Government Systems of the Middle East SS7CG5: The student will explain the STRUCTURE of the national governments of SW Asia (Middle East) a. COMPARE the PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY of the State of Israel, the MONARCHY of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the THEOCRACY of the Islamic Republic of Iran, distinguishing the form of leadership and the role of the citizens in terms of voting rights and personal freedoms.

Israel - Type of leader Israel is a parliamentary democracy. The president is head of state and serves in a primarily ceremonial role (Shimon Peres). The prime minister is the head of government (Benjamin Netanyahu).

Israel – Becoming the leader President is elected by the Knesset (parliament). After election, President nominates a member of the Knesset to become the Prime Minister (following a vote of confidence from the Knesset)

Israel – Role of Citizen Citizens over 18 can vote for members of the unicameral (one law making body) legislature called the Knesset.

Israel – Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech – Yes Freedom of the Press – Yes Women’s Rights- Yes, equality is given to females Freedom of Religion- yes The personal freedoms of Palestinian Arabs living in Israel have been questioned. Some evidence exists that they are not treated the same as other Israeli citizens.

Saudi Arabia – Type of Leader Saudi Arabia is an Islamic Absolute Monarchy. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud is the is the current King of Saudi Arabia and Head of the House of Saud.

Saudi Arabia – Becoming the Leader The right of succession is hereditary (passed down through the family). A newly established council selects a successor among the crown princes of the Saudi royal family. The King’s power is limited by Islamic law and he must build consensus among religious leaders and other influential Saudis.

Saudi Arabia – Role of Citizen The role of the citizen in Saudi Arabia is to obey the King and to follow strict Islamic law (Sharia) The Quran is the Constitution There are no voting rights or official political parties in this country. Only males 21 or older are permitted to vote for local issues but it rarely, if ever, happens.

Saudi Arabia – Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech – No Freedom of the Press – No Freedom of Religion-No Women’s rights are severely limited. Public theaters are prohibited. There are government censors in college classes to make sure nothing is taught that goes against Islamic law.

Iran – Type of Leader Iran is a theocratic republic with a presidential system. The government of Iran is based on Islamic law. The Supreme Leader of Iran, who is a religious leader, is chief of state and has final say on all matters. The Supreme Leader is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Iran – Becoming the Leader The Supreme Leader is selected by the Council of Experts (not the public) & he is Supreme Leader for life. The Council of Experts, as well as the legislature and president, are elected by popular vote. Candidates for President must be approved by the Supreme Leader & the Council of Guardians. While the president is head of government, he may be removed by the Supreme Leader at any time. So, is it really a democracy?

Iran – Role of Citizen There is universal suffrage (voting) for everyone over 18. The role of the citizen in Iran is to obey the Supreme Leader, follow Islamic law, etc. Iranian Protests After 2009 Elections

Iran – Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech – No Freedom of the Press – strictly limited; lots of censorship from government in television, internet, etc. Freedom of Religion- limited for anything other than Shia branch of Islam Women’s Rights- they have more rights than in Saudi Arabia but are somewhat limited in government positions (male dominated society).

Leader Takes Power by… Role of Citizen Personal Freedoms Freedom Scores: 1-2= free 3-5= partly free 6-7= not free Israel Freedom Score= 1.5 Saudi Arabia Freedom Score= 7 Iran Freedom Score=6 Leader President Prime Minister (Parliamentary Democracy) King (Monarchy) Supreme Leader (Theocratic Republic) President (secondary) Takes Power by… Election Hereditary Selected by Council of Experts Role of Citizen Vote Obey Obey and “Vote” Personal Freedoms Freedom of Speech: Yes Press: Yes Speech: No Press: No