a short illness, was buried in an unmarked grave in keeping with local religious traditions.

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A handout picture released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) shows Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (L) upon his arrival in Riyadh to attend the funeral of King Abdullah on January 23, 2015.
 
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any chance of reforms by new king? or is he going to reverse whatever abdullah did?
 
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Hamid Ansari leads Indian delegation to Saudi King's funeral | Zee News
Last Updated: Saturday, January 24, 2015 - 15:06


New Delhi: Vice President Hamid Ansari on Saturday will lead the Indian government delegation at the funeral of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud who died early Friday.

The government has declared a day`s mourning Saturday and flags are being flown at half-mast.

An official statement said "the government and people of India have received with deep sadness and shock" the news of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud who died of complications from pneumonia early Friday.

"India has maintained close and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdullah. These bonds have been especially strengthened by the presence of the large expatriate Indian community which has found a home in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," the statement added.

Ansari is a former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have sent messages of condolences to King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who has succeeded him.

The President said: "In his passing away, Saudi Arabia had lost a beloved leader, India a close friend and the world, an elder statesman."

"King Abdullah had genuine warmth and affection for India and our people. He was personally committed to improving bilateral ties with India," a statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

Modi described the Saudi King as a guiding force, and said: "In King Abdullah, we have lost an important voice, who left a lasting impact on his country. I condole his demise.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Saudi Arabia, who have lost a guiding force in King Abdullah, during this hour of grief. A few days ago I spoke to Crown Prince Salman and enquired about King Abdullah`s health. News of King Abdullah`s passing away is saddening," he added.

India`s energy security depends a lot on Saudi Arabia which accounts for 20 percent of the country`s oil imports.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy recalled the Saudi King as one who in general was considerate to Indians, particularly to Keralites. He said he fondly recalls that during the period when Nitaqat (a Saudi government initiative to boost local employment) was in force in the oil-rich kingdom in 2013, it was through the King`s intervention that many requests to the Saudi government were accepted.

"Over the past many decades, Saudi Arabia has been home to lakhs of Keralites, who earn a living by working there and the departed`s vision made this happen," Chandy said in a message.

According to a recent study on the diaspora by the Centre for Development Studies, out of the 2.36 million Kerala diaspora, 25.2 percent are in Saudi Arabia.

IANS

India to observe national mourning today for late Saudi King Abdullah | Zee News

New Delhi: As a mark of respect to Saudi King Abdullah, who died on Friday, India has declared national mourning on Saturday.


A Home Ministry spokesperson informed that the Government of India will observe one-day national mourning on Saturday to pay respects to the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.

As per the spokesperson, the national flag will fly at half mast throughout the country. Further, there will be no official entertainment during the day today.

Chief Secretaries of all states, administrators of Union territories and secretaries to the Union government have been given necessary instructions for the same.

King Abdullah died early on Friday. He was 90.

(With agency inputs)
 
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January 23, 2015

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King Abdullah: He came, he educated, he left
King Abdullah was instrumental in starting many new programmes at home and abroad that have taken Saudi Arabia on the path towards modernisation

King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz is dead. He passed away early on Friday at the age of 90, leaving countless Saudis with hollowness in their souls. He was not just a ruler, but a man who came to be passionately loved during his rule.

Abdullah took over the Saudi throne in 2005, following the death of King Fahd. In recent weeks, his health deteriorated and he had been hospitalised with pneumonia. Although his death did not come as a complete shock — as reports of his failing health had dominated the news in recent weeks — his loss has still devastated a nation that loved the man. It will take days, weeks and maybe months for some to get over their grief. There is a heavy air of loss permeating the atmosphere in Saudi Arabia, and among Saudis abroad.

In the course of his illness, there were various rumours about succession in the foreign press, including reports of infighting and jostling for power among the royals. There was immense speculation in many segments of the world’s media about the kingdom’s stability and what a political transition in Riyadh would mean on the world stage. Palace intrigue makes good reading, but the Al Saud family is far too sophisticated for that and has always settled its differences in the interest of the nation. These rumours and armchair speculations have been laid to rest by the smooth and expected transition immediately after Abdullah’s death.

During his reign, King Abdullah was instrumental in starting many new programmes at home and abroad that have taken Saudi Arabia on the path towards modernisation. To list them all would take pages of this newspaper, but I would not be doing justice if I did not list a few that have changed Saudi society and the way Saudis think.

One of his primary efforts was geared towards combatting the ideology of hate and rejection that was prevalent in certain segments of Saudi society and which fed off the extremism that was threatening to choke off Saudi society and send it back to the Stone Age. While the kingdom was scorned and derided in many countries for its conservative policies, Abdullah was wise to understand that change had to happen, but at a pace that was palatable to his people and one that would not lead to internal strife. He did not want to create a clash of ideologies within his own borders.

