Saudi Arabia Carries Out Largest Mass Execution In 25 Years After Beheadings Soar In 2015

Tyler Durden's picture




 

While we wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s possible to find a “silver lining” in the San Bernardino massacre, the fact that Tashfeen Malik’s connection to Saudi Arabia has focused the world’s attention on Riyadh’s role in promoting Sunni extremism means the tragedy will at least serve a kind of utilitarian purpose. 

As we and others have documented extensively, Saudi Arabia’s promotion of Wahhabism makes the kingdom the number one state sponsor of terror almost by default (Erdogan’s support for ISIS notwithstanding). Despite the best efforts of quite a few commentators and analysts who this year have drawn attention to the fact that the ideology espoused and promulgated by the Saudis is really no different than that promoted by ISIS, the Western public is still largely in the dark - we know this because if the US electorate were truly in tune to what’s going on, voters would stage a popular revolt before they’d allow King Salman to parade into Washington in a fleet of Mercedes on the way to commandeering the entire Four Seasons for a two day stay. 

As Kamel Daoud, a columnist for Quotidien d’Oran, and the author of “The Meursault Investigation” put it in a New York Times op-ed in November, Saudi Arabia is simply “an ISIS that made it.” Here’s an excerpt from that piece:

Black Daesh, white Daesh. The former slits throats, kills, stones, cuts off hands, destroys humanity’s common heritage and despises archaeology, women and non-Muslims. The latter is better dressed and neater but does the same things. The Islamic State; Saudi Arabia. In its struggle against terrorism, the West wages war on one, but shakes hands with the other. This is a mechanism of denial, and denial has a price: preserving the famous strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia at the risk of forgetting that the kingdom also relies on an alliance with a religious clergy that produces, legitimizes, spreads, preaches and defends Wahhabism, the ultra-puritanical form of Islam that Daesh feeds on.

Of course the kingdom’s support for radical Islam isn’t confined to the promotion of a poisonous ideology. The Saudis have a history of arming and funding Sunni extremist groups when those groups are thought to be advancing Riyadh’s geopolitical interests. Syria is the latest example but there are others including, for instance, the Saudis’ support for the mujahideen during the Soviet-Afghan war. At the risk of generalizing, those fighters went on to become al-Qaeda.

We bring that up because today, Saudi Arabia (that bastion of human rights) executed 47 people, many of whom were al-Qaeda members. “Most of the 47 executed in the kingdom's biggest mass execution for decades were Sunnis convicted of al Qaeda attacks in Saudi Arabia a decade ago,” Reuters reports, adding that “the executions took place in 12 cities in Saudi Arabia, four prisons using firing squads and the others beheading.” Here’s more: 

The simultaneous execution of 47 people - 45 saudis, one Egytian and a man from Chad - was the biggest mass execution for security offences in Saudi Arabia since the 1980 killing of 63 jihadist rebels who seized Mecca's Grand Mosque in 1979.

 

The 43 Sunni jihadists executed on Saturday included several prominent al Qaeda figures, including those convicted for attacks on Western compounds, government buildings and diplomatic missions that killed hundreds from 2003-06.

Obviously, there's something terribly absurd about this. The Saudis are executing Sunni extremists with one hand, and promoting Sunni extremism with the other. While they're busy beheading al-Qaeda members in Saudi Arabia, they're effectively creating a Hydra by funneling arms and funds to al-Nusra in Syria and promulgating the "dark" (to quote Bashar al-Assad) ideology that inspires the group.

But that's not all. Among those executed on Saturday was prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. As BBC notes, "Sheikh Nimr was a vocal supporter of the mass anti-government protests that erupted in Eastern Province in 2011, where a Shia majority have long complained of marginalisation."

Here are some fast facts about the Sheikh, again, courtesy of BBC:

  • In his 50s when he was executed, he has been a persistent critic of Saudi Arabia's Sunni royal family
  • Arrested several times over the past decade, alleging he was beaten by Saudi secret police during one detention
  • Met US officials in 2008, Wikileaks revealed, seeking to distance himself from anti-American and pro-Iranian statements
  • Emerged as a figurehead in the protests that began in 2011 inspired by the Arab Spring
  • Said to have a particularly strong following among Saudi Shia youth

Ultimately, the Saudis killed (literally) two birds with one stone here: they silenced a dissident political voice and they dealt a slap in the face to Iran by killing a prominent member of the Shiite community.

