Saudi Arabia is one of the most important states in the Middle East, as well as the larger Muslim world. The birthplace of Islam's prophet, Muhammad, the kingdom is also home to some of that religion's most sacred places, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. As custodian of key Islamic traditions, Saudi Arabia enjoys a leading status among its Muslim neighbors. But as the world's largest exporter of oil, it also has forged strong relationships with Western states, including the United States. Saudi Arabia's government is based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law, in which women have few rights and harsh punishments are imposed on those who do not conform to the law. Since the 1930s, the ruling al-Saud family has held all political power. In January 2015, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud succeeded his half brother as king of Saudi Arabia, but the new ruler is as unlikely as his predecessors to all greater freedom or democracy in the kingdom.