The question of whether or not Saudi Arabia created ISIS is a complex one with many conflicting answers. In some ways, it is foreseeable that the Saudis would have an interest in the development of ISIS, considering that they are the leader of the Sunni Muslim cause in the Middle East. However, the answer to the question is far from straightforward. It is not possible to definitively state whether or not Saudi Arabia took a part in causing the emergence of ISIS, or if the terrorist organization came about in spite of Saudi Arabia’s efforts.
Firstly, let’s examine the evidence that exists to suggest that Saudi Arabia had a hand in the development of ISIS. Saudi Arabia is a country with an officially declared Islamist government, and many of the core values and beliefs of ISIS are similar to those of the type of Islam practiced in the Kingdom. For example, ISIS promotes Sharia law and speaks out against Western values, two beliefs which are also important to the Saudi government. In addition, Saudi Arabia has been accused of providing financial and military support to ISIS. It is argued that this assistance was provided through channels which allowed the Saudi government to keep its involvement in ISIS a secret. There are also many questions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s role in providing assistance to ISIS in the form of weapons and fighters.
On the other hand, Saudi Arabia denies having any connection to ISIS or providing any kind of material or financial support. Saudi government officials have consistently denied any kind of involvement in ISIS activities and they point to the fact that the Kingdom is currently part of the US-led military coalition against the terror group. Saudi Arabia also claims to actively fight against ISIS within its borders, although this claim is disputed in some circles.
Some analysts point to the way in which Saudi Arabia handled the early stages of the Arab Spring in 2011-2012 as evidence of its complicity in the creation of ISIS. During the initial protests, Saudi Arabia led a successful counter-revolution which put down the protests and secured the existing regimes. Afterward, Daesh (ISIS) emerged as a force in Iraq and Syria. It is argued that in this counter-revolution, Saudi Arabia’s ultimate goal was to create a new force which could suppress the popular uprisings and further its own interests.
Another line of thought suggests that rather than being a driving force behind the emergence of ISIS, Saudi Arabia was actually a victim of its growth. It is argued that Saudi Arabia’s support for authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, and its continued economic and political interference in the affairs of other countries, contributed to the rise of groups like ISIS. It is claimed that these actions caused resentment and unrest in the region which, combined with other factors such as a lack of economic opportunity, helped fuel the growth of ISIS.
The Theory of Mischief Making
The theory of mischief making suggests that Saudi Arabia played a role in creating the environment in which ISIS was able to emerge and grow. It suggests that the Saudi government was involved in “mischief making,” which is defined as “the deliberate activity of creating instability and insecurity in order to advance certain interests or objectives.” This could include supporting militant groups, such as those who are affiliated with al Qaeda, who then became involved in the Syrian Civil War and helped create the conditions which gave rise to ISIS.
Mischief making would also include Saudi Arabia’s support for authoritarian regimes in the region, as well as its continued interference in the politics of other countries in the Middle East. It is argued that these actions, combined with the factors mentioned above, created an environment in which radical groups, such as ISIS, were able to flourish.
The Role of US Policy
The role of US policy in the emergence of ISIS, and in particular the Obama administration’s intervention in the Syrian Civil War, is another factor that needs to be considered. It is argued that US intervention in the conflict helped to fuel the growth of radical Islamist groups, such as ISIS, by providing them with material and military support. This intervention has also been blamed for exacerbating the existing sectarian tensions in the region, which were seen as a major factor in the emergence of ISIS.
Critics of US policy also point to the fact that US support for the Syrian rebels in the civil war allowed weapons and fighters to flow to extremist groups such as ISIS. This enabled them to strengthen their forces and expand their territory. Furthermore, some argue that US policy towards the Middle East was too passive and that a more proactive stance could have prevented the emergence of ISIS or at least contained its growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is difficult to conclusively answer the question of whether or not Saudi Arabia created ISIS. The evidence to suggest a connection between the two is ambiguous and highly contested. It is possible that Saudi Arabia had a role in creating the conditions in which ISIS could emerge, but it is also possible that the Saudi government was simply a victim of circumstance. Similarly, US policy in the Middle East has been heavily criticized for its role in facilitating the growth of radical Islamist groups like ISIS. Ultimately, the complexities of the issue must be further explored before a definite answer can be reached.
