There is no sane human being in the world who loves war. However, countries are sometimes compelled to wage war to ward off evil and confront threats or respond to external aggression on its territory.
We can find an example of this in the ongoing airstrikes carried out by the joint Arab coalition against Houthi positions and those of ousted Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
Since its inception more than 80 years ago, the Kingdom has been a peaceful state. It strongly believes in peaceful coexistence and respect for the sovereignty of other states. Saudi Arabia has been committed to the policy of non-interference for decades. And because of this policy, the Kingdom has enjoyed security and stability despite attempts by its enemies to destabilize it. Middle East has been, and still is, the scene of unrest and conflicts, but Saudi Arabia has remained stable, peaceful and strong.
However, the Kingdom’s leadership was aware of the machinations of terror groups and countries supporting them to implement their agendas, and therefore it worked hard to build a military force capable of defending the country and confronting any aggression.
Iran played an ugly role in the region. It supported Syrian President Assad in his brutalities against his own people, massively interfered in Iraq, armed Houthis to foment unrest in Yemen and continued its conspiracies to create instability in the region.
The Iranian leadership continued its hostility against the Kingdom and abetted Houthi militia to stage a coup against the legitimate government of Abed Rabbo Hadi. Houthis advance and aggressive movement posed a threat to the Kingdom’s security. Hadi, in the meantime, appealed to the Kingdom and other Gulf countries to intervene and help stop Houthis’ aggression.
Saudi Arabia has never intervened in the internal affairs of any country and its Operation Decisive Storm is aimed at eliminating the Houthi threat and reinstalling the legitimate government of President Hadi.
Iran’s intervention in Iraq on the pretext of fighting IS looks suspicious. Its support for the Assad’s sectarian regime also smacks of Tehran’s vested interests in the region.
When these crises will end is a matter of guess only. There are many unanswered questions: Will the Iranian forces withdraw from Iraq after the elimination of IS? Will the American-Iranian alliance come to an end? Will Iran and Hezbollah abandon the Assad family for gains in other places? Or will Iran continue expanding at the expense of neighboring Arab countries.
It is clear that Iran’s slogans of the “Revolution,” “Death to America,” “Death to Israel” have turned into death to the Arabs, because the Arab states, not Israel, are the victims of the Iranian policies.
In fact, Iran and the Zionists have one common goal. Jews have not forgotten the Babylonian captivity and the Iranians have not forgotten the battle of Qadisiyah that led to the destruction of the Persian Empire. So both want to take revenge for their humiliation using different tools and methods.
Had the Houthis and the ousted President Saleh committed themselves to the tradition of democracy, the Saudi leadership would have welcomed this attitude because the Kingdom has always wanted the best for the people of Yemen, and has always offered aid and assistance, and even financed armament deals to help Yemen stay strong. Sad enough, Saleh has turned out to be a thief and a traitor.
Given this serious situation, the Saudi leadership was forced to take such a drastic measure. Hopefully, this operation will convey a strong message to all that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states and the Arab region is a red line that no one is allowed to tamper with.
There will be a lot of lessons to learn, the most important of which is that the Saudi leadership has a leading role which it has played very wisely and firmly.
Everyone is hoping that the leadership will succeed in resolving various issues facing the Arab world. There should be no doubt that Saudi Arabia and the new alliance will continue the mission to safeguard and promote Arab unity.
This is a huge task that the world expects the Kingdom to accomplish. It is not easy. It requires steadfastness and perseverance. The Saudi leadership is absolutely capable of meeting all challenges. Saudi people understand the situation and will not hesitate in offering sacrifices for their country and their leadership.
It should be understood that the current military action in Yemen is not governed by narrow sectarian considerations, but it is a proactive work relating to our national security and aims. It is a war that has been imposed on us. Nevertheless, our leadership, our fighters and our people are up to the challenge and are determined to fight it until victory.
