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

[Solomon2]

Sunday, January 25, 2015
25-Jan-15: Summing up the life of an absolute monarch in the mainstream media



Union Jack at half mast over Westminster Abbey
expresses British mourning at passing of
Saudi 'reformer' [Image Source]

This is not a blog post about Saudi Arabia or about its recently deceased absolute ruler. It's about how the people who own, operate and manage the news media sometimes deal with uncomfortable realities.

First, let's set the tone with some comments from VOX ['The obscenity of calling Saudi King Abdullah a “reformer”' | Zack Beauchamp | January 23, 2015]

• Saudi Arabia's deceased King Abdullah, according to just about every obituary in major Western publications, was a reformer. The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, and NPR all describe Abdullah as a ruler committed to reforming Saudi Arabia's notoriously repressive practices. Sen. John McCain called Abdullahan advocate for peace;IMF head Christine Lagarde called him a "strong advocate for women"...
• The Saudi political system, a blend of absolute monarchy and Islamic extremism, has one of the world's worst human rights records. There is no democracy and basic freedoms are limited… It punishes dissidents, including currently with multiple rounds of publicly lashing a blogger,amputates hands and legs for robbery, and enforces a system of gender restrictions that make women not just second-class citizens, but in many ways the property of men.
• Abdullah did not, in fact, make any fundamental reforms to the Saudi state, which remains one of the most oppressive and inhumane on earth... Abdullah's reputation as a reformer comes from some relatively limited policy shifts he made.
• Praising Abdullah as a reformer, in addition to being misleading, seems to imply that Saudi Arabia should be held to a lesser standard than the rest of humanity, and that its citizens should be somehow grateful for Abdullah's minor adjustments to a system that remains cruelly unjust…

Now bearing in mind that the flags fluttering above London's Westminister Abbey, Buckingham Palace and Whitehall are all "flying at half mast as a mark of respect", let's survey how this man's life and achievements were summed up this week in the headlines of the major media outlets.

• CNN: "Saudi Arabia's 'reformer' King Abdullah dies"
• Reuters: "Saudi King Abdullah was a cautious reformer"
• Los Angeles Times: "Saudi King Abdullah's legacy praised by U.S. leaders" "Secretary of State John F. Kerry eulogized the Saudi leader as a "a man of wisdom and vision" and a "partner in fighting violent extremism who proved just as important as a proponent of peace"... Former President George H.W. Bush said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend and partner.” Bush recalled how the U.S. and Saudi Arabia “stood together against a common foe” after Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait, calling it a “moment of unparalleled cooperation.” “I found His Majesty always to be a wise and reliable ally,” Bush said. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Abdullah was an “important voice for reform in Saudi Arabia” who pushed to modernize the nation’s education system and brought women the right to vote and run for office. McCain... also called Abdullah a “vocal advocate of peace” and a “critical partner in the war on terror.”
• Globe and Mail, Toronto: "Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, the careful reformer, dies at 90"
• Christian Science Monitor: "Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah was incremental reformer, US ally"
• Express Tribune Pakistan: "Saudi King Abdullah: patient reformer who battled hardliners"
• New York Times ["Powerful Saudi Arabia King Abdullah Dies at Age 90"] "...powerful U.S. ally who fought against al-Qaida and sought to modernize the ultraconservative Muslim kingdom, including by nudging open greater opportunities for women has died... His aim at home was to modernize the kingdom to face the future. One of the world's largest oil exporters, Saudi Arabia is fabulously wealthy... For Abdullah, that meant building a more skilled workforce and opening up greater room for women to participate. He was a strong supporter of education, building universities at home and increasing scholarships abroad for Saudi students. Abdullah for the first time gave women seats on the Shura Council, an unelected body that advises the king and government. He promised women would be able to vote and run in 2015 elections for municipal councils... Two Saudi female athletes competed in the Olympics for the first time in 2012, and a small handful of women were granted licenses to work as lawyers during his rule..."
• New Yorker ["Postscript: King Abdullah, 1924-2015"] "Compared to the country’s conservative princes and ultra-conservative Wahhabi clerics, Abdullah was considered a savvy and plainspoken modernizer, if not a reformer..."
• The Independent UK ["King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz dead: What did he do for Saudi Arabia?"] "The king, who reportedly refused to be addressed as "your majesty", was seen by many as a gentle reformer, and was credited with trying to balance traditions with modernity... King Abdullah enjoyed a "genuine and warm friendship" with Barack Obama, and was described as the most pro-Western Arab leader yet. Prime Minister David Cameron said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of his death... King Abdullah permitted gentle criticism of himself and his family to be printed, and oversaw the creation of a Facebook page, which allowed citizens to submit their grievances."
• Financial Times, London ["Obituaries"] "A cautious reformer whose ascent to the throne helped restore some popular legitimacy to the al-Saud family, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud steered the world’s largest oil exporter through some of its most fraught times... The delicate balancing act between liberal and conservative voices was to define his rule... A man who wanted both his dynasty and his country to move with the times..."
• Al-Arabiya (Saudi Arabia): "A ‘King of Hearts:’ Saudis mourn Abdullah bin Abdulaziz"
• Arab News (Saudi Arabia): "Global media hail Abdullah’s legacy": "Newspapers all over the world were unanimous in praising the legacy of reforms and peace-making efforts by the late King Abdullah...
• Asharq Al Awsat, London: "A charismatic and groundbreaking leader", and "We lost a loving father"

The king's personal net wealth was estimated [Wikipedia] at $21 billion. Most of the ministries of the Saudi government are headed by members of his family. And his replacement as head of state is rumored (according to an item in Friday's New York Times) "to be senile, but similar rumors swirled about Abdullah and he was still hailed as a heroic statesman around the world". (And here's a link to a December 2013 article in the New York Post, "Inside the Saudi 9/11 coverup".)

 

[OTTOMAN]

this is one reason, why he was feared most among the enemies of Islam.

 

[Solomon2]

And nobody can point to any money he spent to tell his fellow Muslims that Jews are also human beings and not some sort of evil "other" worthy of being robbed or killed at the first opportunity.

Yes, when you are that rich and powerful what you DON'T do counts against you. Abdullah knew perfectly well that an interfaith dialogue initiative could be used to build peace between religions. But he made sure to corrupt it from the start, demonizing Israelis, re-defining dialogue as proselytization, and proclaiming that any Muslim who thinks Western political ideals are worthy is a mental case and public enemy. He worked to achieve these ends - not very hard, because he liked to spend time on his pleasures - but he worked on them nonetheless. The universities built, the scholarships funded, they will add nothing to bettering human material or spiritual condition if their purpose is to foster and empower hatred.

 

[Rakan.SA]

And nobody can point to any money he spent to tell his fellow Muslims that Jews are also human beings and not some sort of evil "other" worthy of being robbed or killed at the first opportunity.

Yes, when you are that rich and powerful what you DON'T do counts against you. Abdullah knew perfectly well that an interfaith dialogue initiative could be used to build peace between religions. But he made sure to corrupt it from the start, demonizing Israelis, re-defining dialogue as proselytization, and proclaiming that any Muslim who thinks Western political ideals are worthy is a mental case and public enemy. He worked to achieve these ends - not very hard, because he liked to spend time on his pleasures - but he worked on them nonetheless. The universities built, the scholarships funded, they will add nothing to bettering human material or spiritual condition if their purpose is to foster and empower hatred.

who wants to do peace with a maniac like you ?! man you can write books about us and how you hate us. its not going to work or change anything. so keep spreading you BS in the internet as long as you want lol
yes we are terrorist we kill babies and eat them for breakfast. then we go hunt some christians and jews for lunch and dinner. we are very very barbaric. even the devil run away whenever he see a saudi.
we get it. you hate us. now how can we help you please ?

