New generation of terrorists

The Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization has reportedly recruited some children and we have seen these children holding weapons in video clips posted on the social media. Some of them were seen murdering the organization’s opponents and carrying heads of innocent people after killing them.

According to one report, at least 800 children below 18 have joined the group and most of them are engaged in non-combat activities such as providing logistical support, preparing food, cleaning weapons and equipment and guarding the group’s properties.

IS has shown video clips of these children announcing their allegiance to the group’s leader or what they call Ameer Al-Mumineen. These children say words in front of the camera and most of them do not know the meaning of what they say.

What kind of a younger generation this group wants to bring up? They force children to join the terrorist group and we can see these children standing next to dead bodies without fear. This will surely lead to the creation of a new generation of ruthless terrorists.

— By Ibrahim Mohammed Badawood

GCC upbeat on Al-Abadi

GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, were quick in congratulating the new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi soon after his nomination, although he came from the party of former Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki.

Al-Abadi’s previous statements were not different from that of Al-Maliki. In fact, they were not in favor of the GCC, particularly Saudi Arabia. But Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries welcomed Al-Abadi with good intentions and with the hope that he would open a new chapter in GCC-Iraq ties.

Because of the legacy he inherited from Al-Maliki, Al-Abadi has to double his efforts to bring his country back on the road to progress. GCC countries have offered help to correct the dangerous mistakes committed by his predecessor.

First of all, Al-Abadi has to disown Al-Maliki’s heritage and do justice to the Sunnis in the country and make them partners in the development process. He has to repeal the laws that were enacted by Americans to deepen sectarianism in the country under the pretext of fighting terror.

The new premier should disband armed militias. These militias play a big role in undermining the country’s security and stability. Al-Abadi should also abandon the policy of showing too much reliance on Tehran. He should understand that it was the sectarian policies adopted by Al-Maliki that led to bloody conflicts in the country. We have learned from history that only a secular government can do justice to all parties in the country.

— Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Othman bin Saqer

Education system

Although four Saudi universities have been listed among the top 500 institutions of higher learning in the world, it is high time for us to debate whether our universities have worked for establishing their identity in achieving academic excellence, in producing outstanding research works and producing talented and qualified graduates.

Our colleges and universities reopen on Sunday and I have noticed that many students were finding it difficult to get admissions. We should provide these students alternatives on the basis of an economic vision for our country.

During the last few years, there has been a considerable increase in admissions but I don’t know whether it has any impact on improving the standard of our higher education. If there is no major improvement in quality of education, why should we put too much restrictions on admissions?

We have to think of new ideas to improve the quality of education at universities and we have to link secondary education with university education like in advanced countries. The Education Ministry should also conduct exams for main subjects to determine university admissions. We should also provide our universities some kind of freedom to improve their academic programs. It will also provide students a better learning atmosphere.

—By Dr. Mashari bin Abdullah Al-Naim

Saudi-French ties

Saudi Arabia intends to establish better relations with friendly countries on the basis of safeguarding their common interests. It has won global reputation as a result of its strong economic and political position.

Here comes the significance of the state visit of Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, to France next week. The crown prince’s talks in the French capital are expected to focus on security as well as on major political, economic and military issues.

The royal visit will take Saudi-French ties to new heights of progress. The historic relations between the two countries are considered a model for bilateral ties. Saudi-French relations have been expanding year after year. Prince Salman is likely to discuss with French leaders new mechanisms to strengthen strategic cooperation between two countries. Saudi Arabia appreciates France’s stand on the Palestinian issue. It also appreciates Paris’ moderate policies on most of the issues that concerns Riyadh. We have been giving France its share of the Kingdom’s arms purchase deals. It has also given French companies opportunities to participate in the Kingdom’s development projects.

—By Khaled Al-Malik

Housing woes

Owning a house is the dream of every Saudi citizen. Getting long-term housing loans are not easy. On the other hand, the real estate market is witnessing fluctuations with prices shooting up. This will make ownership of homes a distant dream.

The Ministry of Housing has introduced a new system to facilitate ownership of homes. It has announced a list of citizens who are qualified to get housing loans. Unfortunately, the ministry does not present any short-term solution for the housing problem. Around 621,000 Saudi nationals have been found eligible to receive housing aid under a new scheme designed to ease shortage of homes in the Kingdom. They were chosen from 961,000 applications received from across the Kingdom.

People have to wait for a long time to get housing loans under the new system, although it gives priority to those who are elderly, poor and with large families. The question is when will others get their homes or loans? The ministry should publish regular reports for construction of new homes and their distribution among the deserving people.

—By Hanan Almarahbi

Organizing street vendors

At present foreign workers are occupying most street vendor jobs. Actually, expatriate workers are recruited to meet the labor requirements of companies and individuals for a specific period.

Due to the absence of proper monitoring systems, some expatriates engage in street vendor jobs. These vendors offer their products at cheaper prices and there is nobody to stop them.

Municipalities across the Kingdom can play a big role in preventing expats from engaging in such illegal activities. Because of a lack of adequate staff, municipalities may not be able to stop these vendors who appear in residential districts at different times.

So it is better for authorities to regulate the activities of these vendors to do their jobs in a responsible way like licensed traders. I believe many Saudis can do this job easily without requiring any major investment.

— By Dr. Salah bin Fahd Al-Shalhoub