The Sheikh's death sparked protests in the Eastern Province, the site of the 2011 uprising in which Nimr played a key role. "Scores of Shi'ite Muslims marched through the Qatif district of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province in protest at the execution of cleric Nimr al-Nimra," Reuters says, citing an eyewitness. "They chanted 'down with the Al Saud', the name of the ruling Saudi royal family." Here's more, from al-Jazeera:

Scores of Shias in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province marched through Nimr's home district of Qatif to protest against the execution. Dozens of protesters also took to the streets in neighbouring Bahrain, where police fired tear gas to disperse them.

 


 

Nimr had called for the oil-rich Eastern Province, where about two million Shia live, to be separated from the rest of Saudi Arabia.

He also criticised the government for what he said was the marginalisation of the Shia minority in the country.

 

Lebanon's Shia Hezbollah movement condemned the execution, calling it an "assassination".

 

The "real reason" for the execution was "that Sheikh Nimr ... demanded the squandered rights of an oppressed people," the group said in a statement. 

They're also protesting at the Saudi embassy in Tehran:

Officially, Nimr's crime was sedition, disobedience and bearing arms. Oh, and "foreign meddling." Speaking of "foreigners," Iran isn't happy, and neither is Hezbollah. "Saudi Arabia is executing the opponents of terrorism," Tehran said. Even the Houthis jumped into the fray. Here's Reuters again:

Riyadh's main regional rival Iran and its Shi'ite allies immediately reacted with vigorous condemnation of the execution of Nimr, and Saudi police raised security in a district where the sect is a majority in case of protests, residents said.

 

But a top Iranian cleric said the kingdom's Al Saud ruling family would be "wiped from the pages of history", Yemen's Houthi group described Nimr as a "holy warrior" and Lebanese militia Hezbollah said Riyadh had made "a grave mistake".

 

"The (royal) Al Saud family executed today the holy warrior, the grand cleric Nimr Baqr al-Nimr after a mock trial ... a flagrant violation of human rights," an obituary on the Houthis' official Al Maseera website said.

This comes on the heels of a banner year for beheadings in the kingdom. As AP reports, "Saudi Arabia carried out at least 157 executions in 2015, with beheadings reaching their highest level in the kingdom in two decades, according to several advocacy groups that monitor the death penalty worldwide."

The Saudis would be wise to exercise caution in 2016. Now that Riyadh has been forced to rollback subsidies and overhaul the welfare state in order to buy itself some budget breathing room, the conditions are ripe for social unrest. Inflaming sectarian tensions by killing prominent Shiite opposition leaders isn't exactly conducive to the promotion of stability.

Additionally, it's not clear that this is an opportune time to poke Iran in the eye. Between Yemen and Iraq, Tehran's influence is expanding and thanks to Russia, it doesn't appear likely that Damascus will fall to Saudi-backed rebels. In short, Iran's Shiite cresent is waxing while the House of Saud is waning. Throw in the fact that Iran is set to shed the "pariah state" label with the lifting of international sanctions and the fact that Islamic State's meteoric rise has served to increase public awareness of just how dangerous the ideology espoused by the Saudis truly is, and you have a truly precarious situation for Washington's favorite oil-rich monarchy.

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Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:33 | 6988203 Tortuga
Tortuga's picture

That's because they are all related, by bloodline & marriage.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:57 | 6988268 Allen_H
Allen_H's picture

I speak on the end of this conversion, but what if he is legit ? Although there almost seems like there could EVER be such a thing. What if he IS sincere to the people ? Would they allow another JFK> I think not. The neocons will not allow this in your government, so What will they do to stop the bull in the China shop? That was almost weird, as when I typed China I knew that this is your politicians greatest concern. That China and Russia make more agreements, trade deals and links by PEN ! As opposed to those agreements you all make by gun, which DO NOT bring in much revenue.

And Fuck Saudi Arabia terrorist cunts and all their kingdoms, let them BURN !

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 13:25 | 6988340 Manthong
Manthong's picture

When I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord that he will keep the Donald in the heat so we get to watch Billary be beat.


To an F’n pulp.

 

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 18:05 | 6989129 petroglyph
petroglyph's picture

@ Loki, " Odd ain't it?" A fish doesn't see the water.

btw +1

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:41 | 6988058 trader1
trader1's picture

don't you know that voting for Trump = Clinton victory?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:38 | 6988215 trader1
trader1's picture

DDD = downvoters dindo demographics

jus' sayin'

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 20:14 | 6989468 Nobody For President
Nobody For President's picture

So asshat, which Republacrat do you suggest could beat the Hitlery?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:08 | 6987987 Berspankme
Berspankme's picture

No, increases their chances for a date on Saturday night

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:52 | 6988224 MrNosey
MrNosey's picture

I was watching a program regarding the roll out of the internet across Africa and one thing that struck me was that in every location that they filmed, there were no white residence or government officials (this included the large cities).

