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The Secret Life of King Faisal: How He Became Saudi Arabia's Longest-Reigning King
King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has a special and rich history in Saudi Arabia. He served as king and prime minister from 1982 to 2005, and during his 23-year rule, Saudi Arabia faced numerous challenges and changes. King Faisal was not only the supreme leader of the country, but his ruling style and influence also left a deep mark in the Arab world.
King Faisal is Saudi Arabia's longest-serving king, a feat that was due in part to his foresight and flexible political strategy.
Early life and education
King Faisal was born in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, between 1920 and 1923. He is the eighth son of King Abdulaziz and the eldest of the seven Sadri brothers. His early education was mainly received at the Prince's School founded by his father, which was set up specifically for members of the Saudi royal family. Faisal's education focused mainly on religious knowledge and Arabic literature, which he studied for four years at the encouragement of his mother.
Early political career
As he grew older, Faisal gradually began to shine in Saudi politics. In 1945, he traveled to the United States as part of a delegation to attend the signing conference of the United Nations Charter, a trip that enabled him to hone his diplomatic skills. In 1953, he attended the Queen's coronation ceremony as Saudi Arabia's Minister of Education. These experiences made Faisal gradually become an important political figure at home and abroad.
The process of succession to the throne
In 1975, Faisal's half-brother Khalid ascended the throne and Faisal was named crown prince. Following the death of King Khalid, Faisal officially ascended the throne in 1982. During Faisal's reign, Saudi Arabia's economic and social structure faced drastic changes. Due to his Western-oriented foreign policy and growing domestic demands, Faisal had to find a balance between conservatism and reform.
During his reign, Faisal introduced the Saudi Basic Law of 1992, a major step in the modernization of Saudi Arabia.
Foreign Policy and Achievements
As king, Faisal faced many international challenges, especially tensions in the Persian Gulf region during the 1980s. His concern about the Iranian Revolution led him to support Iraq in 1982 against Iran, a decision that protected the country's stability but also sparked controversy. Faisal strongly supports the legitimate rights of Palestine and has stressed to the West on many occasions the importance of peace in the Middle East.
Response to the Gulf War
In 1990, Iraq, under the command of Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, an act that posed a direct threat to Saudi Arabia. Faisal agreed to allow US troops to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. Although this decision effectively protected national security, it also triggered domestic opposition. During this period, Faisal's rule stabilized the Saudi regime, but it also led to increasing demands on the labor market and a widening gap between the rich and the poor in society.
Health conditions and their impacts
However, as time went on, Faisal's health deteriorated, especially after a stroke in 1995, and his day-to-day affairs were almost entirely taken over by Crown Prince Abdullah. Despite this, Faisal still maintains certain official activities and speaks at important occasions, which allows him to retain influence among domestic hostile forces.
Despite his poor health, King Faisal still spoke out on many occasions and his influence both internally and externally was still significant.
Faisal's wealth and luxurious life
King Faisal's personal wealth has been a subject of controversy, with Fortune magazine reporting that his net worth could be as much as $18 billion, making him the second richest person in the world. He enjoys a lavish lifestyle, owning yachts and private jets, which has sparked accusations of royal waste and social injustice.
Private Life
In his private life, Faisal had a complicated marital status, having been married thirteen times and having six sons and four daughters. His family life is considered part of the royal family, but it is also subject to comment and attention from the outside world.
King Faisal's reign went through important changes and challenges, and his political decisions left a deep mark on the history of Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East. As the longest-serving king of Saudi Arabia, his life also gives people endless thoughts and expectations about future leaders. How do you think King Faisal's legacy will affect the future development of Saudi Arabia?
