Jihad in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The explosion of books and reports on violent Muslim extremism by Western “terrorologists” and security institutes over the last ten years, should be read with caution for their tendency to be ideologically and politically loaded. However, Jihad in Saudi Arabia represents the more impartial, rigorous end of the spectrum. Based upon the PhD of a fellow of the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, this work stands out as a significant contribution to understanding transnational jihadist networks and their manifestation in Saudi Arabia in the mid-2000s. The book sheds light on some of the hidden dimensions of Al-Qaida’s presence in a place not usually connected with violent radicalization. It addresses questions such as: “Why Saudi Arabia has apparently produced so many militants?” “Has its government supported violent groups?” “How strong a foothold do they have in the kingdom?” “And why didn’t Bin Laden launch a campaign there before 2003?” ...