| Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country. Most of the Muslims are Sunni with a smaller number of Shiites. The country has a unique responsibility to the world of Islam since one of the Five Pillars of Islam or religious duties of every Muslim is the Pilgrimage, or Hajj, to the Holy City of Mecca once in his or her lifetime.
In 1902, Abd al-Aziz bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud captured Riyadh. Today, the monarchy is ruled by a son of Abd al-Aziz, and the country's Basic Law stipulates that the throne shall remain in the hands of the aging sons and grandsons of the kingdom's founder. Saudi Arabia is depending of its rich oil fields. It explains the close friendship between a feudal regime and the American White House.
|
