Labels:text | font | paper | letter | black and white | document OCR: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy. A 60-man Consultative Assembly ("majlis ashoura") is appointed by the King. Main Political Issues Questioning the ruling family Following the 1991 Gulf War, a civil rights campaign emerged to challenge the authority of the ruling family, demanding closer adherence to Islamic values. The movement objected to the presence of US troops on Saudi territory and the consequent exposure to "corrupt" Western culture; particular outrage was felt at the presence of women soldiers. The Sa'uds moved swiftly to quash the protest. Academics and civil servants behind the movement were imprisoned. The religious establishment The ruling family has the support of the religious establishment, led by the "ulema," a convocation of Islamic scholars in "sharia" law. In the 1980s, King Fahd adopted the title Guardian of the Two Holy Shrines to emphasize his commitment to the defense of Islam. The King consults the Supreme Council of "Ulema" on moral and political issues. King Fahd has often suppressed his modernizing tendencies, following the "Ulema's" advice. Profile The royal family rules by carefully manipulating appointments in all sectors of government. Frequent changes of personnel within the armed forces ensure that officers do not build personal followings. All influential cabinet portfolios, apart from those of oil and religious affairs, are held by princes. Absolutist rule means that domestic politics are virtually non-existent. The regime retains feudal elements: weekly "majlis," or councils, are held where citizens can present petitions or grievances to leading members of the royal family. Large cash sums are often dispensed at these meetings. The legitimacy of the regime is built on its adherence to Islamic values, and the backing of the "Ulema." It is the stress on Islam that colors Saudi life most. The 5,000-strong "mutawa" (religious police) enforce the five-times-a-day call to prayer when businesses must close. During Ramadan the "mutawa" are especially active.
