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Experts estimate that Saudi Arabia employs as many as five to six million
foreign workers -- between one-third and two-thirds of all jobs
nationwide. These immigrants range from very poor Sri Lankans working as
housecleaners and drivers, to highly-skilled American technicians.
The economy's reliance upon foreigners, however, has developed in stark
tension with a theocratic society hostile to non-Islamic, foreign and
modernizing influences. Experts widely agree that recent bombings,
beheadings, and other gruesome, highly visible terror attacks have
targeted foreign workers in an attempt to drive non-Saudis out and
prevent new arrivals.
While Westerners tend to be well-paid and live in relatively
luxurious compounds, low-wage immigrant laborers from poorer countries may
suffer years of maltreatment.
Saudi Aramco Compound at
Dhahran Credit: Wendy Cocker
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Who's Who - Read about the
ten most influential members of the House of Saud.
Interactive Map - Learn about
the Saudi oil industry and the world's dependence on such.
Info-Graphic -
Examine the numbers of Muslims in the World and in the West.
Debate: Islam and
Democracy Two scholars, Dr. Daniel Pipes and Dr. Muqtedar Khan
discuss the compatibility of Islam and democracy.
Interactive Map: Middle
East- Learn more about the politics, population and history of
Middle East countries.
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