King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia: A Leader of Consequence

“This book is a remarkably insightful and detailed tribute to an important and influential twenty-first-century head of state. In preparing this book, Sobhani traveled to the kingdom five times, meeting with King Abdullah, his close advisers, government officials, scholars, journalists and other Saudi citizens. The result is a volume that should be of value to those seeking to learn more about Saudi Arabia and its visionary king, as well as those who already know the subject well, a volume that is enhanced by beautiful photographs, verses from the Quran, and quotations of King Abdullah.
Sobhani's book also concentrates on King Abdullah's role as a "reformist." The king's emphasis on education for both sexes at home and abroad, the importance of the role of women in society, the need to address extremism and its root causes, and the requirement that those who rule be fair and honest, sets him apart from many other global leaders. It is all the more impressive that these efforts and initiatives are pursued while King Abdullah effectively balances his religious obligations as "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques" with his day-to-day responsibilities for managing a vibrant and rapidly developing country of some 26 million people. This includes his efforts to manage the kingdom's oil resources wisely and to diversify the kingdom's economy for today's citizens and future generations.” – Excerpted from a review written by Ford Fraker, Former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, 2007-09