ABSTRACT
Some wanted Saudi Arabia to adopt a modernist-liberal policy, while others leaned toward an orthodox-fundamentalist course. For the first time, both parties openly petitioned the king, published their arguments in the media, and organized public rallies. Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and its subsequent threat to Saudi Arabia proved the futility of the old security system in the Gulf, and the Saudis had to rethink their position in this respect. The government’s response to ideological and sociopolitical problems was less assertive and less effective. Saudi Arabia regarded an Allied attack on Iraq as mandatory. Saudi Arabia maintained close relations with its Arab coalition partners. Saudi forces played an active role in the war operations, though not a leading role, due to limited battle experience and relatively small numbers. The Saudi authorities viewed the prevalent economic difficulties as temporary and transient. King Fahd and other leaders were surprised by the widespread ideological discussions concerning Saudi Arabia’s future.
