Saudi historian. Dr. al-Askar's studies and publications focus strongly on the social transformations of the Saudi people, including Al-Yamama in the Early Islamic Era, which tracks the early political and geographic development of the Saudi Peninsula. A PhD from the University of California and a professor of History at King Saud University in Riyadh Dr. al-Askar has participated in a number of international conferences geared towards improving dialogue between the Arab and Western worlds.