21. The Shiite Question in Saudi Arabia
- Publication Date:
- 09-2005
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- International Crisis Group
- Abstract:
- From Saudi Arabia's establishment in 1932, its minority Shiite population has been subject to discrimination and sectarian incitement. Beginning in the early 1990s, with then Crown Prince Abdullah's active support, the government took steps to improve inter-sectarian relations. But the measures were modest, and tensions are rising. The war in Iraq has had a notable effect, strengthening Shiite aspirations and Sunni suspicions and generally deepening confessional divisions throughout the region. King Abdullah needs to act resolutely to improve the lot of the two-million strong Shiite community and rein in domestic expressions of anti-Shiite hostility.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Government, and Religion
- Political Geography:
- Iraq, Middle East, and Saudi Arabia