The Islamic Traditions of Wahhabism and Salafiyya (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Jan. 24, 2008 |
| Report Number |
RS21695 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Christopher M. Blanchard, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and subsequent discussions of religious extremism have called attention to Islamic puritanical movements known as Wahhabism and Salafiyya. Al Qaeda leaders and their ideological supporters have advocated a violent message that some suggest is rooted in these conservative Islamic traditions. Other observers have accused Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Wahhabism, of having disseminated religious ideology that promotes hatred and violence, targeting the United States and its allies. Saudi officials strenuously deny these allegations. This report provides a background on these traditions and their relationship to active terrorist groups; it also summarizes recent charges and responses, including the findings of the final report of the 9/11 Commission and relevant legislation in the 110th Congress. The report will be updated to reflect major developments. Related CRS products include CRS Report RL33533, Saudi Arabia: Background and U.S. Relations, by Christopher M. Blanchard, CRS Report RL32499, Saudi Arabia: Terrorist Financing Issues, by Christopher M. Blanchard, CRS Report RS21529, Al Qaeda after the Iraq Conflict, by Audrey Kurth Cronin, CRS Report RS21654, Islamic Religious Schools, Madrasas: Background, by Christopher M. Blanchard, and CRS Report RL31718, Qatar: Background and U.S. Relations, by Christopher M. Blanchard.
