Mirage in the desert

Abstract

One unusual consequence of the Gulf War, In a country that derives its legitimacy solely from Islam, was the emergence of a much strengthened Islamist opposition. The post-war crisis of legitimacy among the ruling group raised serious questions on their right to govern after having mismanaged the economy and overspent on an inefficient defence system. And, once the war was over, the government had to face the Islamist challenge without Its economic weapons