The states remain despite terrorism

Videos and photographs have circulated online of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Nayef’s visit to Al-Ahsaa region in the Eastern Province following the terrorist attack on Imam Rida mosque last week. He even appeared in a selfie with one of the injured victims. His meetings and dialogue with people there were distinguished by goodwill.

When he met the brave young man who attacked the second suicide bomber before he could blow himself up, bin Nayef confirmed that the kingdom will triumph over terrorism. Society has become a partner with the state in fighting extremism, but without getting involved in the state’s role. This is the whole point. The state’s role will always be paramount, as the prince has said before.

People’s help, unity and attentiveness is important, but it is unacceptable that some enthusiastic citizens in several areas want to form what resembles popular mobilization forces in mosques. The roles of the community and individuals end when they interfere with that of the state.

Everyone was happy with the young man’s deterrence of the terrorist in the mosque, and with youths’ efforts in general to limit terrorist activities around mosques. However, all this falls within the context of complementing, not interfering with, the state’s role. Society must detect terrorists, limit their activity and report them. Security forces will handle the rest. May God protect His worshippers from all evil.

This article was first published by Okaz newspaper on Feb. 4, 2016.
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Turki Al-Dakhil is the General Manager of Al Arabiya News Channel. He began his career as a print journalist, covering politics and culture for the Saudi newspapers Okaz, Al-Riyadh and Al-Watan. He then moved to pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat and pan-Arab news magazine Al-Majalla. Turki later became a radio correspondent for the French-owned pan-Arab Radio Monte Carlo and MBC FM. He proceeded to Elaph, an online news magazine and Alarabiya.net, the news channel’s online platform. Over a ten-year period, Dakhil’s weekly Al Arabiya talk show “Edaat” (Spotlights) provided an opportunity for proponents of Arab and Islamic social reform to make their case to a mass audience. Turki also owns Al Mesbar Studies and Research Centre and Madarek Publishing House in Dubai. He has received several awards and honors, including the America Abroad Media annual award for his role in supporting civil society, human rights and advancing women’s roles in Gulf societies. He tweets @TurkiAldakhil.