Faysal

by Joseph A. Kechichian

"King Faysal (1906-1975) ruled Saudi Arabia from 1964 until his assassination eleven years later. Within his brief reign, Faysal secured a legacy as one of the most instrumental actors in the development of the modern Middle East. By the time he ascended to the throne, Faysal understood how dependent many nations were on his country's oil, an understanding that led to the oil embargo of 1973. Wisely, Faysal sought to channel the power of religion for the benefit of the public good, in opposition to Islamic fundamentalists, while his policy initiatives - a balanced budget, the expansion and modernization of higher education, strengthening labor laws and social policies ultimately helped stabilize the entire Gulf region and solidified Saudi Arabian leadership, wealth, and power." "King Faysal aspired to a reign guided by an unwavering belief in God, the courage to conquer evil, the patience to persevere regardless of costs or consequences, submission to the will of God against hardships,