Say yes to reform, no to destruction

Saeed Al-Ghamdi
Al-Madinah newspaper

FROM time to time, there are clashes in the city of Qatif and the surrounding areas.

Innocent people and police officers often fall victim to these clashes. This scene does not please anyone. The officers were often targeted by snipers from building rooftops or other hiding places.

These officers are working around the clock to ensure the safety of people and protect properties from criminals who are hiding among them.

These criminals’ main target is to commit murder and damage the property of citizens and to disturb the peace. At the end of the day, these people will not achieve their goals. The question is, why Qatif and the surrounding areas?

If these elements are working with an internal organization, then what is the target they want to achieve? Why are they not announcing publicly their demands? Why are they killing young soldiers when they are their brothers?

There are sensible people in Qatif who know that this violence is unjustified. Demands should come in a peaceful way and through official channels starting with the King’s council.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is a man who loves his people and answers all requests that come to his council. Crown Prince Salman is an educated man who realizes what is happening in front of him and deals with it wisely. He is a man with a sharp vision and cares about the people and the country. He said once at a meeting in Makkah that “we are all in one boat and will not allow anyone to threaten the security of the country.”

If there are people in Qatif working on a sectarian agenda and believe the only way to achieve their goals is through sniping at police officers, then they are dreaming. The majority of people in the country will not accept this. This is not in line with the ideal of peaceful coexistence between segments of society.

We are all citizens and we have our duties and rights. At the top of this is respect to the law and loyalty to the country. This is a warning against those who are targeting the safety and peace of this country. They should know that we are united as one and those who are trying to get to us will not succeed because the people of this country will protect their nation.

It is already enough seeing what is happening in Arab countries that are facing internal fights, shattered societies, destruction of property and waste of resources. At the end of the day I would say yes to reform and no to destruction.