In the context of the frequency of the terror attacks in the West the release of the 28 pages of the 9/11 report made in 2002 take on a special significance.
Despite Saudi Arabia innumerable calls to have these pages made public so that the government could clear its name it has taken so many years. Ironically, because of this delay and the ongoing doubt that survived, the global war on terrorism was adversely affected. The hush hush atmosphere connected to the pages being kept secret only fed the rumor machine.
Saudi Arabia’s influence, its knowledge and its readiness to fight against terror per se were kept in abeyance, like on the sidelines. It was a resistance that made little sense seeing as how it is Saudi Arabia that is at the forefront of the battlefield today. It is Saudi Arabia that gets targeted. It is Saudi Arabia which has seen even its most holy places put into the line of danger. The fact is that for the future Saudi Arabia has a pivotal role to play in counter-terrorism and countering terrorism, both these elements being crucial to the fight in the future.
While most US leaders have accepted that there was no evidence of official funding or supporting the fifteen hijackers from this region there are always a few who would continue to push the matter despite there being a reason to call it quits.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said it right when he told a Washington Press conference that the matter has been put to rest. Asked whether the report exonerated the Kingdom, he replied: “Absolutely.”
The statement from the US says it eloquently. “We found no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior officials within the Saudi government funded Al-Qaeda.”
Trust in the aftermath of the disclosure of these pages is now of the essence. It is the foundation on which Saudi Arabia must now be acknowledged not just as a victim of a long silence but as importantly be the most vital ally in the war on terror.
This is the priority now. Last week was Nice. This week it is Munich. The open war against these elements is unabated in Syria and Iraq and it is Saudi men in uniform who are risking their lives. That has to be taken into account. In fact it is the largest factor in the account.
