Today we celebrate our National Day with more hope for a better future and a determination to pursue the reform path that has been initiated by King Abdullah who has inspired us all. In the course of five years, a lot has been achieved; however, the greatest challenge remains to be the defeat of the extremist ideology that has hijacked this holy land and has jeopardized the future of many innocent youths.
The attempt on the life of Deputy Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif by a 22-year-old suicide bomber has shocked and alarmed us all and exposed the evil and vicious deviant ideology that continues to prey on the minds of the young and uses them to carry out their criminal acts to further their own political agendas while defiling Islam. The terrorists and their sympathizers have been active at the same time that many imams, parents and government agencies have failed to recognize the extent of the threat to our peaceful society.
We no longer can deny the extent of the danger that remains. Saudi social scientists have conducted much research to identify the root causes behind the radicalization of our young people. Research has proven that both the mindset and the lifestyle have contributed significantly to the spread of the extremist ideology. The negative influence of some religious leaders and imams, the inadequate standard of education that fails to prepare them for the work force, the neglect of uneducated parents and the traditional upbringing of the educated among us who dismiss dialogue are some of the major factors that have denied proper guidance for the youth.
Moreover, the absence of activities, recreational programs and the lack of cultural stimuli have left the young ones idle, frustrated, bored and eager for adventure. More importantly, the discrimination against women has deprived the young population the proper influence and guidance of their mothers, wives, familial sisters and sisters of Islam.
Today, we celebrate a new beginning. There have been significant moves to give us hope that could be paving the way toward a more progressive future. The government has allocated a huge budget to provide education for all by opening new schools and universities across all regions of the Kingdom.
A vigorous national campaign has been launched to combat the deviant ideology and a national drive has been initiated to defend the rights of children and put a stop to child-abuse cases that were left unchecked for too long. The Directorate of Social Affairs in the Eastern Province is taking action to address the rise in domestic violence and calling for stringent laws to deal with parents who fail to properly care for their children.
The ministries of justice and social affairs recently accepted a study conducted by a judge in Ras Tanura that concluded jail terms and lashings were overused and failed in contributing to a high rate of recidivism. The study recommended alternative sentences including community service, such as cleaning mosques, planting trees and helping at care homes for the elderly. Such recommendations often are implemented in more advanced societies, and we should employ them here.
The Ministry of Culture and Information plans a new satellite television channel for dialogue and new children's programming and series presented in a more engaging, contemporary way as opposed to boring programs that have dominated children's programs providing no entertainment and less knowledge. The new channel will address the needs of our children that were neglected by an inefficient media.
The Saudi TV serial called “37 Degrees,” aired by MBC Channel 1, stars young Saudi actor and screenwriter Naif Al-Fayez and examines the challenges of Saudi medics and interns.
The series has gained popularity among the younger generation because it is a reflection of their own environment, and allows them to identify with the characters. Saudi cinema is also creating awareness and enriching culture and diversity. Young and talented Saudi filmmakers continue making waves despite a few disappointing setbacks. Several Saudi films shown in the Kingdom have provided healthy entertainment and inspired enthusiasm and healthy debate among the young. They project a reflection of Saudi society — its heritage, values, challenges and lifestyle. Cultural events within the Kingdom and abroad, book fairs, national festivals and summer camps also are great initiatives to support the young; however, opposition against them by obstructionists that still exist should be curtailed. Lifting the ban on recreational activities in malls and schools, and of course municipality programs to build children’s parks have added life and color to the Saudi family.
A monthlong, fashion-design competition organized by the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) was a wonderful opportunity to give the public a chance to appreciate style and beauty and promote and upgrade our fashion industry as a whole. Fashion shows were banned in this country for a long time, and obtaining permission for such events remains daunting. However the fact that the JCCI succeeded in organizing such a well-received and successful event is an indication that there is great interest among young Saudi men and women for new and trendy styles inspired from our own culture and traditions.
Moreover, the recognition of women in society and the projection of qualified women leaders by the media and the private sector will eventually enable women to play a more effective role to guide and support the youth in this country.
The reform movement not only keeps our society competitive in a very competitive world, but it also creates the chance to muzzle the obstructionists and replace pointless, deviant misguidance with wonderful opportunities for our young people and our country. We all should support Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in his ambitious efforts and eagerly work to transform these dreams for a bright future into a better world for our children.
— Samar Fatany is a Saudi radio journalist. She can be reached at: [email protected]