 

[Solomon2]

who wants to do peace with a maniac like you ?

Maniac: a person exhibiting extreme symptoms of wild behavior, especially when violent and dangerous.

No, sorry, don't fit the bill. That's the difference between what things are (objective) and what they are called (subjective).

! man you can write books about us and how you hate us. its not going to work or change anything. so keep spreading you BS in the internet as long as you want lol

"Us"? And why are you so confident books and education won't change anything? Or are you scared they might?

...we get it. you hate us. now how can we help you please ?

You don't get it. You hate Jews - and many Arabs and Muslims have been taught to do so, collectively. By contrast, the Jews don't hate you. Otherwise why would there be so many overtures of friendship, why would Israel supply Arabs in Gaza with food and necessities and speed their exports, why aren't there popular organizations championing blind Muslim-hatred in every city where Jews live and thrive? There are additional countless examples.

 

[Al Bhatti]

January 27, 2015

US launches competition to honour Abdullah
Essays to foster scholarly research on Arab-Muslim world

A research and essay competition to pay tribute to Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has been established by Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The monarch who died early on Friday is credited with modernising the Saudi military when he was commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard from 1963 until 2005, the year he succeeded his brother Fahd as the king of the vast country.

Dempsey said the essay competition is a fitting tribute to the life and leadership of the Saudi Arabian monarch, an article in the US Department of Defence said. The competition will be hosted by the National Defence University (NDU).

“This is an important opportunity to honour the memory of the king, while also fostering scholarly research on the Arab-Muslim world, and I can think of no better home for such an initiative than NDU,” Dempsey said in a statement.

The writing competition will focus on issues related to the Arab-Muslim world and is designed to encourage strategic thinking and meaningful research on a crucial part of the world.

Officials reportedly said that the programme would be ready at NDU in the next academic year.

According to the article, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Frederick M. Padilla, the president of the National Defence University, welcomed the opportunity to challenge future students while honouring the late king.

“This scholarly research competition presents NDU students with a unique opportunity to focus their research and writing efforts on relevant issues at the intersection of US security interests and the Arab-Muslim world,” he said.

Gen. Dempsey first met the King while serving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2001 to 2003.

“Serving in Saudi Arabia more than a decade ago, I had the opportunity to get to know King Abdullah, who was then the commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard,” he said. “In my job to train and advise his military forces, and in our relationship since, I found the king to be a man of remarkable character and courage,” Dempsey said, quoted by the NDU statement.

Maj. Gen. Frederick M. Padilla, 15th president of the National Defence University, welcomed the opportunity to challenge future students while honouring the late King.

“This scholarly research competition presents NDU students with a unique opportunity to focus their research and writing efforts on relevant issues at the intersection of US security interests and the Arab-Muslim world,” Padilla said.

NDU said in its statement that it supports national security by providing rigorous professional military education to develop strategic leaders who have the ability to operate and think creatively in a complex and unpredictable world.

The institution’s student body is comprised of US military officers, civilians and senior enlisted; officers and senior officials from allied nations and other federal agencies; and executives from industry.

In addition to US military and government students, NDU hosts more than 100 international and allied students, representing more than 90 countries.

NDU is composed of the College of International Security Affairs, the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, the Information Resources Management College, the Joint Forces Staff College, and the National War College. NDU also is home to the CAPSTONE senior leader development programmes and the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and partners with the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, the Near East South Asia Centre for Strategic Studies, and the Perry Centre for Hemispheric Defence Studies.

US launches competition to honour Abdullah | GulfNews.com

 

[beast89]

What the hell are you talking about? What you see in Syria is mostly Arab culture originating in KSA.

Saudi Arabians do not love or hate the royal family. It depends on the ruler and the policy. King Abdullah was a much-respected ruler who did a hell lot for KSA.

