CIAO DATE: 04/05

The Saudi Security Apparatus: Military and Security Services - Challenges and Developments

Abstract

Both Saudi Arabia's security situation, and the Saudi security apparatus, are undergoing major changes. Saudi Arabia no longer faces a major threat from Iraq, but must deal with the growing risk that Iran will become a nuclear power. This confronts Saudi Arabia with hard strategic choices as to whether to ignore Iran's efforts to proliferate, seek US military assistance in deterring Iran and possibly in some form of missile defense, or to acquire more modern missiles and its own weapons of mass destruction.

The Kingdom's most urgent security threats, however, no longer consist of hostile military forces. They have become the threat of Islamic extremism and terrorism. Saudi Arabia faces a direct internal and external threat from Islamic extremists, many affiliated with Al Qaida or exile groups, and it must pay far more attention to internal security than in the past. At the same time, the Saudi government must deal with the fact that this threat not only is internal, but also is regional and extends throughout the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia's religious legitimacy is being challenged, and its neighbors and allies face threats of their own.

Full Text (PDF, 72 pages, 266 KB)