National Security Council (Saudi Arabia)

History

The National Security Council was formed on 16 October 2005 by the newly crowned King Abdullah in response to major geopolitical shifts in the Middle East region. The occupation of Iraq made the region "a center for reconstruction, globalization and reorganization" with the entry of the United States as a major player. In addition to its regional influence in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is one of the leading actors in the Islamic world and has a central role in global energy policy.

Role

The Council was formed to act as an organizational mechanism that coordinates the Kingdom's internal and external policies relating to national security, enabling it to respond effectively to rapidly changing domestic, regional and international environments. It had the power to declare war and investigate security agencies if they were involved in acts that threaten national security.

Despite the formation of the Council, as with other Saudi government institutions, major national security decisions would continue to be taken by the most senior members of the royal family.

Membership

The SNSC was chaired by the King (who is also Prime Minister), with the Crown Prince (who is also Deputy Prime Minister) as deputy chairman. Its affairs are coordinated by a permanent Secretary General. At the time of its formation, other members included the Minister of the Interior, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard and head of the General Intelligence Presidency. Late Prince Nayef, then interior minister, served as the deputy head of the SNSC.

Dissolution

King Salman dissolved the NSC on 29 January 2015.

References

References

1. (6 August 2013). "Son of former Saudi crown prince named deputy defence minister". Reuters.
2. Abdulaziz Sager. (11 November 2005). "Saudi National Security Council: Current Role and Future Prospects". Arab News.
3. (20 October 2005). "Saudi Arabia: Security Reforms and the House of Saud". Lebanon Wire (Stratfor).
4. Henderson, Simon. (24 October 2005). "King Abdullah Recasts Saudi Intelligence". [[Washington Institute for Near East Policy]].
5. "Prince Bandar gets 4 more years as National Security Council head". Saudi Gazette.
6. (16 October 2005). "King Abdullah approves National Security Council bylaws, appoints Prince Bandar secretary-general". Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, DC.
7. (27 October 2011). "The Allegiance Council". APS Diplomat News Service.
8. (30 January 2015). "Massive Cabinet shake-up". Arab News.
9. Simeon Kerr. (30 January 2015). "Saudi king stamps his authority with staff shake-up and handouts". Financial Times.