WHY THERE IS A MILITARY
MILITARY
"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. As a result of the war, corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed. I feel at this moment more anxiety for the safety of my country than ever before, even in the midst of war."
The Marine Corps
The Marine Corps was created on November 10, 1775, in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by a
resolution of the Continental Congress.
In 1834 the Marines became part of the Department of the Navy. " Smedely Butler the only Marine Officer to win
the Medal of Honor twice. Keep in mind, this was when WWI was just the World War.
Reading "War is a Racket" is frighteningly similar to what is happening today, except the
monetary figures are bigger. He foresaw WWII and all his points are verifiable. class material
He has a base named after him, he hated fascism. He fought against it home and abroad.
Smedley Butler was one of the most beloved military leaders in American history. Teddy
Roosevelt called him, "The finest fighting man in America." Butler was known as "the
fighting Quaker." Butler was only one of four Americans ever awarded the Congressional Medal of
Honor twice. He tried returning one of them because he did not feel it was earned, but was instead
ordered to wear it. Rank-and-file American soldiers loved him. Butler helped run the Marines for a
generation, carried a pack and was in the trenches with his troops. Butler was known for his honesty
and
appreciation for the common man. In Butler's case, it was genuine.
The
Business of War (an excerpt about Smedley Butler) [1]
Near the end of his career, he began questioning the issue of foreign wars. He began calling war a racket,
and became adamant about the imperialist aspect of the U.S.' foreign interventions. He was not a
pacifist, and came from a long line of republicans. When he had an opinion, however, he made it known. In
1935, after he retired, he published a slim book titled War is a Racket. Butler campaigned on that theme
for
the rest of his life.
Butler believed that all U.S. foreign interventions were self-serving acts, which lined the pockets of the
rich at the expense of the nations it victimized, sending young boys to do the dirty work, wearing
American
uniforms. People such as Franklin Roosevelt sidled up to the trough, to "invest" in Haiti after
it
had been secured for American interests. Roosevelt drafted the Haitian constitution that overturned more
than a century of Haitian strategy of not allowing foreign land ownership to gain a foothold in Haiti,
which
would begin undermining its sovereignty. FDR was an integral part of the neocolonial strategy of pillaging
Haiti. Butler provided the muscle to pull it off. Read "War is a Racket" by Smedely Butler
Stratfor is the world's leading private intelligence firm specializing in providing critical intelligence and insights on political, economic, military, and security events around the world to give you the perspective you need to navigate today's complex and competitive global environment.
Country Reports on Terrorism
Annual reports from the Secretary of State about "developments in countries in which acts of
terrorism
occurred, countries that are state sponsors of terrorism, and countries determined by the Secretary to be
of
particular interest in the global war on terror." Includes reports back to 1996. (Prior to 2004,
these
reports were known as "Patterns of Global Terrorism.") From the U.S. Department of State Office
of
the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.
Deadly
Maps
This site provides images of "the complete collection of maps from Carnegie's, 'Deadly
Arsenals: Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Threats'. ... The first five maps reflect the worldwide
proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their missile delivery systems. The country
maps show the major nuclear installations, both civilian and military, in each country." Includes
maps
of Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, Pakistan, Libya, Israel, and other countries. From the Carnegie
Endowment for International Peace.
Foreign Terrorist
Organizations
Foreign Terrorist Organizations are foreign organizations that are designated by the Secretary of State in
accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. FTO designations
play
a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for
terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business.
The Terrorism Research
Center
"Dedicated to informing the public of the phenomena of terrorism and information warfare.
FAS Intelligence Resource
Program:
Terrorism Intelligence Threat Assessments and Liberation Movements, Terrorist Organizations, Substance Cartels, and Other Para-State
Entities
Documents and web site links courtesy of the Federation of American Scientists.
Center for Defence and International Security
Studies
"CDISS exists to research, raise awareness and stimulate debate on a wide range of defence and
security
issues relevant to both the UK and the International Community."
U.S. State
Department Office of the Coordinator for Counter-terrorism
Policies, current news, and research links.
Gilmore Commission
( Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass
Destruction)
A group authorized by Congress (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, Public Law
105-261)
to "assess the capabilities for responding to terrorist incidents in the U.S. homeland".
