RIYADH: A leading economist and author has written a book on the life of the late King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Urdu edition of which will be launched here Thursday Dr. Yousuf Othman Al-Khuzaim's 150-page book is entitled “15 Basic Principles of King Abdul Aziz's Politics and Governance”, and in it he writes that the late King was a keen listener and a man of humility and principles. King Abdulaziz had the ability to maintain equal relations with his friends and antagonists, writes the author. While living in exile in Kuwait, the monarch was determined to conquer and win back the land of his ancestors. The mission of King Abdulaziz was to unify the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the author writes. The unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia refers to the process by which the various tribes, sheikhdoms and emirates of most of the Arabian Peninsula were consolidated under the control of the House of Saud until 1932, when the modern-day Kingdom was proclaimed. The book delves into various aspects of King Abdul Aziz's reign, including how he chose leaders, bureaucrats and people to run the civil establishment. The author speaks about the King's adherence to culture, traditions and tribal values. A true believer in Islam, King Abdul Aziz showed great conviction while dealing with matters of religious affairs, according to Qari Muhammad Iqbal of Darussalam Publishing Company, the publisher of the book. “King Abdul Aziz used to meet the tribal leaders and showed great commitment towards the welfare of the people,” said Iqbal. Other chapters in the book underscore King Abdul Aziz's tact in his relations with regional and international countries. King Abdul Aziz was a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, which the book highlights by reproducing a letter he wrote to US President Harry S. Truman. Pakistani Senator Sajjed Mir wrote the preface to the Urdu edition. Mir is also head of Jamiat Ahle Hadees of Pakistan, a political party, and will be the chief guest at the book-launching event. Pakistani Ambassador Umar Khan Alisherzai will preside over the function, and Al-Khuzaim will be the keynote speaker on the occasion. Darussalam will translate the book into English and French among several other international languages.
