The Saudi government has come out clearly condemning Hezbollah for its reckless adventure. Earlier statements from senior government officials have been complemented by statements from religious authorities, including this one:
Leading Saudi Sheik Pronounces Fatwa Against Hezbollah
BY ELI LAKE – Staff Reporter of the Sun
URL: http://www.nysun.com/article/36373CAIRO, Egypt — One of Saudi Arabia’s leading Wahhabi sheiks, Abdullah bin Jabreen has issued a strongly worded religious edict, or fatwa, declaring it unlawful to support, join or pray for Hezbollah, the Shiite militias lobbing missiles into northern Israel.
The day after Hezbollah abducted two Israeli soldiers on July 12, Sheik Hamid al-Ali issued an informal statement titled “The Sharia position on what is going on.” In it, the Kuwaiti based cleric condemned the imperial ambitions of Iran regarding Hezbollah’s cross border raid.
The surprising move demonstrates that Sunni Muslim fundamentalists in the Middle East are deeply divided over whether Moslems should support Hezbollah, Iran’s Shiite proxies in the war raging in Lebanon. [Thanks to Greg Tinti at Outside the Beltway]
But as the government condemns the terrorist, it must also pay attention to public opinion. That opinion is being battered by news reports—including explicit video—of Lebanese civilians being killed. If there were a way to surgically remove Hezbollah while avoiding any civilian casualties, there wouldn’t be a problem. But as those civilian casualties mount—and the propagandists will be sure to use the most emotive imagery—there is mounting pressure on the government to do something to help the ordinary, non-Hezbollah Lebanese.
This accounts for Crown Prince Sultan’s statement coming out of France today:
Sultan Blasts Israeli Atrocity in Lebanon
Paul Michaud, Arab News —PARIS, 21 July 2006 — Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, criticized Israel’s continued bombardment of Lebanon that has killed hundreds.
“We cannot let Israel pursue its actions,†the crown prince told reporters yesterday following a meeting with French President Jacques Chirac at the Elysee Palace. “We cannot tolerate that Israel plays with the lives of citizens, civilians, women, old people and children,†Prince Sultan added.
The crown prince reiterated his country’s support for an international peacekeeping presence separating Israel and Lebanon.
Following a meeting with French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal criticized Israel’s heavy-handed actions against the Lebanese people.
“The Lebanese crisis today has reminded us of the arrogance which characterizes Israel’s policies toward its Arab neighbors,†he said to the press. “An entire country has been destroyed as a result of the capture of two soldiers.â€
The critique covers the political bases. But community action to help their Lebanese cousins is also needed:
Kingdom Will Raise Funds Thru Telethon
Arab NewsJEDDAH, 21 July 2006 — Saudi Television Channel One will organize a telethon on Wednesday to raise funds as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to help the Lebanese people suffering under Israeli attacks.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah issued an order yesterday to organize public charity campaigns to help the Lebanese people, the Saudi Press Agency quoted Interior Minister Prince Naif as saying.
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July:21:2006 - 13:04
Why don’t more Arabs urge the Lebanese to ally with Israel to enforce the U.N. resolution and disarm Hezbollah? Or is hatred for the “Zionist enemy” supposed to outweigh concern for the well-being of Lebanese civilians?
July:21:2006 - 14:13
I think any sort of formal alliance is so incomprehensible that it would be considered science fiction for most Arabs. Yes, hatred of the Zionist enemy is that strong.