Abdullah of Saudi Arabia vs Murad IV

Following a wave of al-Qaeda attacks in Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah (then Crown Prince) launched a comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign involving security crackdowns, ideological rehabilitation programs, and international cooperation. The campaign significantly reduced terrorist activity in the kingdom.

Abdullah became King of Saudi Arabia after the death of King Fahd. His reign was characterized by cautious social and economic reforms, including efforts to modernize the education system and increase women's participation in public life.

King Abdullah established KAUST as a world-class graduate research university in Thuwal. The university was designed to promote scientific research and innovation, with a co-educational campus and international faculty, representing a significant investment in education.

King Abdullah announced that women would be granted the right to vote and run in municipal elections, and would be appointed to the Shura Council. This was a landmark reform in Saudi Arabia, though implementation was gradual and faced conservative opposition.

Murad IV faced a major revolt by the Janissaries, who demanded the execution of several officials. Murad IV initially conceded but later executed the Janissary leaders and purged the corps. He then imposed strict discipline, reducing the Janissaries' political power and restoring order in the capital.

Murad IV issued a decree banning the use of tobacco, coffee, and alcohol throughout the Ottoman Empire. He enforced this ban with harsh penalties, including execution for violators. This measure aimed to restore public morality and discipline, reflecting his authoritarian rule.

Murad IV personally led a massive Ottoman army to recapture Baghdad from the Safavid Empire after a 40-day siege. The city had been lost to the Safavids in 1623. The victory restored Ottoman control over Mesopotamia and was a major military achievement of his reign.

Murad IV's recapture of Baghdad led to the Treaty of Zuhab with the Safavid Empire. This treaty established the permanent border between the Ottoman and Safavid empires, which largely corresponds to the modern Iran-Iraq border. It ended decades of war between the two empires.