Associated with Rand, which has additional research on terrorism available.
International Policy Institute for
Counter-terrorism
A research institute and think tank dedicated to developing innovative public policy solutions to
international terrorism.
Council on Foreign Relations:
Iran
Articles, background, opinion pieces, interviews, and other documents on government and politics in Iran.
Publication topics include Iran's nuclear program, U.S.-Iran relations, Iran-Iraq relations, and
Iranian
leaders. Browse by date, publication type, or issue. From the Council on Foreign Relations, "a
nonpartisan and independent membership organization."
Henry L. Stimson Center, Chemical
and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project was launched by Senior Associate, Amy E. Smithson
in
1993. The project aims to serve as an "information clearinghouse, watchdog, and
problem-solver regarding chemical and biological weapons issues." As such, the site offers a number
of
resources including information on how much the government is spending on anti- terrorism, how to protect
oneself against chemical and biological terrorism, and nonproliferation efforts internationally. The site
offers text of legislation, articles, maps of selected countries (especially the United States, Russia,
and
Iraq), and much more. This should be a very valuable site for both researchers and general readers looking
for background material on chemical and biological weapons, their production, and efforts to reduce their
threats.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT RELEASES 1997 TO 1999 HATE CRIME
STATISTICS
Almost 3,000 of the approximately 5.4 million criminal victimizations reported to police from 1997 through
1999 in more than a dozen states were considered to be hate crimes, according to a new study published
today
by the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Hate crimes, or bias-motivated crimes, are defined as offenses motivated by
hatred against a victim based on his or her race, religion, sexual orientation, handicap, ethnicity or
national origin.
Of the 2,976 incidents police departments reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National
Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) for those three years that were attributed to hatred, 1,820 were
attributed to racial bias (61 percent), 431 to religious bigotry (14 percent), 379 to sexual orientation
(13
percent), 329 to
ethnicity (11 percent) and 17 to physical or mental disabilities (less than 1 percent).
In 60 percent of the hate crime incidents the most serious offense was a violent crime - most commonly
intimidation or simple assault. Aggravated assault was the most serious offense reported in 13 percent of
the incidents. In almost 40 percent of the incidents the most serious offense was a property crime, 73
percent of which was damage, destruction or vandalism.
Among racially-motivated bias incidents, 6 in 10 targeted blacks, 3 in 10 targeted whites, and the
remainder
targeted Asians or American Indians. In incidents involving religious bias, 41 percent targeted Jewish
victims and 31 percent targeted unspecified religious groups.
More than half of violent hate crime victims were 24 years old or younger and almost a third were younger
than age 18. Hate crime offenders also tended to be younger. Thirty-one percent of violent hate crime
offenders, and 46 percent of property offenders were under 18 years old.
Thirty-two percent of the reported hate crimes occurred in a residence, 28 percent in an open space, 19
percent in a retail or other commercial establishment or building, 12 percent at a school or college and 3
percent in a church, synagogue or temple.
Hate crimes were committed mostly against one or more individuals (84 percent), as
opposed
to business or financial institutions (6 percent), governments (4 percent), religious organizations (2
percent) or society or the general public (2 percent).
Of the 2,204 persons who were violent hate crime victims, 3 were murdered, 4 abducted or kidnaped, 17
sexually assaulted, 42 robbed and 2,138 assaulted (504 aggravated, 815 simple and 819 intimidated).
On July 1, 2000, BJS added new questions to its National Crime Victimization Survey to uncover hate crimes
that go unreported to law enforcement agencies. Preliminary data from the first six months of this data
indicate that the majority of hate crimes are not reported to police, as is true of crimes in
general.
The Hate Crime Statistics Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-275) requires the collection and analysis
of data on reported hate crimes. The FBI, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, began the
collection of such incidents and published annual reports as part of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
In
recent years, many law enforcement agencies have begun to report hate crime data through NIBRS, which is a
more detailed reporting system with the ability to capture a wide range of information on specific
incidents. In 1999, 3,396 agencies from 17 states representing 13 percent of the U.S. population submitted
NIBRS data to the FBI.
