Context
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has said that threats to the stability and security of the country won’t be tolerated. In a televised address, he praised the country’s armed forces, describing them as the “shields” of the nation. After the king’s speech, state television announced a number of royal decrees pledging pay increases, higher minimum wage, anti-corruption measures and expansion of the armed forces. Saudi Arabia has been relatively peaceful amid the ongoing protests in the Middle East. There have been some demonstrations from the minority Shia community in the country’s Eastern Province. However, situation in Yemen and Bahrain continue to deteriorate with serious security, political, and economic implications for the Kingdom.
