Saudi Arabia

September 2006 | Ratings Update

The recent conflict in Lebanon is adding to domestic criticism of Riyadh's controversial alliance with the US, especially since the Saudi government initially criticised Hizbollah for what it regarded as provoking clashes with Israel. While some Saudi Wahhabi groups oppose Hizbollah on the basis that it is Shi'a, majority public opinion favours the Lebanese milita against Israel. Moreover, members of the Kingdom's Shi'a minority staged rare public protests in response to the conflict. Overall, public unrest will remain contained, given tight restrictions on political dissent, and our short-term political rating therefore remains constant for now. However, the Lebanon crisis is

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