Saudi Arabia's active participation in the Arab political and diplomatic process is critical to regain the rights of the Palestinian people and eliminate the threat of terrorism and regional conflicts. The national security of Saudi Arabia and its social stability remain at risk with the continued Israeli atrocities against the Palestinian people. The government cannot appear to be indifferent to the plight of the Palestinians. The protection and preservation of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the liberation of Palestine has always been a religious and national goal for Saudi Arabia and all Arabs and Muslims. Muslims all over the world look to Saudi Arabia to protect the holy lands of Islam and voice Muslim condemnation of Israeli ethnic cleansing and atrocities against Palestinian women and children. The failure of Saudi Arabia to stand for the rights of Palestinians would compromise its national security and stability. Addressing Israeli atrocities in Palestine and the chaos and wars surrounding the Kingdom have tested Saudi Arabia's resolve as a stabilizing factor in Middle Eastern politics. Israeli settlements and the continued campaign to spread hate against Palestinians is a crime against humanity. Israel is an obstacle to peace. Today, more than ever before, serious pressure is needed to stop Israeli atrocities and to force Israel to accept a two-state solution. This will allow peace-loving Israelis and Palestinians, whether Jews, Christians or Muslims, to live in peace and harmony. The transformation of Saudi Arabia cannot only be on an economic basis. Today, the Kingdom has a political and moral responsibility to modify its policies and propagate the true moderate and tolerant principles of Islam. The Kingdom also has a political obligation to transform the country into a strong and modern state, one which can play an important role in influencing an era of progress and development in the region. Moreover, the Kingdom's role in enhancing global security cannot be underestimated. Complacency and failed policies have contributed to the present situation. Urgent united Arab action is crucial in order to bring peace, security and prosperity to the region. Saudi Arabia remains challenged by the need to contain internal conflicts and form stronger alliances to defend the nation and protect its interests. As a founding member of both the Arab League, founded in 1945, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), established in 1969, it is crucial for Saudi Arabia to make both of these organizations play a more effective role in regional peace and development. They cannot afford to fail in their task. These vital organizations need a new strategy, renewed energy and greater funding to be more effective. Sadly, the role of the League has remained ineffective for a long time. It has failed to protect the rights of the Palestinian people and defend the sovereignty of Iraq and Libya. Arab leaders were not able to protect the lives of the innocent victims of the brutal conflicts and wars in Syria, Yemen and other Arab countries that remain weak, fragmented and vulnerable to foreign interventions and attacks. Due to irreconcilable differences with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and the brutal way he has dealt with his political opponents, the League has suspended Syria from the organization. The Syrian people are the victims of failed diplomacy that could have been avoided and saved the region a lot of bloodshed and ruin. Also in Yemen, negotiations failed to rein in Ali Abdullah Saleh resulting in tribal conflict and terrorist operations that threaten the Yemeni people and the whole region. Similarly, the OIC, founded in 1969 because of the unlawful burning of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, is another example of how Muslim organizations have failed in their mission to protect the rights of Palestinians and the interests of the Arab and Muslim world. The inclusion of policies related to making Arab and Muslim organizations more effective and strengthening relations and cooperation between Arab and Muslim states should be incorporated in the Kingdom's transformation plans. Saudi Vision 2030 to transform the nation into a modern and prosperous state requires new policies to maintain the Kingdom's strong role in the region and preserve its moral standing within the Islamic world. _ Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
