Saudi Arabia’s response to the Arab Spring uprising

Saudi Arabia has long been a political and financial supporter of Yemeni President Saleh. But in recent months, concerned by the deteriorating security situation, Saudi Arabia has led efforts by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to try and convince Saleh to step down. The Saudi regime has also taken steps of its own to stop any dissent from its own people. For more we turned to Madawi Al-Rasheed, a Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies, King’s College, University of London. She specializes in religious and political debate in Saudi Arabia. This is the first of two FSRN interviews with Professor Madawi al-Rasheed looking at the political situation in Saudi Arabia. Our second interview will focus on the campaign in Saudi Arabia for women’s rights.