Saudi Arabia

     Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East and is ruled by an absolute monarchy, with the Shari'a, the law deriving from the Qu'ran, helping in ruling the state. We do not know what is actually going on but the countries outside of the Middle East speculate that the Qu'ran says intoxicants are not allowed. In reality, the people of these Islamic countries interpret that is what the Qu'ran says. This sacred book was written 1400 years ago and this is just one interpretation out of many.
     Because of the United States government's political relations with Saudi Arabia including a military base there, not much can be done because the U.S. will not risk pressuring the government to fork over money to set up institutions and education of substance abuse.