Apart from foreign workers, the exact same applies to Saudi and anyone going there has to abide by their extremely strict religious doctrine or pay the consequences.

Now I wonder why these countries and many others with the same demographics, are not having multiculturalism and diversity forced down their throats?

http://beforeitsnews.com/global-unrest/2015/12/gangs-in-london-can-you-g...

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:38 | 6987930 Lorca's Novena
Lorca's Novena's picture

Wheres erik magnus to defend these lowlifes?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:43 | 6987936 g'kar
g'kar's picture

they're not dark enough

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:50 | 6987957 Lucky Leprachaun
Lucky Leprachaun's picture

being chased by some ragheads.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:56 | 6987969 LasVegasDave
LasVegasDave's picture

One of the few things the filthy arabs get right

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:42 | 6987937 Element
Element's picture

 

 

We're the Islamic State!

No! We're the Islamic State!

No, No! We're the Islamic state!!

I'm the Islamic State .. and so's my wife!!!

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:56 | 6987976 _ConanTheLibert...
_ConanTheLibertarian_'s picture

What song is that?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 14:03 | 6988440 Element
Element's picture

Life of Brian.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:45 | 6987942 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

our friends. what a crock. how are they any different from ga-daffy?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:48 | 6987951 Element
Element's picture

Aren't they like a somebody now, on the human rights fronts i mean ... at the UN? ... sumtin?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 13:24 | 6988344 nmewn
nmewn's picture

Why yes, as a matter of fact, the UN's Human Rights Council...lol.

Apparently because this particular insane asylum has started so-called Safe Zone Days where the cell doors are flung open so the inmates can run around freely, shitting on the desks, randomly screaming followed by laughter & sobbing, strangling & beheading their fellow inmates, ya know, just generally taking charge of the place.

Now, if psychiatrists are to be believed, they claim they derive some mental health benefit from all this and they say it doesn't really affect the nuthouses operation, in fact, they say it's like any other normal day at the UN, accept for some of them wind up in the IPCC control room, which interrupts the very important finger painting and S&M bondage films being shown in there at 5, 7 and 9PM ;-)

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:46 | 6987945 chunga
chunga's picture

Of course Saudi Arabia and USSA are awesome BFFS so please respect their customs. Please also remember to use gender neutral pronouns from now on because hurt feelings are possible. Thanks

Gender Neutral Pronouns in the Workplace: A Legal Overview

http://blogs.findlaw.com/law_and_life/2015/12/gender-neutral-pronouns-in...

Once upon a time there were workplaces with people of one gender and race who all grew up in the same way and saw the world more or less alike. Now that is no longer the case. So we all must be able to accommodate everyone's experience of the world in our language.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:31 | 6988033 SmedleyButlersGhost
SmedleyButlersGhost's picture

Goat fukers seems like it would be male specific, so I'll drop that one. Hajjis is kind of neutral but not commonly applied to women and children...but? Now I'm not saying I would use the phrase sand nigger, but as a point of information - would that be gender neutral?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 17:37 | 6988996 Razor_Edge
Razor_Edge's picture

Interesting couple of names in that piece;  Ephrat Livni, Sheryl Kleinman........., reminds me of a link I posted a couple of days ago re political correctness and its origin;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjaBpVzOohs

Ain't it strange that the tribe are all over this thing?  /s

 

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:47 | 6987949 JamaicaJim
JamaicaJim's picture

Saudi Arabia

Made up "Kingdom" - lousy with total assholes. Laws that are 13th century - at best.

AND THE U.S. IS "FRIENDS" WITH THIS PACK OF CUNTS????

FUCK the myriad of politicians sucking up to this sand infested douchebag laden piece of shit "country"

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:58 | 6987978 _ConanTheLibert...
_ConanTheLibertarian_'s picture

Yes, what a piece of shiites

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:43 | 6988054 trader1
trader1's picture

thank FDR and every American regime since him...

