Profile of a Kingdom
Part 2 in the seven-part series "An Arabian Adventure"
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by Linda Pappas Funsch
Special to The Frederick News-Post
Late last fall, I was presented with the exceptional opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia with a delegation of Middle East specialists from across the United States.
Traveling under the aegis of the Washington-based National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, we crisscrossed the country's vast desert expanse for 10 days, interviewing scores of citizens from various walks of life. Our objective was to gain a better understanding of the Saudi people, their culture and their hopes for the future.
While a long career in the field of Middle East studies had exposed me to many countries in the region, this unique and fascinating Kingdom, founded by the legendary tribal leader Abdul Aziz ibn Saud less than 100 years ago, had persistently eluded me. Here was the chance to see firsthand a land that routinely dominates the headlines, but at the same time is shrouded in mystery.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at a crossroads, both geographically and culturally. Its unique location places it in proximity to three continents and several strategic waterways.
Its history and culture give this country a decidedly traditional aura. At the same time, its global position as a petroleum superpower casts its rulers and institutions into the international spotlight, giving rise to continuous speculation about its future.
What we discovered as we traversed this largely arid land, from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf and many points in between, was that Saudi Arabia is not a monolithic culture, but one which is deeply nuanced, with variations, contrasts, and family values not unlike our own.
It is a country bent on modernization and reform, while at the same time, is determined to hold firmly to its valued traditions.
In the days ahead, you will see the many faces of Saudi Arabia ... through photos and words.
Part 3 of this series: The Cradle of Islam
Copyright ©2006 by Linda Pappas Funsch |
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