The special report, "Hate Crimes
Reported in NIBRS, 1997-99" (NCJ-186765), was written by BJS statistician Kevin J.
Strom. Single copies may be obtained by calling the BJS clearinghouse number:
1-800-732-3277. Fax orders for mail delivery to 410/792-4358.Additional criminal justice
materials can be obtained from the Office of Justice Programs Send
comments to askbjs@ojp.usdoj.gov Bureau of Justice Statistics
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
"Education in Saudi Arabia"
"A book published in 1995 by the Saudi Cultural Mission to the U.S. on education in the
Kingdom, titled 'Education in Saudi Arabia,'
[3] …quotes a document published by the Higher Committee forr Educational Policy
[4] which contains 236 principles that explain how students should promote loyalty to Islam by
denouncing
any system or theory that conflicts with Islamic law. The students are also taught…how to plant
and spread Islam throughout the world, and how "to fight spiritually and physically for the sake of
Allah,"
[5] with emphasis on early Islamic glories....
Educating students in "the spirit of Islamic struggle" is another common theme in the Saudi
education system, as the following principles indicate: "Striving and fighting for the sake of Allah
is
a prescribed duty, a followed tradition and an existing necessity. This spirit of striving will remain in
force until the Day of Judgment."…
This in effect will lead to "prommpting his [the student's] zeal for the restoration of the
glories
of his Muslim nation… and for the resumption of the march along the path of gllory and honor."...the
most important activity is Jihad for the sake of Allah and the convocation of Allah's religion on this
earth.
[23] In a textbook titled "Pictures from the Lives of the Companions," the students are told
that
following the battle of Badr (the first victory of Muslims over the disbelievers) a new chapter in the
Koran
had descended on the Prophet which raised, in the eyes of Allah, the status of the mujahideen (Jihad
warrior) and their preference over those who sit still. The chapter challenges the mujahid to Jihad, and
discourages those who sit still....A textbook for 8th grade students explains why Jews and Christians were
cursed by Allah and turned into apes and pigs.Quoting Surat Al-Maida, Verse 60, the lesson explains that
Jews and Christians have sinned by accepting polytheism and therefore incurred Allah's wrath.To punish
them, Allah has turned them into apes and pigs. ....A schoolbook for the 9th grade on Hadith introduces a
famous narration known by the name, "The Promise of the Stone and the Tree."It tells a story
about
Abu Hurayra, one of the Prophet's companions who quoted the Prophet as saying: "The hour [the Day
of Judgment] will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them. A Jew will [then] hide behind a
rock or a tree, and the rock or tree will call upon the Muslim: 'O Muslim, O slave of Allah! there is
a
Jew behind me, come and kill him!' ....Sheikh Majed 'Abd Al-Rahman Al-Firian recently stated in
the
Suleiman Bin Muqiran mosque in Riyadh: "Muslims must… educate their children to Jihad. This is the
greatest beenefit of the situation: educating the children to Jihad and to hatred of the Jews, the
Christians, and the infidels; educating the children to Jihad and to revival of the embers of Jihad in
their
souls. This is what is needed now…"
THE MIDDLE EAST MEDIA RESEARCH INSTITUTE Special
Report - No. 12 December 20, 2002 No.12 Preliminary Overview.
Saudi Arabia's Education System: Curriculum, Spreading Saudi Education to the World and the Official
Saudi Position on Education Policy
Introduction[I] For the past two decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been engaged in an
extensive effort "to spread Islam to every corner of the earth."
[1] This has meant supporting or creating schools with a curriculum primarily based upon the teachings of
Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab, the 18th century founder of the Islamist Wahhabiyya movement.
[2] This report offers a preliminary overview of the Saudi education system focusing on its main
principles,
aspects of its organizational structure, translations from its textbooks and statements made by high
ranking
Saudi officials on the Saudi education policy.
