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 oft the ruling family, demanding closer adherence to Islamic values. The movement objected to the presence ofUS 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 ...
