the second event was the grand mosque seizure in mecca by islamist extremists. the militants involved were in part angered by what they considered to be the corruption and un-islamic nature of the saudi government. the government regained control of the mosque after 10 days and those captured were executed. part of the response of the royal family was to enforce a much stricter observance of traditional religious and social norms in the country (for example, the closure of cinemas) and to give the ulema a greater role in government. neither entirely succeeded as islamism continued to grow in strength.