As we celebrate the Kingdom’s National Day, we should pause for a moment to reflect on the events — and the man — behind the unification of much of the Arabian Peninsula. In those days, many areas were uninhabited and brigands and outlaws roamed freely wherever they liked. The rule of law was absent — so much so that when pilgrims came to perform the Haj, many brought their own coffins with them. All this, however, was to change when, through the determination and herculean efforts of King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, a country was born.
It was no easy task. Battles were fought. Diplomacy was employed and statesmanship was in evidence. Fortunately, these were the hallmarks of the founder. The discovery of oil and the king’s wish to use it for the country’s development gave his desires a solid base. King Abdul Aziz was progressive in his outlook; he knew the advantages of the technology available at that time and used it to connect and link this vast country.
Consolidation proceeded and societal development was put into motion. What had been a nation of tribes coalesced into a single entity under a strong central government where the rule of law prevailed.
Security and stability ushered in economic growth, though tiny by today’s standards, and set into motion the dynamics of progress which helped a new nation get on its feet and move ahead. King Abdul Aziz’s legacy lives on and has been wisely carried on by his sons and successors.
Those times, as we never tire of saying, were good. The country was a shining example of peace and tranquillity. Today we look back to that past as if it were a dream. We try in vain today to relive and recapture it but the world itself is a different place. We face extremism, and its natural offspring, violence. As a nation we have weathered many storms. We stood together through prosperity and adversity and forged links between leader and people. Our challenges today, however, are greater, more dangerous and demand quicker action and responses.
We have seen the ugly head of terrorism raised; some of our young people have committed senseless and inexplicable acts of violence. Parallel with these has been a rise in intolerance and we need to stop and ask ourselves: How have these two poisons crept into our society? Who, or what, opened the doors to them? Was it our negligence in our duties as parents and educators or was society itself negligent? Did we notice it? Were we complacent about, or indifferent to, the signs? Whatever the answers, we now know the problem exists and it is time to think carefully and come up with solutions. To be perfectly frank, solutions are not always easy and too often, we don’t like to admit that they are even necessary. We have no choice now; solutions must be found and then unhesitatingly implemented. That is the only way to combat the violence which is alien to us, our beliefs and ideology. Our first steps must be vigorous and decisive.
We must teach our children tolerance, brotherhood and understanding. Give them — for they are the future — the attention they deserve. Provide them with opportunities so they can be travelers on the road of life rather than mere bystanders. Instill work ethics into them so that they will produce and contribute to the country’s development. Open dialogue with them and listen to what they say, their hopes, ideas and fears. Involve them in building the nation. We will be surprised at how much we can learn from them.
The challenges facing us are many, both on the domestic and international fronts. Just across our borders, wars are being fought. We must exert every effort and spare no expense to end them. In dealing with those outside the Kingdom, our internal strengths and our moral principles will be a source of strength. We should be humble and grateful to God for His blessings of peace and security in the past and work hard to maintain them today. It is admittedly not an easy thing to do.
By maintaining both domestic unity and a united front, we can face any problem. We have men of mettle. Our societal expectations should be high enough to go over any obstacle. If we are serious, we must not procrastinate. Yes, the challenges are daunting but with faith in God, perseverance and hard work, we shall overcome. We have done it before. The problems may be new but the means of solving them are the same: Single-minded determination, tenacity of purpose and the conviction that our cause is just. We have to convince misguided elements in our society that they cannot prevail — not because the state has superior force but because the people of this country will not tolerate any group or ideology that goes against our customs and religion. The people may argue and disagree about the pace and substance of reform but all arguments and quarrels must be put aside when it comes to dealing with the forces of darkness and evil.
To our detractors abroad: You may point out our shortcomings and you may criticize our failings. When you do so, you should stop at the point where they distract us from the mortal struggle we are engaged in — the struggle against terrorism and religious fanaticism.