1 million time more than the Al-Asshead family that you worship who were mere peasants just 50 years ago. Whose legacy is that of genocide and destruction. Of their own people and country mind you.

Why should KSA interfere in Syria when nobody else is doing that? Where are you beloved fake wannabe Arab Mullah's in Mullahstan? When will they invade Syria to safe their genocidal maniac and beloved friend and ally?



He has no clue about what he is blabbering about.

A well-known Arab Sunni hater.

You are interfering in Syria but with no success and you begged your ally Zionist America to bomb Syria. They said no which made Prince Bandar rage. Kinda defeats your logic KSA not intervening because one one else is; KSA is desperate for someone to intervene but do not have the guts. I could upload a video of an FSA screaming where are the arabs where are the sunnis, indeed where are they? An arab sunni hater? lol I support arab nationalist who not puppets of america like most arab monarchies and i support palestine, stop being so pathetic. Not all arabs are the same, culture depends on interaction with various ethnic groups and regional factors. Syria had amazing architecture whilst KSA had tents. Furthermore who cares about background of the ruling syrian family, most influential and revolution people come from humble backgrounds. Saudis and their superficiality
I'll let you get back to fawning over your dead kings grave

 

[Falcon29]

Arab sources say King Salman expected to make live statement soon ...not sure why....maybe opening statements for what to expect?

 

[xenon54 out]

Arab sources say King Salman expected to make live statement soon ...not sure why....maybe opening statements for what to expect?

Speech to the nation as the new King, would be strange if he didnt do so.

 

[Falcon29]

Speech to the nation as the new King, would be strange if he didnt do so.

Actually he is making changes to state positions. He has assigned new people to certain positions and pardoned some I believe.

From what I'm reading, non Saudis are happy and believe this King is good. They are calling it a revolution. Although I personally don't know anything about Saudi internal affairs I don't know what this is supposed to mean.

Need help

@Gasoline @al-Hasani

.....
@xenon54

If I'm understanding right he took Bandar and replaced him with someone else. I believe that's the guy who declared war on MB and aided Sisi in Egypt. Some are saying Salman is more pro-Islamist. I am not sure as I'm not familiar.

But hopefully this is start to new era where Saudi takes lead in making things better for Arabs and stands with justice.

 

[Gasoline]

@Falcon29

Here are some new orders from King Salman :

Saudi King Salman issues major royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s newly inaugurated King Salman bin Abdulaziz has issued a series of landmark orders that ushered in fresh new faces into state institutions and awarded financial support for many Saudis.

The king ordered a lavish payout to all state employees on Thursday and reshuffled some top government jobs while keeping in place the oil, foreign, finance, defense and interior ministers.

The top oil exporter will pay two months bonus salary to all state employees and pension to retired government workers, he said in a series of decrees read aloud on state television a week after Salman succeeded his brother Abdullah as king.


Prince Khaled al-Faisal is appointed as governor of Makkah and advisor to the King. (Al Arabiya)

There was also good news for students, people with special needs and those on social welfare who will also receive two months income.

Meanwhile the king announced an amnesty for some inmates held in Saudi jails.

Majid al-Qasabi has been appointed as minister of social affairs. Formerly the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Mansour bin Mutaib has been promoted to the position of Minister Of State.

Saleh Al Sheikh is now the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Al Arabiya General Manager Adel Al Toraifi has been appointed Information Minister.


Adel al-Toraifi, General Manager of Al Arabiya News Chanel. (Al Arabiya)

He removed two of the late king's sons from big jobs, making Faisal bin Bandar Riyadh governor instead of Turki bin Abdullah and reinstating Khaled al-Faisal as Mecca governor less than two years after he was replaced by Mishaal bin Abdullah.

The two jobs are usually held by senior princes and have sometimes been stepping stones to higher positions.

Bandar bin Sultan has also been removed from his post on the national security council.

