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Bin Laden Finds Recruits in the New Saudi Underclass

(London Times) - Richard Beeston For the first time in modern history, Saudi Arabia is having to confront the unfamiliar concept of poverty and the emergence of a growing underclass. In Qarantina most of the streets are unpaved and many live in tiny concrete hovels without running water. Groups of women sift through plastic bags full of clothes and other items donated by wealthier Saudis. While according to official figures the unemployment rate is 10%, others estimate that it may be as high as 27%. By far the hardest hit is the country's youth. "Young people feel they have no future. They are bored and disillusioned. That is why...it is easy for religious fanatics to recruit young Saudis and to brainwash them into becoming Islamic militants," said Abdulhai, a Saudi businessman.
2003-07-18 00:00:00
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