Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)

Key Issues

On March 7, 2014, Saudi Arabia designated the Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah, ISIS, and al-Nusra as terrorist groups in an effort to combating extremism and terrorism in the nation. Jihadis who had joined groups such as ISIS and al-Nusra abroad were given 15 days to return or face penalties. The decree also forbade membership and the expression of support for the groups. These groups were viewed as external political forces attempting to create internal turmoil and destabilization.

One of the challenges in dealing with extremism within the kingdom was the issuing of fatwas by clerics encouraging the citizenry to join groups in Syria. Economic and social challenges in the country were also viewed as a source of discontent fueling unrest and radicalization. (http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/07/Saudi-Arabia-declares-Muslim-Brotherhood-terrorist-group.html) 

Relevant History

Related Blog Entries

References

Ajbaili, Mustapha. "Saudi: Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group," Al Arabiya News, March 7, 2014. (http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/07/Saudi-Arabia-declares-Muslim-Brotherhood-terrorist-group.html