Saudi Arabia's counterterrorism methods: A case study on homeland security
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Authors
Bin Madhian, Majed M.
Subjects
Saudi Arabia
counterterrorism
rehabilitation center
soft power
Islamic State
counterterrorism
rehabilitation center
soft power
Islamic State
Advisors
Russell, James
Jasper, Scott
Date of Issue
2017-06
Date
Jun-17
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis is a case study on counterterrorism methods. Specifically, it examines Saudi Arabia's multidimensional counterterrorism measures to combat the Islamic State's aggressions and threats. After deriving a theoretical framework based on counterterrorism measures developed from a review of scholarly literature, the thesis presents three questions. By comparing examples from the case study to the hypotheses, the thesis finds that Saudi Arabia effectively implements a multidimensional approach consisting of legal, financial, and informational methods to respond to the Islamic State's threats. In addition to enacting stricter criminal laws and enforcement of those laws to safeguard the homeland and its borders, Saudi Arabia has enacted laws that impose stiff penalties aimed at money laundering and other illicit activities that fund terrorist activity. Finally, the Kingdom has implemented stringent cybersecurity measures not only to prevent hacking of Saudi cyberspace by terrorists, but also to monitor the Islamic State's communications. Beyond these conventional and punitive measures, Saudi Arabia has implemented successful soft measures, including an innovative rehabilitation program. Based upon these findings, the study recommends Saudi Arabia expand its countermeasures by placing economic sanctions on the Islamic State and its supporters. Further recommendations direct policymakers to consider military intervention and regime change in Syria, and to destroy the Islamic State's infrastructure.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.