I am sad about what is happening in my country. To have a foreign enemy attack you is at least vaguely understandable because invasion for gold is nothing new. But for the attackers to be my own countrymen is something entirely different and makes my heart bleed.
The attack in Riyadh last Wednesday shocked every one in this country. There have been losses, both human and material, as a result of the criminal act but the real loss is the fact that the individuals who committed this barbarity belong to the Kingdom and all it stands for and represents in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
No one in his or her right mind can justify such an act or understand the individuals who did it. The perpetrators knew very well the building they blew up belonged to an administration whose job it is to serve the public and that at any time the building would be packed with people, both Saudis and expatriates, attending to business. They knew that the building was located along a very busy street in the heart of the city, surrounded by residential buildings and businesses. They knew that the hell that resulted from blowing up the building would not be confined to the place but would affect nearby areas as well as motorists and pedestrians. They knew they had chosen a critical time for their attack, when employees were about to leave the office and head home on the last working day of the week.
It was obvious the timing was intended to affect a large number, many of whom would either die or sustain injuries of varying types and degrees. And yet the sinful act was committed. No justification or explanation can excuse such an act. By committing such a crime, they have alienated an entire nation which is now against them. They stand to lose because what they did was unjustifiable and unacceptable.
If there are people who want to wage jihad and fight the enemy, there are more than a thousand ways to do so. They might join the struggle to build their countries and nations or wage jihad against those who killed the Palestinian leaders, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and his successor, Dr. Abdelaziz Al-Rantissi, and those who, on a daily basis, are slaughtering Palestinian men, women and children.
How can destroying your own country and killing your own people and instigating chaos be considered jihad? It is terrorism, pure and simple. This country has gone through many misfortunes and calamities of greater magnitude and come out stronger. It will always remain strong.
