The social media has been circulating messages that commended the royal decree issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, imposing stiff punishment on Saudis taking part in civil wars abroad and joining terrorist outfits inside and outside the Kingdom.
The king’s decision was aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia from the aftermath of conflicts and crises in other countries like Syria. The decision has put many extremist groups and their supporters on the defensive. They are on the crossroads and have to follow either the state’s official direction or continue their affiliation of groups that have brainwashed them.
Many extremist groups have enticed young Saudis in the name of working for the victory of Islam or jihad and have been making use of their enthusiasm and zeal to achieve their vested interests.
Some comments on the social media proved that there are many people who still follow the ideology of Muslim Brotherhood thus going against the government’s declared stand. This shows they love their organization more than their country. King Abdullah, through the decree, wanted to safeguard the Kingdom’s security and stability and prevent young Saudis from going to foreign countries to take part in battles. The followers of ideological groups have now only two options: Either to stand by the country or go against it. — By Mohammed Al-Owain, Al-Jazira
National unity is a must
Different forms of religious, ethnic and sectarian extremism is one of the worst enemies of humanity. The royal decree issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah that prevents participation of Saudis in foreign conflicts and terrorist groups has been widely welcomed by the Saudis. However, there are people who wanted to divide the society in order to strengthen their ideological groups and serve their vested interests.
Sectarianism is rampant in our society and there are ethnic groups that believe they are better than others. They give their associates priority in jobs and marriages. These sectarian thoughts are prevalent even among the educated. Such feelings are strong even in advanced countries but strict regulations prevent them from practicing it. Royal decrees or protocols may not be enough to fight the deep-rooted problem. There are people who divorce their wives because disparity in family lineage. Social development requires promotion of individual freedom that makes a person make his choice and determine his future, without being imposed by family or tribe. As we work to reach global, we have to learn how to build our society with equal rights and opportunities, discarding ethnic and racial feelings and considerations.— By Yousuf Al-Kowaileet, Al-Riyadh
No end to Syrian crisis in sight
When I supported the Syrian National Alliance’s participation in the Geneva 2 conference I thought that it would contribute to end the protracted crisis. There are two interlocked problems — the relation between the regime and Syrian people who demand freedom through peaceful and legal means and interference of foreign parties who want to settle their accounts using the blood of Syrians — that complicate the crisis. Geneva 1 focused on Syrians’ right to win their freedom and did not deal with foreign interference. Geneva 2 was meant to implement Resolution 2118 to form a coalition government with full executive powers to replace Bashar Assad regime with a democratic system.
The Geneva conferences were not meant to settle foreign interference and conflicts that have played a frightening role in worsening the Syrian crisis and I am afraid it would nullify the revolution’s legitimacy. The basis of any future solution is the interim government, and not Assad regime and there is an international consensus on this position. The Syrian intelligence led by Bashar Al-Jaafari had worked hard to make Geneva 2 a failure while the National Alliance tried to achieve a political solution. The regime’s delegation considered the revolutionists as terrorists and refused to release prisoners including women and children. The international law demands abrogation of the Syrian constitution and removal Assad’s powers and this means Assad will not have any role in country’s present and future politics. But Russia wants to reinstate Assad, contrary to Resolution 2118 by allowing him to contest the presidential election.
The difference of global powers in interpreting Resolution 2118 will lead to the continuation of the Syrian conflict and give the regime new opportunities to carry on its massacres. — By Michel Kelo, Asharq Al-Awsat
Shoura and disrupted projects
The issue of disrupted projects has been discussed by the Council of Ministers, Shoura Council, Ministerial Committees and the National Anti-Corruption Commission as well as the public media, contractors and the Council of Saudi Chambers. Every one of them has been trying to put the blame on others and the problem remains without solution.
The discussions centered on the corruption of contracting companies, to government purchases and specifications to handing over of projects. The Shoura finds the solution in setting out a law for government purchasing. According to the present law, a contract may be awarded to a company even if it offers 35 percent less than the cost of the project as per the government’s calculation. Other issues were advance payment to contractors, laws related to fine for delay in implementing projects and powers to extend the contract and giving work to shadow contractors.
A ministerial committee has reportedly reached a solution to the problem and emphasized the need to withdraw projects from contractors if there was a delay of three months. The committee was partial in its conclusion as it put the full blame on contractors. The Shoura, on the other hand, wants to develop a new set of regulations, which will take time. In my opinion, the ministerial committee should work with the Shoura to find a complete solution for the problem after conducting detailed studies. — By Mohammed Al-Abbas
Cost of private education
Efforts are under way to fix charges at private schools in the Kingdom. At the same time, prices are going up. It looks strange that parents are the ones who complain about price hike. The question is why they decided to take their children to private schools in the first place. Do they find any difference in the quality of education in public and private schools? This is also the topic of discussion in Britain where The Independent published a report recently, saying there is no difference between the two. The difference, according to the English daily, is the quality of students. High-class families send their children to private schools to give their children quality education. These students get better care at their homes helping them to perform well in their schools. It is these children who make their schools popular, not the other way round.
The Independent’s report came after British Education Secretary Michael Gove gave new powers to inspectors to evaluate the performance of teachers. A survey has pointed out that poor salaries were affecting the teachers’ performance. — By Dr. Mazen Baleelah, Al-Iqtisadiah
Egyptians and Nitaqat
Egyptians are intelligent and hardworking people. They are content with little and lead a happy life. Egypt has produced several outstanding scholars, men of letters, economists, politicians, military leaders, media persons and artists. Many of them have worked in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries and contributed to their progress. Egypt still remains an incubator for knowledge, literature, culture and economics. Egyptian professors and scientists also work in reputable international universities. The Egyptian Army was at the forefront in defending the Arabs. Egypt wants today from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to support its economy. Saudi investment in Egypt has reached $27 billion. King Abdul Aziz has once said that the strength of Saudi Arabia is from the strength of Egypt. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has been extending every possible support to strengthen the Egyptian economy.
Egyptians use every opportunity to praise the Kingdom’s generous support. Recently when I was attending a function to discuss a doctorate thesis in Cairo, an Egyptian female student began her talk by extending thanks and appreciation to the Saudi government and this won the applause of people who were present in the hall. I would like to propose the Saudi government postpone application of Nitaqat regulations on Egyptians for two or more years until their country achieves economic recovery.
The return of thousands of Egyptians this time would have a negative impact on their government as the remittances of workers support the Egyptian economy. I am optimistic that Egypt would emerge strong after the present crisis to provide more investment opportunities. — By Abdullah Dahlan, Al-Madinah
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