Compare and Contrast Middle East Governments Read through the Power Point Presentation pertaining to your Middle Eastern Country (Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iran) and complete your criteria organizer including the following information; Identify the form of government title of the leader Identify how the person becomes the leader Determine what role the citizen plays in the government Determine personal freedoms (Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press)

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia is by far the largest country of the Arabian Peninsula. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter Mecca, Islam’s holiest city.

Saudi Arabia In the 1920s a local ruler from the Saud family of central Arabia conquered his neighbors and in 1932 created the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Members of the Saud family have ruled the country ever since. Riyadh, a city near the center of the country, became the capital.    

Saudi Arabia – Form of Government The government of Saudi Arabia is an Islamic Absolute Monarchy ruled by the sons and grandsons of the first king, Abd Al Aziz Al Saud.

Saudi Arabia – Form of Government Saudi Arabia’s government has no written constitution or elected legislature however, its basic law of government proclaims that the Qur’an is the constitution of the country which is governed on the basis of the Sharia (Islamic Law).

Saudi Arabia – Title of Leader King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud is the is the current King of Saudi Arabia and Head of the House of Saud. Most government officials are relatives of the king. The king may ask members of his family, Islamic scholars, and tribal leaders for advice on important decisions.

Saudi Arabia – Becoming the Leader The right of succession is hereditary (passed down through the family). A newly established council selects a successor among the crown princes of the Saudi royal family. The King’s power is limited by Islamic law and he must build consensus among religious leaders and other influential Saudis.

Saudi Arabia – Role of Citizen (Voting Rights) There are no voting rights or official political parties in this country. The role of the citizen in Saudi Arabia is to obey the King.

Saudi Arabia – Role of Citizen (Personal Freedoms) The citizens of Saudi Arabia have limited personal freedoms. Saudi Arabian citizens do not have freedom of speech or freedom of press.