Part I: The Philosophy of Education Education Based on the Teachings of Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab
According to a book published in 1995 by the Saudi Cultural Mission to the U.S. on education in the
Kingdom,
titled "Education in Saudi Arabia,"
[3] the roots of the contemporary Saudi education policy date back to the 18th century when Sheikh
Muhammad
Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab called for the return of Muslims to the fundamentals of Islam as preached by the Prophet
Muhammad. The cornerstone of education in Saudi Arabia consists of the most pervasive themes in Islam.The
book, published by the Saudi Cultural Mission to the U.S., quotes a document published by the Higher
Committee for Educational Policy
[4] which contains 236 principles that explain how students should promote loyalty to Islam by denouncing
any system or theory that conflicts with Islamic law. The students are also taught to understand Islam in
a
correct manner, how to plant and spread Islam throughout the world, and how "to fight spiritually and
physically for the sake of Allah,
[5] with emphasis on early Islamic glories.
[6] Spreading Islam throughout the World The concept of spreading Islam throughout the world is a
fundamental pillar of the Saudi education system, as the following principles from the document by the
Higher Committee for Educational Policy indicate:"The purpose of education is to understand Islam in
a
proper and complete manner, to implement and spread the Muslim faith, to provide a student with Islamic
values, and teachings."
[7] The document discusses the importance of "providing the individual with the necessary ideas,
consciousness and abilities to preach the message of Islam."
[8] Another concept within the Saudi education system is "widening the horizons of the thinking of
the
students by acquainting them with various countries of the world… and in attending to the duty of
spreading
its [Islam's] message..."
[9] In order to successfully spread Islam, students are taught "… at least one of the living
languages
in addition to their original language to enable them to acquire knowledge… [to] transmit our Saudi
knowledge… to other communities and pparticipate in the spreading of Islam."
[10] Teaching the History of Islamic Glories Educating students in "the spirit of Islamic
struggle" is another common theme in the Saudi education system, as the following principles
indicate:
"Striving and fighting for the sake of Allah is a prescribed duty, a followed tradition and an
existing
necessity. This spirit of striving will remain in force until the Day of Judgment."
[11] This is done by "teaching history in a systematic way, deriving crucial lessons from it and
explaining the Islamic points of view," highlighting the glorious stances in the history of Islam and
the civilization of its people, "so as to be an example to be followed by our present Muslim
generation."
[12] "Awakening the spirit of Islamic struggle to resist our enemies, restore our rights and glories,
and perform our duties towards the Islamic message"
[13] is a general theme students are expected to learn.This in effect will lead to "prompting his
[the
student's] zeal for the restoration of the glories of his Muslim nation… and for the resumption of the
march along the path of glory and hoonor."
[14] Part II: Organizational Aspects Government Control of Schoolbooks to Guarantee They are Consistent
with
Islam and Devoid of Anything Conflicting with Its Principles The Saudi government maintains control of
every
aspect of educational material:
[15] "The government shall be concerned with the control of all books coming into the Kingdom from
abroad or going out of the Kingdom to the outside world. No books shall be allowed for use unless they are
consistent with Islam, the intellectual trends and educational aims of the Kingdom..."
[16] The government policy also states: "All books should fulfill the aims of education and be devoid
of anything conflicting with Islam."
[17] Students also learn "how to face misleading rumors, destructive doctrines, and alien
thoughts,"
[18]The Saudi education authorities insist "the school textbooks should be in line with Islamic
requirements."
[19] Textbook Development According to the study by the Saudi Cultural Mission to the U.S.,
"committees
at the Ministry of Education oversee the development of textbooks
[20] in every subject for all educational levels… Textbooks are updated periodically to reflect
developments in different subjects. The textbooks used in Islamic studies, for example, which primarily
cover the traditional religious texts and their interpretation, change very little over the years.
Textbook
materials in fields such as mathematics, science, and social studies, however are reevaluated regularly.
Similar textbooks are used by male and female students who also follow the same academic curricula.It is
compulsory that private schools use the same textbooks and curricula employed in the public schools. The
government provides textbooks to private schools free of charge."
[21] Part III. Translations from Saudi Schoolbooks
[22] Jihad From an early age, schoolchildren are taught about Jihad for the Sake of Allah (Al-Jihad fi
sabil
Allah). In a textbook for 8th grade students, a Hadith is introduced about a companion of the Prophet
Muhammad who asked the Prophet: "What labor is most favored by Allah? He [the Prophet] answered:
Prayers on time; he then asked: what next? The Prophet answered: love thy parents. He then asked: what
else:
The Prophet answered: Jihad for the sake of Allah."The textbook interprets the conversation between
the
Prophet and his companion as follows: the most important activity is Jihad for the sake of Allah and the
convocation of Allah's religion on this earth.