Abdul Lateef bin Abdul Malik Al Sheikh has been made Minister of Municipal Affairs. King Salman has King Salman relieves Intelligence Chief Prince Khaled bin Bandar from his post and appointed him as his advisor.


Azzam al-Dakhil has been appointed as minister of education

The education policy committee and the council of civil service have been closed, while King Salman has formed two councils of economic affairs and security policy. The education and higher education ministries have been merged. Azzam Al Dakhil has been appointed as minister of education.

Abdul Rahman Abdullah Alsanad has been appointed head of the religious police known as the the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice.

Khaled al-Muhaisan will head up the anti-corruption committee, while Mohammed Alajaji has been appointed head of the experts committee at the Council of Ministers.

Prince Abdelaziz bin Salman is now deputy oil minister, Fahd Samari has been appointed to the position of adviser at the Royal Court.

The new chairman of the Capital Market Authority will be Mohammed Abdullah Jadaan.

http://english.alarabiya.net/en/New...-to-announce-royal-orders-by-King-Salman.html

 

[OTTOMAN]

King Salman appears to be a very dynamic person. All eyes on him.

 

[Solomon2]

COMMENTS ON THE DEATH OF KING ABDULLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA​

Posted on Friday, January 23rd, 2015 at 5:05 pm.
Written by AIFD

We at AIFD will shed no tears for King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who passed away yesterday, January 22nd.

As the head of a tyrranical, murderous and notoriously repressive government, King Abdullah is responsible for the execution of dissidents, the torture of minorities, and the exportation of the most malignant strain of politicized, radicalized Islam the world has known.

We do not share in the saccharine and morally bankrupt assessment of many in the media. King Abdullah was no “reformer,” and we grant him no credit for “nudging” the Kingdom forward. Under King Abdullah’s reign, Saudi Arabia remained the country where bloggers are sentenced to potentially fatal lashings, where writers are jailed for tweets , dissidents and “witches” arebeheaded, and where the monarchy itself participates in child marriage and the religious establishment calls Jews “apes and pigs.” We have to question the integrity of those in the media and ruling classes who are now eulogizing King Abdullah as though he were worthy of admiration. Even Queen Elizabeth has ordered Britain’s flags to fly at half-mast today. While we do not revel in death, we also will not celebrate or participate in the fictional retelling of King Abdullah’s legacy.

The House of Saud, with the king at the helm, likes to refer to itself as the “Custodian of the two Holy Mosques” – that is, the owners and overseers of the holiest sites in Islam. We at AIFD reject not only this structure, but also the Saudi regime’s stranglehold on contemporary Islam. From the megalomania of the House of Saud to the cancer of Wahhabism, we at AIFD recognize that the real reformers of Saudi Arabia are languishing in its jails, dying by its sword, and living suffocated behind its walls; while those in power fuel the radicalization that brought us 9/11, the attack at Fort Hood, and even ISIS. The real human tragedy and loss is that today, the world sends condolences for King Abdullah while heroes like Raif Badawi remain in prison, the marks of severe lashes yet unhealed.

While we will not cry for King Abdullah, we are also not optimistic about his successor, King Salman – said to be even more repressive and problematic than King Abdullah, particularly with regard to women’s and minority rights.

In the wake of King Abdullah’s passing, we will not just pray for, but also continue to work tirelessly for the day when we Muslims and the world rid ourselves of the evils of theocracy and dictatorship. At a time when the movement to advance individual liberty and autonomy within the “house of Islam” is already challenging, we who stand for freedom and universal human rights must be more diligent than ever. Our hill just became steeper.

 

[Frogman]

@al-Hasani @Mosamania @Rakan.SA @Bubblegum Crisis

My belated condolences. I wish we can move ever closer as a people ignoring our political, religious, or any other differences.

 

[Hindustani78]

January 26th, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence Tomasz Siemoniak visited Riyadh, where on behalf of the authorities of the Republic of Poland he offered condolences to the new King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud on the death of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud.