JOSEPH RICHARD PREVILLE The meteoric rise of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia is one of the most fascinating stories of the twentieth century. How did it conquer its geography and become a global giant? This is the central question posed by Toby Craig Jones in his provocative new book, “Desert Kingdom: How Oil and Water Forged Modern Saudi Arabia” (Harvard University Press, 2010). Toby Craig Jones is an Assistant Professor of History at Rutgers University. A graduate of Auburn and Stanford Universities, Jones has written for Foreign Affairs, Arab Reform Bulletin, Middle East Report, and The International Journal of Middle East Studies. His next project is entitled “America's Oil Wars,” and will be published by Harvard University Press. Jones seeks to understand the complicated and mysterious dynamics of “political power, expertise, oil and the environment” in Saudi Arabia. The story begins with the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia in the 1930s by American geologists. This cemented the long-term relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Jones takes a critical look at this arrangement and its positive and negative consequences for both countries. Oil was not the only vital concern for Saudi Arabia; water was an equally pressing issue for the agricultural needs of the desert nation. “Before the founding of the kingdom,” Jones writes, “the discovery of oil, and the integration of Saudi Arabia into the global economy, agriculture was the central pillar of economic life.” Jones documents successful and ineffective Saudi efforts to address this problem as part of the national agenda of modernization and development. He also considers the role of Islam in shaping the evolution of Saudi Arabia, referring to Islam as “the ideological glue that bound ruler and ruled in Saudi Arabia.” King Faisal (1964-75) trumpeted the compatibility between Islam and modernity. In a notable speech on development in 1965, he stressed the importance of service “to our religion, our umma and our nation.” This message was echoed in 1978 by Minister of Information Fouad Al-Farsy in his academic case study of Saudi development: “Saudi Arabia, the only nation to use the Holy Qur'an as a State Constitution, is adjusting well to the conditions of the twentieth century while sustaining its distinctive Islamic identity. This demonstrates, therefore, that neither is Islam an obstacle in the way of progress, nor is secularism a pre-requisite for development.” Saudi Arabia is a special kingdom, but it is not a utopia. It has enjoyed success and experienced failure, like any other nation. Jones looks at both of these in his examination. “Desert Kingdom” is a keen study of the formation of a unique and influential country. He reveals the serious problems and formidable challenges it encountered - and the internal battles it fought - during its metamorphosis. His book is more than about oil and water in Saudi Arabia. The deeper layer of this story is about the essence and existence of a people bound together in history. What unites them?What divides them? What is their destiny? “Desert Kingdom” is sure to spark discussion and debate. It touches on some of the most sensitive nerves of a society. But, it also describes how determination and perseverance built Saudi Arabia into a Middle Eastern powerhouse. Toby Craig Jones opens the door to understanding how it happened. Desert Kingdom: How Oil and Water Forged Modern Saudi Arabia, Toby Craig Jones (Harvard University Press, 2010) - Saudi Gazette PLEASE MAKE A BOX: A conversation with Toby Craig Jones JOSEPH RICHARD PREVILLE What inspired you to write this intriguing book on Saudi Arabia? I lived in Saudi Arabia for almost ten months in 2003 while carrying out research for my Ph.D. in Middle East history at Stanford University. My original intent was to write about oil's impact on social and cultural life in Saudi Arabia, although I did not realize at the time how central water was in the kingdom or how important it would be to my research findings. The content of the book and my approach to thinking about the environment was somewhat accidental, largely the result of what I could find and what I learned while in Saudi Arabia. The inspiration to understand Saudi Arabia better preceded my life there. But the inspiration to write the book I did was a direct result of the time I spent there. How did living in Saudi Arabia shape the perspective of your research? I could not have written this book without having lived in Saudi Arabia. As an historian, I need access to recorded sources and to people. And it was paramount that I spent time in the place I hoped to write about. I was fortunate to discover the primary sources I did. I literally stumbled upon them at several libraries in Riyadh, in the Eastern Province, and even in Bahrain. Most important of all were the Saudis who helped and encouraged me along the way. Between the start of the US led war on Iraq and Al-Qaeda's launch of its terrorism campaign in Riyadh in 2003, it was difficult at times to even get to libraries and to visit people. Dozens of Saudis made it possible for me to complete my work. How did the rise of Saudi Arabia change the dynamics of power in the Middle East? Although its role is often overlooked, the Kingdom has played a key role in the region. The discovery of oil added to Saudi Arabia's importance and its influence. Oil (and water) helped secure the fortunes of the ruling family, allowing the kingdom's leaders to shore up their authority at home. Oil also strengthened the country's position vis-à-vis its neighbors. Perhaps most importantly, oil has also invited outside power and influence, most notably the United States. The American-Saudi alliance has been one of the most important partnerships in the region – for better and worse. Do you believe that Saudi Arabia is entering a bold new era in its history? I believe King Abdullah is attempting to steer the country onto a new course. Since 1979, when the kingdom endured the shock of the seizure of the Mecca Mosque, Saudi Arabia has been beholden to the influence of reactionary clerics. The king seems to working to check their power and to restore more political balance – mostly by expanding social rights. Politically, however, the kingdom remains stuck. Oil and patronage have worked to undermine more liberal political reforms. I only hope such change will come sooner rather than later. Will you be returning to Saudi Arabia or the region for further research? I will return to the region in the next year to begin a new project on oil and war. I would be delighted if my research brings me back to Saudi Arabia, to visit old friends, and to see familiar places. - Saudi Gazette CAPTION: Toby Craig Jones __
