U.s. Army War College

The Role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Combating Terrorism U.s. Army War College

Terrorism currently presents a wide range of issues in the international arena. These are discussed both in educational institutes and shape government policy. The terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001, and the subsequent terror attacks in different parts of the world, have ignited wide concern. Saudi Arabia has suffered a series of terrorist attacks in recent decades of different types and magnitudes. Responding to the most recent attack of 12 May 2003, which was well organized and synchronized, the Saudi Government mobilized its resources to combat this threat for the security of the country, and to participate in cooperative efforts with the world community. Significant efforts have been made in this regard. These include economic/financial, educational, and media efforts, to halt and eradicate terrorism in all possible ways. Direct domestic security operations are primarily focused on the dismantling of existing terrorist cells. Assisting these efforts will lead to a desirable end-state that is beneficial not only for the security of Saudi Arabia, but for the security of the whole world as well. The purpose of this paper is to examine the efforts that have been put in effect by Saudi Arabia in fighting terrorism, and to recommend actions in assisting and improving these efforts.