To what extent can Harun al-Rashid be considered a successful ruler?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that Harun al-Rashid was a successful ruler. Examples of successes or otherwise may extend beyond the timeframe but must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to his establishment of the House of Wisdom and the creation of the Golden Age. He expanded the territory of the empire to its greatest extent and developed diplomatic relations with China and the Holy Roman Empire, as economic development and trade reached their apex. However, his reign also experienced numerous uprisings against the empire, which resulted in the loss of control over North Africa. In addition, he was not able to eliminate the challenge to his authority from the Umayyad dynasty in Spain. His failure to create an effective succession plan led to civil war between his sons and a significant weakening of the ‘Abbasid Empire. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.