[23] In a textbook titled "Pictures from the Lives of the Companions," the students are told
that
following the battle of Badr (the first victory of Muslims over the disbelievers) a new chapter in the
Koran
had descended on the Prophet which raised, in the eyes of Allah, the status of the mujahideen (Jihad
warrior) and their preference over those who sit still. The chapter challenges the mujahid to Jihad, and
discourages those who sit still.
[24] Jews and Christians - Cursed by Allah and Turned into Apes and Pigs A textbook for 8th grade students
explains why Jews and Christians were cursed by Allah and turned into apes and pigs.Quoting Surat
Al-Maida,
Verse 60, the lesson explains that Jews and Christians have sinned by accepting polytheism and therefore
incurred Allah's wrath.To punish them, Allah has turned them into apes and pigs.
[25] The Whole World Should Convert to Islam and Leave Their False Religions Lest Their Fate Will Be Hell
A
schoolbook for 5th grade instructs the students: "The religions which people follow on this earth are
many, but the only true religion is the religion of Islam.As for the other religions, they are false as
mentioned in the Koran (the Sura of Aal 'Umran Verse 85): 'And whoever follows a religion that is
not Islam, it will not be accepted from him and in the Hereafter he will be of the losers.''The
religion of Islam we know from the Koran and the Hadiths about the Prophet. The whole world should convert
to Islam and leave its false religions lest their fate will be hell. As mentioned in the Koran (the Sura
of
Al-Nihal Verse 125): '[I swear] by Him who holds Muhammad's soul in his hand that not one Jew or
Christian who had heard me and did not believe in the message that I was sent with shall die without being
one of those whose fate is hell.'" The students are then asked to mark "yes" or
"no" to the following questions: *"The Islamic religion is the road to heaven…"
*"Other religions bestow eternal damnation on ttheir adherent…"
[26] "There is a Jew Behind Me, Come and Kill HHim!" A schoolbook for the 9th grade on Hadith
introduces a famous narration known by the name, "The Promise of the Stone and the Tree."It
tells
a story about Abu Hurayra, one of the Prophet's companions who quoted the Prophet as saying: "The
hour [the Day of Judgment] will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews and kill them.A Jew will [then]
hide behind a rock or a tree, and the rock or tree will call upon the Muslim: 'O Muslim, O slave of
Allah! there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him!' - except for the gharqad tree, for it is one of
the
trees of the Jews."
[27] The Hadith is accompanied by a number of statements:
1. "It is Allah's wisdom that the struggle between Muslims and Jews shall continue until the Day
of
Judgment."
2. "The Hadithbrings forth the glad tidings about the ultimate victory, with Allah's help, of
Muslims over Jews."
3. "The Jews and the Christians are the enemies of the believers.They will not be favorably disposed
toward Muslims and it is necessary to be cautious [in dealing with them] ."
The book asks questions for class discussion: 1. "Who will be victorious in the Day of
Judgment?"
2. "With what types of weapons should Muslims arm themselves against the Jews?" 3. "Name
four
factors leading to the victory of Muslims over their enemies."
[28] Jewish Treachery In a textbook for 5th grade on the "History of the Islamic State" the
students are told that the Prophet Muhammad had concluded an agreement with the Jewish tribes in Medina so
that they would not commit treacheries against Muslims. "The Jews (then) broke their promise because
they were known for treachery, and the Prophet had expelled them from Medina to their relatives in Khaibar
where they started plotting (again)."It is then that the Prophet had decided to invade them, destroy
their fortifications and bring them under submission.
[29] A subject of discussion in the classroom is the case of Abdullah bin Saba, a "hypocrite
Jew"
who converted to Islam fraudulently and caused sedition among Muslims which resulted in the martyrdom of
the
third Khalifa, Othman ibn 'Affan.
