Ugly sectarian agenda
The terrorist organization, Hezbollah, has called on the international rights organizations to “intervene” in the case of Nimr Al-Nimr, who has been sentenced to death in a sedition case in the Kingdom. Ironically, the Hezbollah has termed Al-Nimr a “mujahid scholar.”
Its stance on a convicted terrorist is a testimony to the outfit’s ugly sectarian designs in the region. This call has exposed Hezbollah’s interference in other country’s affairs and of course with Iranian support to undermine the interests of other countries and spread sectarianism.
Al-Nimr is a terrorist just like other terrorists. His sectarian leanings don’t provide him immunity from the law. Isn’t it ironic that Hezbollah is raising hue and cry and calling it “repression” at a time when it has overrun Beirut and scuttled democracy.
Not only that it is responsible for the killings of Syrians who wanted a decent life.
It has become imperative that moderate Shiite elements raise their voices against these terrorists. The moderate Shiites have to make concerted efforts against such groups that are wreaking havoc in Beirut, Iraq, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen.
— By Tariq Al-Hamaidi
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is a relatively new concept in Saudi society. However, the teachings of Islam already provide a basis for this concept, as our religion lays emphasis on piety and cooperation.
The motive behind social responsibility in the Saudi business environment came as the result of challenges and social problems that have emerged and enormously grown despite generous government spending. It has become clear that the private sector companies, which capture the lion’s share of this spending, have felt that they had to return some of their huge profits to the community in the form of projects and programs to meet their needs and address their problems.
Here a number of questions have to be raised: What is their expected role? Do the Saudi companies have the inclination to propose and provide communal programs and activities or be regularly forced to contribute to the local development?
Community problems have become more complicated, which necessitate innovative solutions and active and viable participation of the private sector.
Social responsibility is not only weighed by the volume of financial donations to the community but on the volume of spending on sustainable social programs.
— By Adnan al-Shiha
Issue of Gulf security
Recently we read reports about the formation of Gulf countries’ joint naval force. The security of the Gulf region has always remained in the limelight at various platforms across the world.
Even the recent Kuwait summit stressed the need for establishment of an academy for strategic studies, joint defense and formation of GCC police aimed at boosting security.
In the current scenario, it is crucial that we move from the planning phase and translate those plans into a reality at the earliest. We should avoid bureaucratic hassles to materialize this project.
Regarding the sea borders, protection of ships passing through the Gulf waters loaded with oil, which is the major driver for industries in the East and West, cannot be ensured if Iran orchestrates any adventure. Likewise, the Red Sea has become a center of piracy and bases for Iran and Houthis and may become one of Iran’s strategies to create allies under any pretext to protect global sea navigation.
— By Yusuf Al-Quwailait
Controversy over land fees
Housing problem cannot be solved by imposition of fees or articles written by columnists in newspapers but by dedicated and competent people who are keen on providing comfort to the citizens. Imposition of fees came casually which may partially solve the problem as seen by the Ministry of Housing officials but opposed by real estate developers. The two parties are sticking to their respective views, which is difficult to solve unless leaders of the country intervene and make decision in the greater good of the people.
As far as I know, the Ministry of Housing is seeking vacant lands. The ministry says lands are available in regional provinces but in metropolitan cities there is a “conflict” between landlords and the ministry on finding white (vacant) lands. To threaten landlords, the ministry may resort to imposition of fees.
There is a pressing need for cooperation between the private sector companies and the Ministry of Housing in implementing urgent land plans in the outskirts of Riyadh.
— By Sulaiman Al-Abdi
Need for dialogue
Since his ascension to the throne, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has been calling for the promotion of the culture of dialogue between different communities to resolve lingering global issues. The King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue (KACND) is part of those efforts.
The activities of this center are encouraging. King Abdullah has also called for a meaningful dialogue between different religions.
In this context, we earnestly call on the KACND to benefit from the experiences of the neighboring countries, notably those with diverse cultures and communities and try to include such experiences in the KACND activities and programs. The center should also benefit from some positive programs aired by some TV channels and incorporate those programs in our official TV broadcast. The center can also play a pivotal role in directing workers in mosques to speak on issues based on a moderate approach void of extremist tendencies.
The center should work in coordination with other relevant ministries to devise a comprehensive strategy to effectively achieve its goals.
— By Mohamed Salim Al-Ghamdi
