perceived hard-line policy towards Christians and other religious minorities in the Islamic kingdom. Analysts say Abdullah, who was proclaimed Saudi Arabia’s new king, succeeding his half-brother who died on Monday, July 31, is likely to observe the same strict Islamic policies as his predecessor, who was to be buried in an unmarked and simple grave.
Nothing marks out King Fahd’s grave from those of others, in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s strict Wahhabi brand of Islam, which regards the visiting of graves as idolatry.
There will be no mourning period, in line with Wahhabism, which unquestionably accepts Allah’s will. Saudi flags, emblazoned with "There is no God but Allah," will not be lowered as this is deemed blasphemous.
ABDULLAH TRADITIONS
It is in line with the traditions observed by Abdullah, who Saudi officials say has run day-to-day affairs since Fahd suffered a stroke in 1995, and who steered Saudi Arabia through a sometimes rocky relationship with the United States.
While he has made clear Saudi Arabia would maintain the Gulf state’s oil policy and close alliance with the West, his country has been criticized by Washington for its alleged poor human rights record and reports of persecution of Christians.
Under Abdullah at least dozens and perhaps up to 100 foreign Christians were reportedly detained in recent weeks, in what International Christian Concern called the "largest crackdown on Christians in a decade."
INDIAN RELEASED
The last Indian Christian of that group, preacher Samkutty Varghese "was released from a Saudi prison" and left the Islamic kingdom early Thursday, July 21. after he was initially sentenced to ten months and at least "100 lashes" ICC said.
But human rights activists have warned that many more Christians may still be in prison as the profession of another faith than Islam is strictly punished in the country. In addition as "a matter of official policy, the government either incinerates or dumps Bibles, crosses and other Christian paraphernalia," repotted the Saudi Institute, an independent US-based think tank with close contacts with dissidents.
"Hundreds of Christian worshipers are arrested every year by Saudi police in raids on their private gatherings," it added. "Although considered as holy in Islam and mentioned in the Koran dozens of times, the Bible is banned in Saudi Arabia, and is confiscated and destroyed by government officials."
DIPLOMATS COMPLAIN
Human rights watchdogs and Western diplomats have complained that although Saudi Arabia’s economy heavily depends on foreigners, expatriates are not allowed to profess their faith under strict regulations. There are around six million foreigners in the conservative country, which has a population of 23 million, including many Christians from Europe, North America, Asia and other Arab states, according to estimates
But there seemed little appetite among Western leaders to raise the human rights issue in the oil giant and strategic United States ally on funeral day Tuesday, August 2.
US President George W. Bush has already promised a "close partnership" with Saudi Arabia under Abdullah’s leadership, and send a delegation.
The leaders of Syria, Pakistan and other Muslim states were also to attend. Following the funeral, Saudis will pledge allegiance to Abdullah, who is at least 80, and new Crown Prince Sultan on Wednesday, August 3. (With BosNewsLIfe Chief International Correspondent Stefan J. Bos, BosNewsLife Research and reports from Saudi Arabia)