[30] Jesus is Not the Son of God Islam acknowledges Jesus, the son of Miriam, as a prophet. In the book,
"Interpretation of the Oneness of God (Tawheed)," for first year high-school students it is
related that God had sent Jesus to order the Jews to worship the oneness of God. The book then states that
"He [Jesus] is the messenger of God, not his son as the Christians claim."
[31] Part IV: Exporting the Saudi Education System Spreading Islam throughout the world is emphasized on
numerous occasions in the official Saudi document authored by the Higher Committee for Educational Policy.
For example, students are taught: "to plant and spread the Islamic creed,"
[32] and that "preaching of Islam throughout the world … is the duty of the statee and its
citizens."
[33] The Saudi curriculum also educates students on the importance of "propagating Islam in all areas
of our globe, with wisdom and sound preaching."
[34] OnMarch 1, 2002, 'Ayn-Al-Yaqeen, a weekly news magazine published online by the Saudi royal
family,
detailed the efforts of the Saudi royal family to spread Islam throughout the world.
[35] The article states, "The cost of King Fahd's efforts in this field has been astronomical,
amounting to many billions of Saudi riyals. In terms of Islamic institutions, the result is some 210
Islamic
centers wholly or partly financed by Saudi Arabia, more than 1,500 mosques and 202 colleges and almost
2,000
schools for educating Muslim children in non-Islamic countries in Europe, North and South America,
Australia, and Asia…" According to 'Ayn-Al-Yaqeeen, the list of countries where the Saudis have
established schools includes (among others): the United States, Canada, Great Britain, France, Russia,
Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, Spain, Austria, Scotland, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia,
Hungary, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, Japan, Indonesia,
South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Burundi, Fiji, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Algeria, Nigeria, Chad,
Kenya, Cameroon, Senegal, Uganda, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, Brazil, Eritrea, and Djibouti.
[36]
The Case of the Islamic Academy in Washington, D.C. The 'Ayn-Al-Yaqeen
article
added, "it is not surprising that King Fahd Ibn Abd Al-Aziz
initiated a program to establish Islamic academies in some of the major capitals of the world…Amongst them
is the Islamic AAcademy in Washington, D.C. established in 1984. The academy has 1,200 students... 549 are
Saudis. The rest represent 29 nationalities." A report in The Washington Post on July 11, 2002,
explained that the Saudi academy now educates about 1,300 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th
grade
on two campuses in northern Virginia, with a dual American and Middle Eastern curriculum. Muslim educators
say the academy is unlike other Muslim schools in the United States, many of which struggle for resources,
in part because it is heavily funded by Saudi Arabia. Some Islamic studies classes at the school use Saudi
Arabian textbooks that promote hatred of other religions. The Saudi Islamic Academy lost its accreditation
and withdrew its membership from a respected association of private schools in Virginia following an
unwelcome inquiry. According to sources, the association raised questions regarding the Academy's
funding sources, as well as voiced concern about the substance of the Academy's curriculum.
[37] Part V: Saudi Officials on their Education System Of late, many members of the Saudi royal family, as
well as government spokesmen, have made statements regarding the Saudi education system. Saudi government
preachers also speak often about education.Sheikh Majed 'Abd Al-Rahman Al-Firian recently stated in
the
SuleimanBin Muqiran mosque in Riyadh: "Muslims must… educate their children to Jihad. This is the
greatest benefit of the situation: educating the children to Jihad and to hatred of the Jews, the
Christians, and the infidels; educating the children to Jihad and to revival of the embers of Jihad in
their
souls. This is what is needed now…"
[38] In reaction to U.S. criticism
[39] of Sauudi education policy, high level Saudi officials have issued statements in defense of their
education system, insisting it does not teach hatred and Jihad. In fact, this has been part of the message
of the multi-million dollar Saudi PR campaign in the U.S. to explain to Americans that Saudi Arabia is
against terrorism. In an interview with the Associated Press
[40]on October 21, 2002, 'Adel al-Jubeir, foreign policy advisor to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince
Adbullah, urged Americans not to fault the Saudi education system for producing 15 of the September 11
hijackers by saying, "the Unabomber went to Harvard" and "can you tell me that Timothy
McVeigh represents America?" During the last week of August 2002, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
released
a 10 page summary report from its embassy in Washington, D.C.
[41] documenting its "Initiatives and Actions in the Fight Against Terrorism." The Saudi embassy
document explains: "Our education system does not teach anti-American doctrines and hatred of the
West... Islam teaches peace, amicability, and tolerance, not violence and hatred…" Saudi Foreign
Minister Prince SS'ud al-Faysal's address to the UN
[42] on September 19, 2002 added, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which itself suffered from acts of
terrorism… mmade the fight against terrorism part of basic school curricula…"; Another official
government reaction came on the first anniversary of September 11.Saudi Minister of the Interior, Prince
Naif Ibn Abd Al-Aziz
[43] gave an interview to the Saudi-owned London daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat.He spoke about his views of those
who call for changing the Saudi school curricula, especially on subjects relating to Jihad. The prince
said:
"We do believe in the soundness of our educational curriculum, but we never oppose development of
educational methods in a manner that does not run counter to the country's deep-rooted
principles."The prince added: "We strongly believe in the correctness of our education system
and
its objectives. We don't change our systems on the demands of others... "
[44] On October 20, 2002, Prince Kahled Bin Fahd Bin Khaled wrote in Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi
school
curriculum is based on Shari'ah (Islamic Law) and that while it is true that a small group of Saudis
were involved in September 11, they were not the masterminds of these acts.The prince explained that the
leading perpetrators of the attack were unaware of the objectives and the impact of the operations which
were erroneously and arbitrarily linked to Saudi Arabia's educational curriculum. The prince claimed
that the Saudi curriculum does not warrant baseless accusations.
[45] The same week on October 26, 2002, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Ibn Abd Al-'Aziz
[46] discussed his country's education system: "We will never change our education policy, and
there is no demand that we change it. Our country has a policy... and above all religious curricula that
must never be harmed.Any demand by another country in the world that Saudi Arabia change its curricula is
unacceptable interference in [Saudi] sovereignty. There is no such demand, and we ask that our free press
take note that there are people who belong to Israel [and act] against the [Saudi] kingdom's policy
and
do the impossible in order to drive a wedge between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. in particular, and between
Saudi Arabia and the European countries. Our friendship will continue, and it is flawless..."
[47] During a press conference held between American and Saudi officials in late October 2002,[48]Saudi
Deputy Education Minister Dr. Khaled Al-'Awad also referred to the matter, claiming that during recent
meetings with U.S. officials, the Americans had retracted their accusations regarding the Saudi curricula.
He explained: "Meetings were held between top Saudi Education Ministry officials and American media
personnel and officials to clarify that the Saudi curriculum is fine and does not encourage or boost
terrorism and hatred of a member of another religion or faith.
This follows attacks on the Saudi curriculum, according to which it was claimed that the curricula
nourished
the [ideas] of terrorism in the souls of the pupils following the events of September 11, in which 15 of
the
19 perpetrators of the events that shocked New York and Washington and killed hundreds of people were
Saudis." Dr. Al-'Awad also claimed that the U.S. admitted it made a mistake regarding criticism
of
the Saudi education system and would be offering an apology: "These meetings yielded positive
results,
and since most of those present realized that the Saudi curricula were fine, they retracted their baseless
accusations.In light of the facts and information presented to them during this meeting, some of the media
personnel realized that the Saudi learning process is fine, and they promised to stop the attacks and to
apologize for the false accusations. Similarly, some of the officials promised to retract their previous
positions."
[49] *Steven Stalinsky is Executive Director of MEMRI.
[I] In view of the recent attention given to the Saudi education system and its role in the radicalization
of Saudi youth and Muslim students in Saudi-supported schools throughout the world, MEMRI is releasing
this
preliminary overview from a full study of Saudi school books that is underway and will be published in
2003.
[1] When the Saudi royal family refers to "spreading Islam," it refers to the form of Islam
practiced in Saudi Arabia, which is Wahhabi Islam. See Ayn-Al-Yaqeen: The Saudi royal family spent
billions
of riyals to 'spread Islam to every corner of the earth;'MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 360: http://www.memri.org/bin/opener.cgi?Page=archives&ID=SP36002.