The King started slowly but surely, and eventually, the change became apparent. For a few, it was still happening too fast while others complained that it wasn’t fast enough. But there has been change and there’s no denying that. While some may accuse him of not having much of an impact in trying to create a more moderate version of Islam, others would point out to the various initiatives he took upon himself to set his kingdom on the right course.

Exercising political influence

The Saudi religious police, which, in the minds of many, exercised powers beyond its charter prior to King Abdullah’s ascension, began to feel the squeeze of the new boundaries, set by defined rules and operational procedures. The hardline head of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice was replaced by a more tolerant and learned figure and errant commission members who exceeded their roles and limits against the public were brought to task.

As the custodian of the two holy mosques, Abdullah was more than merely a king. He had a far-reaching responsibility towards the Muslim world. Such a responsibility led to him exercising political influence in the Islamic world with great prudence and discretion. He also took distinctive steps to combat suspicions and misunderstandings that could have led to a clash of civilisations. In 2007, he met Pope Benedict XVI, the first-ever meeting between a Pope and a reigning Saudi king.

In 2011, the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Inter-religious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) came into being, a brainchild of this astute leader who pushed for dialogue among all the world’s great religions.

Domestically, he chased down the fringe militants with an iron fist. Those who would not give up were either killed or forced to flee to other countries. His intolerance for terrorists was well known and the message soon filtered down that Saudi soil was no safe haven for such individuals or groups.

Abdullah made great strides with the opening up of new horizons for Saudi women, long marginalised in a society that used various interpretations of religion to suppress their rights and their identity. He fought clerics who preached fundamentalism and were using the pulpits to speak against women’s freedom. He replaced them with modern clerics, whose message was not one filled with hate or the oppression of women.

During some of his foreign trips, he invited Saudi women to be part of the visiting delegation and participated in dialogue with other world and business leaders. Pictures of these women flanking the King during these trips dominated the front pages and were made more dramatic by the fact that some women chose to expose their faces to the cameras, something that was previously considered a social taboo.

In 2011, King Abdullah granted women the right to vote and run as candidates in the local elections scheduled for 2015, stating “we refuse to marginalise women’s role in Saudi society”. He also ordered that women be part of the Saudi Shura Council. Two years later, 30 Saudi women of varied backgrounds and professions took their seats at the Council, after they were sworn in before King Abdullah at his palace in Riyadh. Such a transformation in the conservative kingdom’s history would have been unheard of just a few years earlier. Today, the fruits of his decision are being gradually felt as the Shura Council is openly discussing and proposing laws promoting the rights of women.

Opening the minds of the youth

In the field of education, textbooks were reviewed and revised and ministers of education changed. In 2005, King Abdullah, in a meeting with the then US president, George W. Bush, convinced him to allow easier entry facilities for Saudi students wishing to pursue higher education in the US.

The King Abdullah Scholarship Programme began shortly after and deserving high school students in their thousands rushed to take advantage of the opportunity that gave them access to the best universities around the world. Academic disciplines were selected based on the needs of ministries, national corporations and the private sector. The programme also had one undisclosed aim: Opening the minds of these youth coming from a previously closed kingdom to a world beyond their borders. It helped them understand and accept those who were different from them. Today, hundreds of thousands of Saudi students have been grateful recipients of the programme. The King was also instrumental in giving the nod to the first co-ed university in the country, an institution that bears his name. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) was officially inaugurated by him on the Saudi National Day in 2009, with more than 3,000 guests, including heads of states and Nobel Prize recipients, attending the opening ceremony.

He came, he educated and he left. And what of his legacy? Perhaps one grieving Saudi in his mid-30s summed it up best when he said: “King Abdullah made this country a better place to live in.” Today, the kingdom begins a new era. Will it usher in unexpected changes or will King Abdullah’s vision remain on course? Such questions are bound to arise and there will be much speculation. But the leadership of Saudi Arabia is astute and understands its responsibility well.

In a region filled with strife, the Saudi course would be to tread responsibly and that begins with a smooth transition of leadership and values. Long live the kingdom!

Tariq A. Al Maeena is a Saudi socio-political commentator. He lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah: He came, he educated, he left | GulfNews.com
 
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« عن مسند احمد عن النبی صلی الله علیه و آله و سلم : یحکم الحجاز رجل اسمه علی اسم حیوان، إذا رأیته حسبته فی عینه الحول من البعید و اذا اقتربت منه لا تری فی عینیه شیئاً، یخلفه أخ له إسمه عبدالله، ویل لشیعتنا منه؛ اعادها ثلاثاًً : بشرونی بموته ابشرکم بظهور الحجة، بشرونی بموته ابشرکم بظهور الحجة، بشرونی بموته ابشرکم بظهور الحجة. »

@Syrian Lion
 
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