F. Gregory Gause III

The growing demand for political representation precipitates conflict in the Middle East, contends F. Gregory Gause in the following viewpoint. In Saudi Arabia, for example, Islamic activists have criticized the regime and have demanded more participation in government. The Saudi government responded to this criticism by arresting the activists and by executing a citizen with alleged connections to the opposition movement. Other Persian Gulf nations are facing similar popular demands for representative government and for greater freedom of expression, Gause maintains. This burgeoning political dissent is fueled by economic troubles, growing populations, increased educational levels, and tension among various Islamic sects. Gause is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Vermont in Burlington.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. For what reasons have Islamic activists criticized the Saudi government...