Tight Security at Aramco

Despite tight security at Aramco I still got to meet with a few buddies and even got to hold the flag which says "There is no God but Allah and M0hamed is his messenger." The sword is a Bedouin symbol associated with Arabia. Why would this be the chosen flag of Saudi Arabia?

I will take off tomorrow evening and not getting into Saudi Arabia until late Friday night. If anyone is interested you can respond to some of my posts and begin to simply ask questions that you have about Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is of the utmost importance for a variety of reasons just a few being:

• It is at the economic center of the world controlling the largest supply of the most important natural resource in the world


• It is home to Mecca and Medina, the most holy sites in Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world


• 15 of the 19 hijackers on September 11, 2001 were from Saudi Arabia, the home of Osama bin Laden


• Saudi Arabia shares a large border with Iraq and Syria and is across the Persian Gulf (Arabian Sea) from Iran, all countries with which the U.S. has hostilities with

Ask some questions, do a little research, enjoy your Thansgiving

Assalam'alaikoom

Hello Houston

I arrived yesterday in the great state of Texas. I flew from Burlington to Chicago to Houston which is pleasant 80 degrees.
Today, Day 1, was spent at Aramco Service Company. This is the Saudi Aramco's American arm; they take care of all of Saudi Aramco's North American interests. Remember, this is the largest oil company in the world and considering that the world economy runs on oil, is the player in the world economy. Aramco came into existence in May 1933 after the Saudi government signed an agreement with Standard Oil. Saudi Arabia had been an undeveloped country with most of its economy being tied to the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca by Muslims. However, with the discovery of oil Saudi Arabia gained significant wealth but Aramco was not owned by the Saudis. Between 1973 and 1980 the Saudi government gradually purchased shares in Aramco and gained full ownership in 1988. And now they are bringing me to Saudi Arabia!!!!!
For any willing souls out there

• What was Standard Oil?
• Was this companies actions in the Middle East a form of imperialism?

World Geography - Get Started

I would like you to ask any questions about Saudi Arabia and the trip in general. Some things I would like you to think about and respond to. Leave your name with any comment you make

1. What comes to mind when you hear Arab?

You can just list ideas and thoughts. Once I start my voyage just ask any questions and respond to some of my comments

Michael S.

Modern World History - First Posts - Arab Stereotypes

Although more evident in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001, stereotypes of "others" have existed for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

• What does stereotype mean?
• Why do people create stereotypes?
• From what do stereotypes develop?
• Are stereotypes valid?
• What are common stereotypes of Arabs?
• Why do you think these stereotypes exist?
• How do people (those with power and those without power) use stereotypes of Arabs to their own benefit?
• Think about images, words, ideas that are often associated with Arab people. Do a quick search if you are having problems
• What stereotypes do you think Arabs may have of Americans? Why?

Do not feel you have to stick exactly to these questions but try to stay around these concepts.

Modern World History - Guidelines

I am still in the slush of Vermont. This is my first shot at this so it will be rather experimental and we can see how it goes. I have no doubt that I will think up more guidelines as we go along. Overall, I hope we can use this as an opportunity to learn about Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and develop this format as a learning tool. Before we get going a few guidelines:

1. You must leave your name
2. Write as little or as much as you would like
3. You can respond to each others' posts and my comments
4. Please feel free to ask me general questions about Saudi Arabia (Do not feel restricted to questions only regarding strictly academic, historical or foreign relations) ASK ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE ABOUT MY TRIP
5. Please keep it clean, thoughtful and insightful]
6. As always, do not hesitate to ask any questions

Be nice - Michael S.

The Arabian Peninsula

To Houston

In just a few days I will head out on the first leg of my trip to Saudi Arabia. First I will be travelling south to Houston. Aramco, the Saudi oil company, will give us an orientation. Then, on the busiest travel day of the year (in the states) we will head from Houston to Frankfurt, Germany and then to Bahrain. I assume from Bahrain (an archipelago of some 30+ islands) we will take the causeway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Until then - Michael