Saudi Arabia a monarchy has been a major player in the Middle East since late 20th-century.. Saudi Arabia is a major OPEC player and oil is its largest economic resource. Saudi Arabia’s huge oil reserves and strategic position particularly in relation to the United States-Middle East relationship has allowed it to play an important role in the Middle East. The United States has maintained strong ties with Saudi Arabia over the years as its leadership has always been close to the United States 🇸🇦 ️ ..
Many observers are beginning to doubt if Saudi Arabia is on the verge of collapse 🇸🇦 🔛. This is partly due to the dramatic economic and social changes in the region over the past decade plethora ongoing reforms implemented by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. Furthermore these results have yet to get fully realized and Saudi Arabia’s future remains uncertain 🇸🇦.
To begin with the recent plunge in global oil prices has had a significantly negative effect on the Saudi economy 🇸🇦 🔛 ️. According to the International Monetary Fund the country’s GDP contracted by 0. 9 percent in 2016, which was the first contraction since 1989. Even though the government has implemented austerity measures to maintain its high standard of living the fall in oil prices has had a significant impact on the country’s ability to generate revenue.
The country’s political situation is also highly uncertain. The crown prince has implemented a series of reforms in order to reduce the influence of the royal family strengthen the country’s judicial system and create a more open and tolerant society 👑 👪 ️ 🤴. Aside from that the crown prince has proposed a series of economic reforms that have been met with great skepticism from the country’s powerful religious establishment 👑 ️ 🤴. While the reforms have been well received by many people the reforms have yet to yield tangible results and it is uncertain whether the reforms will ultimately succeed in transforming the country’s economy and society .
The country’s military is also in a precarious position. The war in Yemen has been ongoing since 2015 and there is little sign of an end in sight 🇾🇪 🔚. The war has placed a significant strain on the country’s economy, and the continued presence of foreign troops in the country has further complicated the situation 🔛 ️. Additionally the region is volatile with increased tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran also the presence of numerous terrorist groups 🇸🇦 🇮🇷.
Finally the country’s political structure remains highly uncertain . Although the crown prince has taken steps to reduce royal family power the current government remains a monarchy and the future remains uncertain 👑 👪 ️ 🤴. The ongoing reforms have caused unease among many in the country; even those who support them are uncertain whether they will ultimately succeed .
All these factors have raised doubts about the sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s current system. Even if it survives there can be no assurance that economic and political conditions will improve significantly . Furthermore with no tangible results yet from reforms some have questioned if they are simply attempts at maintaining power for the ruling family 👪. Ultimately only time will tell whether Saudi Arabia will crumble or make a successful transition towards more open and tolerant society. !! .
🇸🇦 🔛 🔚 👑 ️ 🇾🇪 🇮🇷 👪 🌍 🤴
