This is how Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman succeeded
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not allow Iran to divide the brotherly Gulf states. (SPA)
Since the US-Israeli war on Iran erupted on Feb. 28, discordant voices in our region and in Western media have grown louder, questioning Saudi Arabia’s position on a conflict the Kingdom had initially worked hard to prevent, and then made intensive efforts to stop and resolve diplomatically.
It did so without noise, theatrics, grandstanding, or bluster, seeking instead to pull the region out of this bloody conflict.
This has been the hallmark of the Kingdom’s leadership since the late King Abdulaziz founded the state. The leadership has long embraced the principle that actions matter more than words. While the flies of social media buzzed and shouted, the Kingdom was measured, patient, and active. While the cheerleaders beat their drums, the Kingdom managed affairs carefully and weighed its options. The evidence is before us.
When Iran and others tried to drag the Kingdom into the furnace of destruction, our leadership chose to endure the pains caused by a neighbor in order to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Had the Kingdom wanted, and it is capable of doing so, to respond in kind to Iran by destroying Iranian facilities and interests, the outcome could have been the destruction of Saudi oil facilities and desalination plants along the Arabian Gulf coast, and even deep inside the Kingdom.
Had the Israeli plan to ignite war between us and Iran succeeded, the region would have been plunged into ruin and destruction. Thousands of our sons and daughters would have been lost in a battle in which we had no stake. Israel would have succeeded in imposing its will on the region and remained the only actor in our surroundings.
Through the wisdom and foresight of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom avoided the horrors of war and its devastating repercussions. Indeed, together with Pakistan, it is now extinguishing the fire of fighting, helping prevent escalation, and giving advocates of peace hope that they can feel reassured about the lives of their loved ones and the safety of their interests.
When Iran and others tried to drag the Kingdom into the furnace of destruction, our leadership chose to endure the pains caused by a neighbor in order to protect the lives and property of its citizens.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
As for the advocates of war, they continue in their arrogance and cawing, perhaps unaware that the rug has been pulled from under their feet.
The crown prince did not allow Iran to divide the brotherly Gulf states. He supported and stood in solidarity with all Gulf leaders, and placed the Kingdom’s trade and financing routes, through its roads, airports and ports, at the service of them and their peoples.
He also affirmed to all that their security is the Kingdom’s security, and that the Kingdom will support every step they take to preserve their security and stability.
The Kingdom will always remain true to its pact with its brothers.
This is how affairs are managed, and this is how foresight works. With Allah’s blessing, our caravan moves forward. Let the dogs bark at the top of their voices, and let our enemies bite their fingers in rage.
As the late Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen said: And if the envious speak of you, we never paid heed to the noise of their envy.
- Prince Turki Al-Faisal is the former director-general of Saudi Arabia’s intelligence agency and a former ambassador. He is also the founder and Trustee of the King Faisal Foundation and Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.
This article first appeared in Asharq Al-Awsat.
Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News’ point of view
