Hunayn Revolution: Saudi Arabia’s Day of Rage

Hunayn Revolution was named after the Battle of Hunayn between Prophet Muhammad and Hawazin a mighty tribe around the area of Taif. The Prophet’s armies were victorious although they were outnumbered.

Saudi protesters, mostly youths and Shia Muslims used this Hunayn Revolution as an inspiration for the scheduled “Day of Anger” and m(–foul word(s) removed–) protests on March 11, 2011. They were using the internet through social media sites to disseminate the information.

The recent unrests that swept across the middle east and the triumphed by the people against mighty rulers have further encouraged the minorities in Saudi to stage a nationwide protest.  Protest have already started in the Eastern Region.

The protest last March 3, 2011 in Qatif and Al Awammiyah have reached to 100 people including women and children. Almost 22 of the protesters are being held by Saudi authorities. With an estimated 19 million Saudi population the group that have already reached around 17,000 in their Facebook page have already worried the Saudi government.

The formation of an opposition party who have called for an elected parliament was also an evidence that there already a growing numbers of individuals who are not contented with the present form of government which is an absolute monarchy and the power only resides in the House of  Saud.

To ease the growing tensions of possible widespread protests, the government have issued a total of $10.7 billion dollars worth of benefits given to the Saudi citizens. In contrasts a total ban of gathering and protests against the government have been imposed.

Last March 4, Saudi security forces have flocked to the Eastern Region causing heavy traffics across the street of Dammam. They are mobilized to support the anti-riot police in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia.