Combating Terrorism by Ali S. Awadh Asseri

"Combating Terrorism: Saudi Arabia’s Role in the War on Terror" by Ali S. Awadh Asseri explores the significant role that Saudi Arabia has played in the global fight against terrorism, particularly in the context of post-9/11 conflicts. This book provides an in-depth look at the strategies, initiatives, and challenges Saudi Arabia faced as it navigated both internal and external pressures related to terrorism and extremism.

Key Points

1. Saudi Arabia’s Domestic Measures Against Terrorism
   The book discusses Saudi Arabia’s proactive measures in combating terrorism on its home front. It delves into efforts to dismantle extremist groups, arrest and prosecute individuals linked to terrorism, and the importance of reforming religious schools to prevent radicalization.

2. International Cooperation in the War on Terror
   Saudi Arabia has been a key ally of the United States and other global powers in the war on terror. The book highlights Saudi Arabia’s collaboration in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations, and its support for global anti-terrorism initiatives through the United Nations and other international bodies.

3. Financial Efforts to Curb Terrorist Funding
   Asseri examines Saudi Arabia’s efforts to cut off the financial networks that support terrorism. This includes both domestic regulatory measures, such as freezing assets, and international cooperation to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

4. Religious and Ideological Counterterrorism
   The book emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s role in addressing the ideological roots of terrorism. This includes initiatives to promote moderate interpretations of Islam, such as the establishment of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, aimed at fostering understanding and tolerance.

5. Challenges and Criticisms
   While highlighting Saudi Arabia's accomplishments, the book also discusses the challenges and criticisms faced by the kingdom, including accusations of human rights violations, the role of Wahhabism in radicalizing individuals, and the complexity of balancing counterterrorism efforts with political and religious freedoms.