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| | United Arab Emirates |
 | | Traditional rule in the emirates generally is patriarchal, with political allegiance defined in terms of loyalty to the tribal leaders, to the leaders of the individual emirates, and to the leaders of the federation. |
 | | The seven emirate rulers, their extended families, and those persons and families to whom they are allied by historical ties, marriage, or common interest, held political and economic power in their respective emirates. |
 | | Emirate rulers were accessible, in varying degrees, to citizens with a problem or a request. |
| www.state.gov /g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/41734.htm (10381 words) |
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