The nationalist fervor whipped up by the war has put calls for reform in the kingdom on hold as people rally behind their king, the troops and the status quo. State-run newspapers, radio talk shows and TV programs are almost entirely focused on the war against the Yemeni rebels, known as Houthis, with local media portraying it as part of a regional struggle against Tehran and its allies in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Saudi human rights activists who consistently speak out about the need for political and societal reforms declined to speak to The Associated Press or did so only on condition of anonymity, saying they fear arrest in the current climate. Another political activist, who is facing trial, said people fear being seen as traitors if they question aspects of the war or press for reforms. Last year, Saudi Arabia approved sweeping anti-terrorism legislation that has been applied to civil rights activists, including human rights lawyer Waleed Abul-Khair, who is serving a 15-year sentence on charges related to his political activism. The Islamic State group has repeatedly called on its followers to target security forces and Shiites in Saudi Arabia, and extremists have carried out a string of small-scale attacks in recent months.