In the 1920s, when oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia, Ibn Saud immediately embraced the opportunity to use the resource in forging relations with America. 1930s-1973The third decade of the twentieth century marked a new phase in the history of Saudi Arabia. By late 1900s therefore, 50 per cent of the workforce in Saudi Arabia consisted of foreigners. Despite the changes he brought about, the socio-economic scenario in Saudi Arabia remained quite dismal. The ongoing crisis in Saudi Arabia needs to be located in this long history of upheavals and frustrations that the country has gone through over the years.

Source: Indian Express November 07, 2017 12:45 UTC