The courage of Saudi pilots

Saudi pilots who participated in bombing the strongholds of the so-called Islamic State militants in Syria have displayed their combat capabilities and courage. They know that IS militants are supported by the Syrian regime, Russia and Iran. The valor of Saudi pilots emanated from their strong faith in Allah and their love for their nation and its leadership.

International media applauded the performance of Saudi pilots by publishing their photos flying fighter jets. The pilots included, Prince Khaled bin Salman, the son of Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense. The Saudi pilots were not afraid of the threats issued by the terrorist group through the social media.

Saudi Arabia has been facing such threats since the occupation of Kuwait and the war for the emirate’s liberation in 1991. The pressure on military and security officers as well as the media increased following the Kingdom’s war on Al-Qaeda in 2001 and 2003 when the terrorists unleashed their vengeance against the Kingdom through bombings across the country.

Saudi security forces stood up against the terrorists. Al-Qaeda’s media wing was very strong but failed to influence the public opinion in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Saudi people stand united with their leadership and condemn the barbarity of the IS.

— By Dr. Abdul Aziz Jarallah Al-Jarallah

Confronting terror

Saudi Arabia has been very serious in its fight against terrorism because it has been one of its main victims. Terrorist organizations used to issue statements declaring those who do not support their crimes as infidels. Terror groups appear in our societies like deadly viruses or cancerous cells. Nobody will allow the spread of cancer to other parts of his/her body and try to get the best treatment to control it.

We have to take strong military and security steps to put an end to the cancer of terrorism. A terrorist wants to shake your stability and infuse insecurity in your mind and prevent your dream for a brighter future. They steal your life and that of your children.

One cannot stand as a spectator when he/she sees sources of danger. Instead they get up and prevent it using all their resources. You will not wait for the enemy to stab you instead you take precautionary measures to ensure your safety. Every member of society should play his/her role in fighting terrorism and their deviant ideology.

— By Nada Al-Tasan

Culture of laziness

Saudis love to enjoy long vacations. Even if there is a vacation for 365 days, they expect a royal decree to increase it to 400 days. Recently, we have seen them spreading rumors that the last Wednesday and Thursday had been included in the Eid Al-Adha holidays even after the Civil Affairs Ministry had categorically stated that there would not be any change to the holiday plan.

We have to underline the fact the attendance of government employees and their productivity is not satisfactory. Some government teachers have expressed their unhappiness when Education Minister Prince Khaled Al-Faisal instructed regional education directors to inform him about absentees after long vacations. These people are unhappy because they are not disciplined attend school on the first day after its reopening following vacations.

Many teachers often add a few days before or after the holidays. But serious employees are happy with the ministry’s directive and they are looking forward to introducing fingerprinting system to register presence and absence of employees in all schools and imposing tough punishment on absenting teachers and students. Proper attendance of employees should be ensured not only in schools but also in all government departments.

— By Qenan Al-Ghamdi

Haj in times of crises

This year’s Haj season comes at a time when the Arab and Islamic world is passing through unprecedented crises and instability. They are targeted by Iran and terrorist organizations.

In Yemen, the Houthis have taken control of government institutions in Sanaa without any resistance from the army. The strange thing is that the international community did not condemn the incident.

A Muslim has to perform Haj once in his lifetime, if he/she is physically and financially capable. Haj has many objectives such as declaring the unity of God, cleansing one’s mind from sins and turning a new leaf in life. It also strengthens unity and solidarity among Muslims.

People from all over the world assemble for Haj, to worship Allah the Almighty. Haj reminds Muslims about the importance of unity, which is essential for success in this world.

— By Sami Saeed Habeeb

Suggestions for Haia

Nobody can dispute the importance of the Commission for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (Haia), as its officials work for establishing morality in our society. The Haia should understand that there are enemies who are bent on looking for its mistakes. At the same time, it should conduct a review of its actions and get rid of its mistakes.

I am happy to learn that Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, Haia president, has taken steps to restructure the organization and reform the attitude of its field workers to make them more people-friendly.

As a journalist, I have got opportunities to accompany Haia officials during raids and learned that most of them deal with people decently and politely. There are a few extremists among them who give the organization a bad name. I would like to make the following suggestions to make the Haia look different.

We should have a secret team to monitor the activities of Haia officials; Haia should also engage in enlightenment programs instead of concentrating on raids; officials should be given proper training; women employees should be appointed and trained.

The Haia should also intensify its media campaigns through print and electronic media; it should open offices near centers of events and festivals and distribute pamphlets to enlighten the public on various issues.

— By Abdu Al-Asmari

Serving with a smile

Every citizen in the Kingdom is proud of serving the guests of God who come for Haj. Islam has given instructions to provide pilgrims with all necessary care and assistance. We can impress these pilgrims by extending our services with a smile and making arrangements to provide quick services.

Muslims all over the world look at Saudis with great respect being citizens from the land of the two holy mosques. They will be extremely happy if we treat them nicely when they come for Haj and Umrah. We should take action against those traders and taxi drivers who exploit pilgrims to make quick money.

The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has urged all its employees to treat pilgrims with a smile and I hope all government departments engaged in Haj service would instruct their employees to do the same.

— By Ali Al-Jahli