When the terrorist Houthi militia launched attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh \u2014 leaving innocent civilians dead and wounded \u2014 the reaction was immediate. But what followed was more than just standard diplomatic posturing. Across the region and around the world, an overwhelming wave of solidarity poured into Saudi Arabia. This reaction went far deeper than official statements from world leaders or international bodies; it resonated on the streets, shared by ordinary people, reflecting the high standing Saudi Arabia enjoys across the region and around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such a reaction, however, should come as no surprise; the kingdom follows a firmly established foreign policy rooted in international principles of peaceful coexistence, good neighborly relations, non-interference and cooperation. Its policies, mediation efforts and alliances demonstrate a consistent commitment to advancing global security and stability and ending conflicts \u2014 an unwavering principle. This policy contrasts with numerous powers whose presence in any arena brings destruction, devastation and seemingly endless chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equally vital to this standing is the kingdom\u2019s humanitarian role, as its contributions to global development attest. It has left its mark in this field, supporting all initiatives sponsored by the UN and its various agencies to serve humanity across every sphere. No wonder it is regarded as one of the leading international funders of development across multiple sectors. Its development initiatives and partnerships have also extended to numerous regional organizations, helping them sustain their work. It has placed its resources and capabilities at the disposal of many countries, becoming a key contributor to stability, development and crisis response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond statecraft and aid, the kingdom hosts millions of people whose work provides substantial economic support to their home countries. Beyond serving as a political sanctuary for those seeking mediation and an end to conflicts, it is also the sacred sanctuary of Muslims, whose hearts are attached to its land and whose souls yearn to visit the Islamic holy sites, entrusting its leadership with their service and care. The kingdom is therefore more than an influential power: it is a global hub with a distinctive standing among governments and peoples alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet Saudi Arabia\u2019s image has been subjected to considerable distortion in recent years, particularly after it confronted a number of destructive projects in the region. Those who profit from sowing discord and division, alongside figures pursuing agendas through social media and agenda-driven media networks, have sought to undermine the kingdom\u2019s standing, misrepresent its role, cast doubt regarding its intentions and positions, destabilize its relations with allies and partners, diminish its central role globally and across the Arab and Islamic worlds and create a barrier of tension between it and the peoples of the region. This disinformation has been deliberate and systematic, driven by specific powers themselves accused of playing a damaging and destructive role against the interests of the region and its peoples. The kingdom, meanwhile, has taken it upon itself to confront every single attempt to undermine regional security and stability and has consistently defended the foremost causes of the Arab and Islamic worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Houthi terrorist attacks, however, exposed the systematic media disinformation campaign waged against the kingdom over the years. Among the clearest signs one can see are the public reactions around the world, the widespread condemnation of the attacks and the official expressions of solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Perhaps most prominent were the reactions of Egyptians commenting on Saudi Foreign Ministry statements across media platforms. These responses revealed the depth of Saudi Arabia\u2019s standing among the Egyptian people and drew considerable attention because of their authenticity. Their comments went viral across the kingdom and beyond; they were warmly welcomed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This response reflected the close ties forged over the years, which have become part of the collective memory of both countries. In Saudi Arabia, one frequently hears expressions of esteem for Egypt and its people; from Egyptians, one frequently hears accounts of their enriching experiences in this generous land. By their very nature, these bonds cannot be altered by media campaigns that distort the truth. They are inseparable from the realities of geography, history and a shared destiny \u2014 realities that cannot be ignored or brushed aside. Both governments practically translated these ties by treating the preservation of each country\u2019s security and stability as an unwavering principle. Adversity can lead to opportunity: the solidarity shown during this crisis may offer a moment of recognition, encouraging efforts to heal rifts among countries bound by a shared destiny under the umbrella of the Arab League, confront projects targeting our region and act in pursuit of mutual interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As our region undergoes an exceptionally perilous transition, international and regional powers are pursuing their own agendas while disregarding our countries\u2019 interests. Indeed, their ultimate objective is to obstruct our progress and halt our development. The battle for public understanding therefore assumes particular importance, and building on the solidarity between the kingdom and its allies is essential for several reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, this solidarity thwarts the disinformation campaigns and funded media agendas that have long sought to tarnish the kingdom\u2019s image and damage its relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, this broad support gives any action against the Houthis and the militias operating across the region legitimacy that transcends borders. At the same time, it undercuts pressure aimed at obstructing efforts to confront the increasingly brazen aggression of non-state groups that threatens the countries of the region and their stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, this solidarity calls on regional and international alliances to meet their responsibilities. The issue extends beyond Saudi Arabia\u2019s security, for the kingdom is fully capable of dealing with this threat on its own. At stake are regional security, the safety of international shipping lanes, the stability of states and the security of their peoples. It is also a matter of confronting the ambitions of powers that inflame conflicts and divisions and seek to reshape the region and impose their sovereignty and control over it by spreading chaos and rebellion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, this broad wave of support and solidarity reveals the true depth of the kingdom\u2019s standing among its brotherly peoples, who stand shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia against any threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opinions in this article reflect the writer\u2019s point of view, not necessarily the view of Rasanah<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When the terrorist Houthi militia launched attacks targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh \u2014 leaving innocent civilians dead and wounded \u2014 the reaction was immediate. But what followed was more than just standard diplomatic posturing. Across the region and around the world, an overwhelming wave of solidarity poured into Saudi Arabia. This reaction went […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":214,"featured_media":14695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-14694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","tag-saudi-arabia"],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n