Saudi Press Roundup

Media and Decisive Storm

Media is an effective weapon in war. Its techniques may have changed but the goal still remains the same. Mobilization for the success of the war is the primary role of media. The US administration used to employ its media to mobilize public opinion in favor of wars. Despite all the freedom the US media enjoys, the media is used for war propaganda ignoring all other issues.
The US army coined a new term, “embedded” for the practice of taking media persons to the warfront in 2003 Iraq. The embedded journalists were not permitted to report about the kind of weapons used or to disclose any information that might jeopardize the purpose of the war. This underscores the strategic role played by media in modern wars.
The media strategy of the Operation Decisive Storm is not as perfect as its military preparation and political coordination. Daily briefings are issued by military spokesperson and the media depends on those briefings. We may also see zealous preachers, columnists and some media channels setting their own goals such as giving a sectarian color to the war, which the Kingdom and its allies did not set as the goal of the operation. In fact, Shiites are partners in the country’s building and patriotism and we will never shift from that stand.
It is a crime to present the war with a tinge of sectarianism in the media. Such practices should be checked.
— By Dawood Al-Shirian

Making peace not war

A number of world leaders particularly top officials of defense and foreign ministers have been visiting Riyadh and holding talks with our top leaders.
We have noticed the respect and appreciation of leaders of other countries to the Kingdom during the Decisive Storm. The foreign visits made by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman have, undoubtedly, resulted in diplomatic successes in winning the cooperation of other leaders in resolving various issues. The strong relations and mutual love and admiration between the king and other leaders have been reflected in the international support for the military operation. The world has proved to the Kingdom that they are rallying behind it wholeheartedly in support of reinstating the legitimate government in Yemen.
The cohesion and unity that we see on the ground is the result of the successful diplomacy undertaken by the sons of the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman. It also shows that we are messengers of peace not warmongers. Since we have been pushed to the war, we would fight until we emerge victorious.
— By Suleiman Al-Eidy

Promoting team spirit

Our leaders have stressed often that citizens of the country are the first line of defense. We don't have the least doubt about the readiness of our military forces to defend the homeland and their capability to cut any hand that harms the country. That is what has been demonstrated in the Operation Decisive Storm, which has shifted international attention to our heroic soldiers' bravery and skills in carrying out their duties against enemy targets with precision and professionalism.
Perhaps “Samsam 5,” the joint exercises of the Saudi Army and the special forces of the Pakistan Army at the King Salman mountain warfare center in the Shomarkh Ground north of Baha, affirm the readiness of our military and the keenness of our friendly countries to exchange expertise and raise the efficiency level in mountain warfare.
The Saudi and Pakistani organizers of the exercises said before starting the exercise that the training program has nothing to do with the current military operations in Yemen. On the other hand, it aims at enhancing the performance level and effectiveness of the military forces, and it covers various implementation stages focusing on the warfare in mountainous terrains in difficult environments and in unconventional operations, with the participation of the Saudi Royal Air Force and aircraft units of the army and several units of the Border Guards. This exercise is also expected to promote team spirit among soldiers.

After the operation

With the launch of the Operation Decisive Storm, armed confrontations between the People’s Committees and Southern Resistance on the one hand and the Houthis and the soldiers loyal to the deposed president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, on the other, on the outskirts of Aden are on the rise. The city of Aden is one of the most important military targets in Yemen.
The Houthis haven’t, apparently, won anything substantial for the Iranians despite their long presence in Yemen, especially in the northern regions. The Houthis and their ally, Saleh, could not take control of the Bab El-Mandab Strait. Nor did they succeed in controlling the oil-rich areas of Hadramout and Marib. These are factors that prove that Houthis failed to achieve the goals of Iran.
The Decisive Storm has put an end to the Iranian project. Iran wants the control of Aden because it can ensure the control of Bab El-Mandab, which would mean the control of the passage of ships.
In the post-Decisive Storm period, extensive military operations should be carried out to further weaken the Houthis and the Republican Guards loyal to Saleh. At the same time, battles between various parties to control the southern sites are also expected. Houthis are also expected to take control of the Bab El-Mandab so as to boost their bargaining power in any future political development.
— By Hani Salem Masmour

Timely intervention

A kiss on the forehead of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman from all Saudi citizens, Gulf people, Arabs and Muslims for his wise decision to extend a helping hand to return the legitimacy of Yemen’s government that was hijacked by mercenaries overnight.
It is a kiss of gratitude and admiration for the one who approved the title of the military operation “Decisive Storm,” a word rich in meanings, goals and messages, a name that returned to the Arabs, Gulf people and to the Saudis in particular their confidence and self respect.
It is not just a storm unleashed by fighter planes, missiles and bombs against those who discarded the norms of international legitimacy, but it carries all ideas of honor, dignity, pride and respectability.
It is a storm bursting with decisiveness, determination and toughness to carry out all the hopes and ambitions of the Arabs.
The storm has removed all spots of disgrace, weakness and frustration that has been eating away the body of the Arab ummah over the past many years. They have been watching with disbelief and confusion their beloved Arab states falling one after the other to the neo-colonialist Iran.
It is not just an offensive to return the legitimacy to a brotherly Arab country seeking international assistance, but it is an indication of many more storms to visit those countries and militias that mistook the Arab territories for an easy prey.
The storm that carries the real meaning of the logo of the country with “a palm tree and two swords.” Most of the people were thinking that the palm tree only gives and takes nothing. They forgot about the two swords. But now the meanings of the swords have become clear. No one tampering with the security in the region will be spared.
— By Abdul Rahman Al-Asheikh