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Appointment of New Emir of Mecca is Clever Step of Ibn Saud

October 29, 1924
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Sultan Ibn Saud, victorious leader of the Wahabis, has appointed his son, Feisal, as his representative in the Hedjas administration which he formed under the leadership of Ali Haidar Pasha. The appointment of Ali Haidar Pasha is considered here as the beginning of a new era in the Moslem world, and may lead to far-reaching developments with a view of creating a United Arabia.

Ali Haidar Pasha, the newly appointed Emir of Mecca instead of King Ali, was appointed to the same post in 1915 by the Turkish Government, following the revolt of ex-king Hussein against the Ottoman Empire. Ali Haidar Pasha, who is a great friend of the British, refused to accept this position and to fight against England, although Ibn Saud urged him to do so.

After the defeat of the Turks, Haidar proceeded to Constantinople where he resided since then. He was also proposed as a candidate for the throne of Iraq, to which Feisal, the son of Ibn Saud, succeeded.

Haidar is the head of the house of Mohammed and the oldest living descendant of the Prophet. He enjoys great confidence and reverence as the head of the house of Mohammed among the Shiah. The appointment of Haidar to the post of sheriff of Mecca by Sultan Ibn Saud is considered in well-informed circles as a clever move and an act of great statesmanship, because the new sheriff will win the support of the entire Moslem world and remove its anxiety for the safety of the Moslem holy cities. In addition, Haidar is on good terms with Great Britain, is a close friend of the rulers of Yemen, Asir and other Arab rulers which promotes the Pan-Arabic plan of Sultan Ibn Saud to create a United Arabia.

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