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The concept of “power” in this article’s title refers to the recognition granted by various international forums to any country that possesses distinctive capabilities, thereby earning the label. Power is multidimensional. First, it denotes significant political influence. Second, it stems from economic strength that impacts multiple levels. Third, it encompasses a substantial spiritual role. This is not intended as mere flattery. However, even when viewed through this specific standpoint, it is essential to acknowledge when an entity succeeds where others, despite having all the necessary resources, have fallen short.
Recognizing people’s true worth is a fundamental principle. In this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which celebrated its 94th National Day on Monday, has rightfully earned its position as a power to be reckoned with on the global stage. From the era of its founder, King Abdulaziz, to the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi kings have rejuvenated the nation, developed its vision and enhanced its capabilities over the years.
However, Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global power has been marked by many confrontations. Internally, the Kingdom’s path to modernization has been met with resistance from forces opposed to change in all fields. The most dangerous of those confrontations was — and still is — with movements that resist change for the better in all fields, especially that of human development. These forces, cloaking themselves in religious rhetoric, posed significant challenges to the Kingdom’s forward momentum.
Saudi kings have rejuvenated the nation, developed its vision and enhanced its capabilities over the years
Bakir Oweida
I, like many others of my generation, followed closely during the 1980s, 1990s and into the early 2000s the extent of the intellectual confrontations between progressive thinkers and those resistant to change. As for the Arab and Islamic levels, as well as the regional level, Saudi Arabia was destined to remain in near-constant confrontation with regional and international sides whose only intent is to disrupt its security and destabilize its people.
Saudi leaders have, however, effectively countered these threats to their people by maintaining focus on continuing to build the nation and upholding its place in the Arab world, as well as its international standing, without being swayed by the voices of skepticism that are primarily rejected by the Saudi people, who have confidence in the wisdom of their leadership.
However, the worst attempts to drive a wedge between Saudi citizens and their Arab neighbors and the Islamic extension of their affiliation were — and still are — those that use the Palestinian cause, people and tragedy to serve the purposes of malicious powers whose last concern is the suffering of the Palestinians. This situation has become more pronounced in recent months, since Benjamin Netanyahu’s brutal war on the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank began.
Saudi Arabia’s firm position on Palestine needs no defense and it is enough for the Saudi people and leadership to adhere to the true saying: “Respond to evil what is best. We know well what they claim,” because, sooner or later, the truth will prevail.
- Bakir Oweida is a Palestinian journalist who pursued a professional career in journalism in Libya in 1968, where he worked at Al-Haqiqa newspaper in Benghazi, then Al-Balagh and Al-Jihad in Tripoli. He has written for several Arab publications in Britain since 1978. He worked at Al-Arab newspaper, Al-Thadamun magazine and the international Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. He has also worked as a consultant at the online newspaper Elaph.
This article first appeared in Asharq Al-Awsat.