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   Saudi Arabia / Politics /
King Faisal
Arabic:
faysalu bni ¢abdi l-'azīzi bni ¢abdi r-rahmāni s-sa¢ūd
(1906-1975) King of Saudi Arabia 1964-1975.
Faisal was internationally known as a strong leader, who was both critical of the actions of Israel in the region, as well as of Soviet political presence and influence. Faisal provided much economic support for other countries in the Middle East.
Inside Saudi Arabia, his politics encouraged economic and educational reforms. He abolished slavery, reorganized the central government, and lead the country into economic stability. He ruled with absolute power, once the position of prime minister had been abolished.
Biography
1906 Born in Riyadh as the fourth son of Ibn Saud and Tarfa bint Abdullah sh-Shaykh. With the death of older brothers, he would advance to number two in line for the throne.
1926: Becomes governor of Hijaz, after this region had been conquered by his father in 1924, and annexed to the kingdom in 1926.
1934: Performs an official visit to the Soviet Union on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
— Leads a campaign against North Yemen.
1945: Represents Saudi Arabia at the United Nations Conference.
1953: When his elder brother Sa'ud becomes king, Faisal becomes crown prince and foreign minister of Saudi Arabia.
1958: Faisal gets full executive powers, following an economic crisis Saudi Arabia.
1960: Faisal gives up his power following pressure from his brother, the king.
1962: Once again, Faisal is given full executive power in Saudi Arabia.
1964 March: Faisal becomes viceroy.
— November: Faisal is appointed king, after the deposition of his brother.
1967 June: At Faisal's initiative, Saudi troops participate in the Six-Day War.
1973: He starts a program intended to increase the military power of Saudi Arabia.
1975 March 25: He is murdered by a gunshot by his nephew Prince Faisal bni Musad. He is succeed by Khalid.
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