Publication

This report examines the sectarian relations in Saudi Arabia, and the living conditions for the Shiite minority. The authors suggest that the Kingdom must take action to extend rights and protections for the Shiite minority in order to prevent frustration escalating into violence. While the King has shown sympathy for the Shiite minority, Shiites claim that with a few exceptions (particularly in healthcare) little has been done to address their needs. While the authors are optimistic that for now internal pressures are unlikely to generate widespread Shiite activism, they don't rule out the emergence of more militant violent groups.