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Murtaza Hussain
@mazmhussain
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the other Gulf Arab states became independent for the first time ever last century. They were never really nations before, but regional components of other empires, including the Byzantine, Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman. Contrary to popular belief, contemporary Saudi Arabia had nothing to do with the origins of Islam, as the descendants of that empire were expelled in the 20th century and now comprise the ruling family of Jordan. Saudi Arabia was an entirely new creation of the al-Saud family after the Ottoman collapse. The Gulf Arabs lucked out tremendously with the discovery of oil, which turned what had heretofore been a collection of impoverished desert tribes into some of the wealthiest people on earth. But they are still not really independent: They are dependent on the U.S. empire, without which they'd fall under sway of Turkish or Iranian empires as was the norm in history. This is also what they have in common with Israel, and what is driving their strategic convergence.
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Omar
@dromar.eth
Born and grew up in Saudi. Love the people, and the food. Especially the bedouins are such hospitable and kind people. The deeper into the desert you go, the kinder they get. Nothing like eating Kabsa in the middle of the desert together from the same dish. But very true, influence of the US is hard to miss. The US embassy compound is a town in itself with multiple housing developments and even hospital. And the tribal nature of rule is still pervasive in certain traditions which you see during the Jenadriyah festival every year. King Faisal did quite a bit in ensuring the tribes had a vested interest in the growth of the country and bringing them to the fold and its held on until now. I think Vision 2030 is the first time that might come under stress, since it centralizes decision making of those lands.
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Murtaza Hussain
@mazmhussain
Vision 2030 is truly a make or break precisely for the formalization of state control you allude to. That’s really interesting that you were born and bred there I’m interested in your insights. I wrote an account of returning to do Umrah earlier this year and reflecting on the changes you might find of interest: https://mazmhussain.substack.com/p/journey-to-the-end-of-islam
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Omar
@dromar.eth
Didn’t realize you are also a third culture kid from Jeddah! Beautifully written and totally share that sentiment. My brothers went back for umrah earlier this year as well and had the same reaction. Also went to Riyadh where we grew up and moved out from to the US. They mentioned about the immense growth both cultural and physical. Your point about about Vision 570 is something I dream of seeing it become one day. Has so much beautiful and unique characteristics to offer a glimpse of to the world especially from an Islamic perspective. Also really sorry to hear about your dad. May he be granted the highest place in paradise. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon.
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