Saudi Arabia can play a significant, global and regional role to bring about peace and defeat Daesh (the self-proclaimed IS) and all other terrorist organizations. It commands the religious authority to promote moderate Islam and expose the distorted and extremist ideology that is being propagated by the barbaric and un-Islamic terrorists. Saudi Arabia as a regional power can also be instrumental in resolving the problem of the toxic environment and saving the region from a catastrophic future that could last for decades to come. However, it remains critical for Saudi Arabia to defuse differences between all major regional powers. It is time to put an end to tensions, old grievances and perpetual conflicts. This is the only solution to the unrest and turmoil that continues to escalate the ongoing wars. Failing to act and cooperate will result in dire consequences for the whole region. Saudi collaboration with regional powers represents the only real option for peace. The humanitarian disaster in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Libya needs more serious and realistic solutions. It is critical to enhance nonviolent forms of conflict resolution, and build trust and find common ground to foster lasting peace and understanding. Women and children in war-torn countries are living in fear, poverty and disease. The security of the region is in need of policies to address issues related to trade, water, energy, food and climate. It should be developed on the basis of meeting human needs as well as countering extremism, terrorism and violence. The military buildup in the region is quite alarming and detrimental to peace. Political experts argue that peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through diplomacy and reconciliation with trade replacing arms and cooperation replacing conflict. They urge politicians to provide mechanisms for sustainable solutions and peaceful resolutions. There can be no military solution. The raging wars can only bring more misery and total destruction. The facilitation of intraregional trade can usher in a more prosperous future for the region. Reaching out with humanitarian initiatives and substantial economic aid is the way forward. Gestures of goodwill and genuine support are positive measures that can put an end to hostilities that are fueling conflicts. Political analysts maintain that Arab countries are challenged today to find a new balance of policies that can meet security needs and national expectations. This requires a rethinking of the approach to national security and stability. They add that peace can be accomplished if regional powers are willing to reconsider what can be credibly accomplished and what is unrealistic and cannot be accomplished. The support of the international community is key to global security. Regional experts maintain that a continuation of the status quo will threaten global instability. They remain critical of world leaders and urge them to find just solutions to the devastating regional conflicts. It is quite evident that without the support of the international community to influence a reconciliation strategy, the situation will get worse and the cycle of revenge and retaliations will continue forever. The people of the region will continue to suffer and the global community will continue to be threatened by the spread of terrorism and the refugee crises. Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries can play a significant role in the post-conflict reconstruction of war-torn countries with help from the international community and multilateral institutions like the World Bank. Regional experts urge Arab and Muslim leaders in the region to muster the political will to collaborate and to avoid drowning in the abyss of destruction and to work toward lasting stability and a more prosperous future for the whole region. Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
