In the wake of the recent terrorist bombings in Riyadh, it may be appealing to call for a full-scale security crackdown as the ideal means of dealing with the problem. Internet sites abound with calls such as “Burn their books to make our future brighter” and “Heed popular demand by applying the sword.”

Many of the views being circulated reflect an angry and frustrated mood among a very wide sector of the population. It is true that people feel upset when such things happen, but what is really needed at such times is self-restraint and a thorough weighing of all contributing factors.

These are difficult demands coming at difficult times but they are nonetheless of extreme importance. Many have called for religious extremism to be dealt with as other regimes have done.

But they seem to have overlooked two important facts. First, those regimes never succeeded in uprooting the menace totally. What they managed to do was bury it under dirt and ashes but the smoke was still visible and the sparks still able to burst into flame.

Second, Saudi society and state have a special status that does not allow them to import solutions from outside or learn from the experience of others. The best way of dealing with the problem is a detailed phased strategy that not only builds on the increase in public anger but must also involve the educated and enlightened elements of society.

The resulting solutions should serve as a cultural alternative growing out of a more rational and realistic vision for the future, one that projects a true picture of Islam. Incidents that are products of certain cultures where perceptions accumulate over the years cannot be addressed by short-term solutions no matter how forceful or effective these might be.

The dismantling of a deeply-rooted culture of violence, its institutions and centers of power requires a practical methodical effort that takes into consideration all factors influencing human life.

Such an approach, which will require a great effort and much time to materialize, may seem undesirable to those running after hasty solutions, whether they are from the intelligentsia or the less well-educated.

It should however be acceptable to the decision makers who weigh matters for their strategic importance and seek solutions to root causes instead of only temporary measures.

Arab News From the Local Press 24 May 2003