the rule of the al saud faces political opposition from four sources: sunni islamist activism; liberal critics; the shi'ite minority—particularly in the eastern province; and long-standing tribal and regionalist particularistic opponents (for example in the hejaz). of these, the minority activists have been the most prominent threat to the government and have in recent years perpetrated a number of violent incidents in the country. however, open protest against the government, even if peaceful, is not tolerated.