It is an eye-opener for me to read the history behind Saudi Wahaabi influence, written so clearly by Wajeeh Lion, Substack, June 11, 2026. Here is an extract:
The ideological penetration extended deeply into the Western hemisphere. Saudi charities aggressively subsidized the construction and operational budgets of mosques and Islamic centers across North America and Europe. In the United States, extensive congressional testimonies and independent intelligence reports detailed the “mosque takeover” model. Following a Saudi offer to subsidize the construction of a community center—such as the highly publicized Bridgeview Mosque in Chicago—Saudi-affiliated organizations like the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT) would assume the title, vote out moderate leadership, and install Wahhabi-trained imams receiving direct stipends from the Saudi government. A 2005 Freedom House investigation analyzing hundreds of documents from mosques across major U.S. cities confirmed that Saudi state-produced literature, heavily featuring intolerant and radicalizing themes, had become the principal educational resource for Muslims in America. This infrastructure’s complicity in global terrorism was targeted by massive civil litigation, notably a 154-page lawsuit filed by a Lloyd’s of London syndicate seeking over $215 million from Saudi charities (including the SJRCK and the Saudi High Commission for Relief of Bosnia) and banks for intentionally providing the material support and resources necessary for Al-Qaeda to execute the September 11 attacks.
And yet, money talks:
May 2024:
By Elias Al Helou
May 15, 2024
$3.7 billion Saudi investments set to boost North East England’s economy, generate 2,000 jobs: U.K. Official
An Education Task Force will be also established to promote cooperation in higher education
In addition to the economic partnership, the U.K. and Saudi Arabia are strengthening cultural and educational ties.
North East England is set to receive a major economic boost with a GBP3 billion ($3.7 billion) investment from Saudi Arabia, as revealed by the British deputy prime minister, Oliver Dowden. The investment is expected to sustain approximately 2,000 jobs in the region, further strengthening the local economy.
Strengthening U.K.-Saudi relations
The two-day GREAT Futures Initiative Conference, held in Riyadh, witnessed virtual remarks from U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Retired, living in the Scottish Borders after living most of my life in cities in England. I can now indulge my interest in all aspects of living close to nature in a wild landscape. I live on what was once the Iapetus Ocean which took millions of years to travel from the Southern Hemisphere to here in the Northern Hemisphere. That set me thinking and questioning and seeking answers.
In 1998 I co-wrote Millennium Countdown (US)/ A Business Guide to the Year 2000 (UK) see https://www.abebooks.co.uk/products/isbn/9780749427917
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