[2] According to the Encyclopedia of Islam, Wahhabiyya denotes "the doctrine and the followers of
Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab (1115-1206/1703-92)."Wahhabiyya was founded in the mid-18th century in the
Arabian Peninsula.The core ideology of Wahhabiyya is based on the concepts of adhering to tawhid
(monotheism) and fighting shirk (polytheism).Muhammad Ibn Abd Al-Wahhab believed that Muslims throughout
the
world had become religiously ignorant and were no better than non-believers.In addition to gaining
knowledge
of tawhid and refraining from shirk, believers were expected to "combat... those who did not act
according to the rules of tawhid, who were thus regarded as not being Muslims..."
[3] Salloom, Hamad I. Education in Saudi Arabia (1995). 2nd Ed. Saudi Cultural Mission to the U.S.Dr. Al
Salloom, was Cultural Attache to the United States 1991-1994.
[4] Al Salloom, p. 15. "Education in Saudi Arabia" contains a total of 236 articles which serve
as
the main reference in the formulation of ideas and provide the main principles that direct education in
Saudi Arabia, its policies, objectives, systems, curricula, teacher training, and the evaluation system.
The
document details the national education policy and states that the educational process (should) fulfill
the
duty of acquainting the individual with Islam and adjust his conduct in accordance with the teaching of
religion, in fulfillment of the needs of society, and in the achievement of the nation's objectives.
Islam is not only integral to Saudi education but also serves as the very essence of its curriculum.
[5] Al-Zaid, Abdulla Muhammad. Education in Saudi Arabia: A Model with A Difference (1982). (Omar Ali
Afifi,
Trans.), p. 51. The author, Al-Zaid, is a former member of the teaching staff at King Abd Al-Aziz
University, former chairman of the department of education, and former director general of education for
the
western province of Saudi Arabia.
[6] Ibid., p.15.
[7] Ibid., p. 39.
[8] Ibid., p. 40.
[9] Ibid., p. 43.
[10] Al Salloom, p. 18.
[11] Al-Zaid., p. 39.
[12] Ibid., p. 42.
[13] Ibid., p. 45.
[14] Ibid. p 48.
According to Dr. Al-Zaid, teaching the history of Islamic glories is highlighted in the Saudi
curriculum.
[15] According to the report by Al Salloom (p.22), the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia oversees the
Kingdom's education system. Its responsibilities range from policy-making, planning, and budgetary
staffing to providing physical and teaching materials and supplies to schools. The Ministry also
undertakes
research and development programs related to the development of curriculum and teaching methods.
[16] Al-Zaid, p. 69.
[17] Ibid., p. 65.
[18] Ibid., p. 49.
[19] Ibid., p. 67.
[20] According to Al Salloom, pp. 99-100, the curriculum used in the education system in Saudi Arabia
undergoes a constant process of change and improvement in response to social and economic developments in
the Kingdom, as well as international developments in technology. National committees, established by the
Ministry of Education in 1984, are devoted to curriculum development and review, and advise the
Educational
Development Department of the Ministry.
[21] Committees at the Ministry of Education, Al Salloom, p. 100.
[22] All references are taken from books issued and distributed by the Saudi Ministry of Education to
Saudi
schools in the Kingdom and to Saudi-sponsored schools abroad.
[23] Al-Hadith for 8th grade (2000), p. 24.
[24] Suwar Min Hayat Al-Sehaba (2001), p.80.
[25] Sharh Kitab Al-Tawheed for 8th grade (2001), p.43
[26] Al-Tawheed Wa Al-Hadith for 5th grade (1999), p.34.
[27] Al-Hadith for 9th grade (2000), p. 122.
[28] Ibid. p. 123.
[29] Tarikh Al-Dawla Al-Islamiyya for 5th grade (1999), pp. 29-30.
[30] Ibid., p.31.
[31] Sharh Kitab Al-Tawheed (2001), p. 22.
[32] Al Salloom. p.17.
[33] Ibid.
[34] Al-Zaid, p 39.
[35] See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 360,
[36] Visit http://www.ain-al-yaqeen.com/(extensive archives can be found here).
[37] "Muslim School Withdraws from Association," The Washington Post, July 11, 2002. [38] See
MEMRI Special Report: Friday Sermons in Saudi Mosques: Review and Analysis