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:30 | 6988190 Tortuga
Tortuga's picture

The banksters do bidness with the scum sucking bottom dwelling ragheads. No friends there. Our foreign policy doesn't have dick to do with the US.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 13:47 | 6988398 DaveA
DaveA's picture

FDR was preoccupied with Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany at the time, and the Saudis offered us an ocean of oil for a price that was a pittance to us but a vast fortune to desert nomads who'd be dirt-poor if they had dirt.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 21:45 | 6989683 August
August's picture

Mecca back to the legitimate sharif! 

At least the Hashemites have a little style.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:49 | 6987952 corporatewhore
corporatewhore's picture

Please post obligatory pictures of our presidents kissing and bowing to the Kingdom

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:52 | 6987962 buzzsaw99
buzzsaw99's picture

as the sauds slip, fall, and accidently anal-penetrate them?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:52 | 6987955 OregonGrown
OregonGrown's picture

So, why isnt USA trying to liberate the "good people" of Saudi Arabia from Human rights violations and from tyranny???

 

Oh, I know..... USA is a bunch of PUSSIES, that only pick on the people that cant possibly fight back....Like the big bully in the school yard!

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:55 | 6987967 Element
Element's picture

day ees vital allis in a war against terrors ...?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:16 | 6987996 css1971
css1971's picture

WTF?

No. In 1973, the USA made and agreement with the Saudi royal family to provide support, military arms against their oppposition in return for maintaining oil on the US dollar standard.

The US actively supports the Saudi royals.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:45 | 6988095 OregonGrown
OregonGrown's picture

WTF???

So, because the "US actively supports the royals" and has for over 40 years..... these fucks can do what ever they want, to any citizen and any country without reprisal?  Even to the point where 18 nationals take over a few airplanes then run them into our skyscrapers?  Time to take off your rose-colored glasses and see the world for what it is!  

RING RING.. RING RING..

"HELLO..  This is 1970's USA calling and WE want our foreign policy back."

 

As a matter of fact, the USA "actively supports "moderate"" ISIS terrorists too....does that mean we should protect them as well??? 

 

Wait, you dont have to answer that.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1HBZGObl8

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 17:56 | 6989090 petroglyph
petroglyph's picture

Apparently the Sauds hadn't payed much attention to how well the USG kept all the treaties it ever signed with American indians? It might even be that there are patriots in the MIC, just hoping those pricks run out of oil while we still have the wrc? That Saud royal family runs out of light crude, they are going down like a cheap whore,,,with extreme prejudice.

Americans can't really believe all our POTUS actually want to bow to the king and kiss his stinky finger, do they?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:43 | 6988062 jm
jm's picture

It's called a steady supply of oil.

They are dominated by powers who don't care whether 25 million people are governed by animals.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:52 | 6987961 Xredsx
Xredsx's picture

Is this incident being reported by mainstream media in the USA? Im very curious.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 17:44 | 6989028 petroglyph
petroglyph's picture

Xred, I hear you. It's been so long since I watched any msm that I do get curious and ask somebody occasionally. Seems they have an election of some kind going on?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:52 | 6987963 Reaper
Sat, 01/02/2016 - 10:57 | 6987970 cristo
cristo's picture

I don't get what the proplem is , muslims can kill each other all they want ,

i would have gotten upset if this article said they executed a Christian or anyone other than muslims .

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:20 | 6988003 Dominus Ludificatio
Dominus Ludificatio's picture

Islamic cancers may have different forms but they really are the same disease.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:45 | 6988066 trader1
trader1's picture

...as opposed to Judeo-Christian cancers?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:46 | 6988238 trader1
trader1's picture

downvoters dindo history

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 13:20 | 6988332 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

Here's something for both of you. 

The same symbology of an 8 pointed star is in both mosques & catholic churches.

Who's being played here?

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 15:09 | 6988590 trader1
trader1's picture

at the end of the day, we're all just playing with ourselves...

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:56 | 6988083 Gaius Frakkin' ...
Gaius Frakkin' Baltar's picture

As far as I can tell, sunni islam is the more wretched of the two. It turns despicable arab DNA and radicalizes it to the extreme.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:26 | 6988179 Tortuga
Tortuga's picture

Sunni-Shia, either end of the same camel droppins.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 11:53 | 6988084 trader1
trader1's picture

then you are on the wrong website.  

Stormfront is not here.

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:36 | 6988213 SmedleyButlersGhost
SmedleyButlersGhost's picture

You have ZH confused with your safe zone. It's called fight club - not kinetic energy release in a safe manner club

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:39 | 6988222 trader1
trader1's picture

wtf u think i'm doin'?

you've got to take the power back!!!!

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!