King Abdul Aziz documentary reveals ruler's relations with world's superpowers for the first time, the foreign policies of the late King Abdul Aziz, founder of the Third Saudi State, are explored in the documentary "King Abdul Aziz and the Great Powers." The film, whose release coincides with Saudi National Day, September 23, traces the achievements of King Abdul Aziz, who managed to take control of most of the Arabian Peninsula and unified the kingdom on September 23, 1932, during an epoch of history that witnessed fierce conflicts between the world's greatest empires, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. The film features several crises the king dealt with, including the Italian bombing of oil wells in Dhahran during World War II by the Italians, a drought that beset the country, and revenue losses as a result of a decline in the numbers of Mecca pilgrims (this was before the nation's oil industry was established.) The manner in which King Abdul Aziz managed to overcome the numerous challenges he faced is also explored, such as the neutrality policy he adopted in order not to drag his country into WW II and the way he managed to make his country an oil power and a major player in foreign relations, whether in dealing with the Allied Forces under the leadership of Britain and the United States or the Axis under the leadership of Hitler, who sent an envoy to open a consulate in Jeddah and open negotiations with Saudi officials. The narration of the king's policies and relations with other countries is interspersed with testimonies that reveal more about the king's personality and achievements. Historian Abdul Rahman al-Ruwayshid talks about the king's early years and his conquest of Mecca and Hijaz, while professor of political science at King Fahd University Shafi al-Damer talks about the king's diplomatic skills and how they made him one of the most prominent figures of the 20th century. From Moscow, Alexey Vassiliev tells the story of Saudi relations with the Soviet Union, which was the first country to recognize the nascent kingdom. Vassiliev recounts the story of the Soviet envoy to Mecca, Karim Khakimov, a Muslim, and his execution by Stalin's regime after a mock trial where he was found guilty of espionage. He also talks about the visits made by King Abdul Aziz's envoys to Moscow. Abdullah al-Asker, professor at King Saud University, puts all of the events in historical context and explains that the king was not apprehensive about the British Empire, which was controlling several Arab countries at the time, and how this encouraged him to face the UK and achieve independence for Arabs and Muslims. From London, Leslie McLoughlin, a professor at Exeter University, says that Britain looked up to King Abdul Aziz, and it saw him as a powerful Arab leader who might pose a threat to British interests in the region through his advocacy of Arab independence. When King Abdul Aziz learned of the wealth his kingdom possessed, and after the discovery of oil in Bahrain in 1932, he offered to let the British drill for oil in his country, but the UK refused. He tried once again by dispatching his son Faisal to Britain, to no avail. He then hosted an American businessman, at a time when the Unites States was almost unknown in the region. He offered the Americans the chance Britain passed up, and the rest is history. American companies came with high hopes, and were extremely disappointed. Almost ready to pack up and leave Saudi Arabia, at the last minute the companies found a gusher. The film then moves to the discovery of oil in Dhahran in 1938, and the total stoppage of production after World War II broke out, and the impact of this on the kingdom's international relations. The meeting between King Abdul Aziz and U.S. President Eisenhower in 1945 to discuss the post-war situation also features in the documentary. This period is followed by the resumption of oil production and the construction of TAPline, the pipeline the transmitted oil to the Mediterranean, one of the king's most significant achievements. "King Abdul Aziz and the Great Powers" is one of the most reliable sources for anyone who wants to get a closer look at the life and achievements of this statesman, diplomat, and human being. The film contains previously unpublicized information about Saudi's relations with foreign powers and gives a deep insight into the historical context in which the Third Saudi State was formed. The film, which was commissioned by the King Abdul Aziz Public Library, was produced by OR Media, which was established in 1994 and has gained international acclaim. Translated from Arabic: Sonia Farid

• published: 22 Sep 2011
• views: 9518