The Role Of Saudi Religion
Religion also plays a significant role in the question of whether or not Saudi Arabia created ISIS. While Saudi Arabia is officially an Islamic nation and claims to espouse the values of moderate Islam, some critics have accused it of promoting a more extreme version of the religion, which could have contributed to the violent and intolerant ideology of ISIS. These accusations are largely focussed on the teaching of Wahhabiism in the Kingdom, which is a more extreme form of Sunni Islam than is practised in other parts of the world.
In addition, questions have been raised over the Saudi government’s relationship with certain extremist religious groups. The government has been accused of providing financial and ideological support to Salafi and Wahhabi groups, which have been linked to extremist groups such as al Qaeda and ISIS. There is also evidence to suggest that Saudi government funded religious institutions in other Middle Eastern countries, which may have played a role in propagating the ideology of ISIS.
Ultimately, it is difficult to conclude definitively whether or not Saudi Arabia had a role in creating ISIS. However, what is clear is that the Saudi government’s policies and actions have contributed to the environment in which extremist groups like ISIS have been able to emerge and grow. In addition, there are questions as to the extent to which Saudi Arabian religious ideology has helped contribute to what is seen as a more extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam, and how this has contributed to the emergence of ISIS.
The Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Policies
It is difficult to underestimate the impact that Saudi Arabia’s policies have had on the region, both in terms of its role in creating ISIS, and in the aftermath of the terrorist group’s rise. Saudi Arabia has consistently denied any involvement in the creation of ISIS, and has sought to distance itself from the group. However, it is undeniable that Saudi Arabia has been deeply involved in the region since the onset of the Arab Spring. Its involvement in the conflict in Syria, and its support for authoritarian regimes throughout the region have been criticised for creating an atmosphere in which extremist groups like ISIS have been able to thrive.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s support for the US-led coalition against ISIS has had a significant effect on the group. The Saudi government has provided logistical and intelligence support to the coalition, as well as contributing to the fighting force in Iraq. The Saudi involvement in the fighting has been seen as crucial to the coalition’s success in pushing back ISIS. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the conflict has raised difficult questions about its role in creating the conditions in which ISIS was able to emerge.
The Humanitarian Impact Of ISIS
Given the complex nature of the issue, it is essential to look at the humanitarian impact of ISIS, and the wider effects of the group’s activities in Iraq and Syria. The rise of ISIS has been linked to a dramatic increase in violence against civilians in these countries, with estimates of the death toll ranging between 250,000 and 500,000. Furthermore, millions of Syrians and Iraqis have been displaced from their homes due to the violence and destruction caused by the group.
It is also important to consider the psychological effects of the violence. The horrific violence committed by ISIS has resulted in a profound sense of fear and insecurity among the people of Iraq and Syria. In addition, the harsh rule of the group has resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including sexual violence, torture and forced displacement.
Ultimately, it is essential to consider the human cost of ISIS when discussing the role of Saudi Arabia in the group’s emergence. It is clear that the rise of ISIS has had devastating consequences for the people of Iraq and Syria, and it is essential to consider these consequences in any discussion of the factors leading to the terrorist group’s emergence.
The Role Of Saudi In Countering ISIS
Finally, it is important to look at the role Saudi Arabia has played in countering ISIS. Despite the debate over the country’s involvement in the creation of the terrorist group, it is clear that the Saudi government has been instrumental in the fight against ISIS. The country is a key member of the US-led coalition against ISIS, and has provided intelligence, financial and logistical support to the coalition. In addition, Saudi Arabia has participated in military operations against ISIS and has been a key provider of humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict.
It is clear that Saudi Arabia has played a significant role in the counter-ISIS effort, although it is difficult to say to what extent this has been a result of its own policies or the international pressure placed on it. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Saudi government has been willing and able to contribute to the fight against ISIS, and has likely helped to contain the group’s spread in the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is difficult to conclusively answer the question of whether or not Saudi Arabia created ISIS. Evidence exists to suggest a connection between the two, but much of this is highly contested. It is clear that Saudi Arabia’s policies have played a role in creating an environment in which ISIS was able to emerge and grow, although it is impossible to ascertain the full extent of the country’s involvement. Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps to counter ISIS, and has provided logistical and financial support to the US-led coalition against the terrorist group.
