I think this opinion piece in Al-Hayat is worth pointing out. It discusses the way Saudi Arabia traditionally takes a non-confrontational role in dealing with international disputes, trying to play the role of mediator. When it is directly involved, as in the case of the recent clashes on the Yemeni border, it can and will take a stronger stand. The country faces pressure, and indeed danger from the presence of Al-Qaeda on its southern border. The article calls for Arab support for Saudi Arabia in its current self-defense efforts.

From Patience to Determination
Ghassan Charbel

Anyone who knows the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia knows the rules that govern its foreign policy, whether with its neighboring countries and within the Arab and Islamic world or on the international level in general. It is a quiet and patient policy based on cooperation and the principle of an extended hand despite the differences, as well as on honesty behind closed doors and the avoidance of any initiative to take conflicts out into the open. It is also based on averting media wars and campaigns except in cases when it is the final straw and retaliation is necessary. According to the dictionary of the Saudi foreign policy, crises and conflicts are considered to be fleeting events that are bound to pave the way for a cooperation comeback.

As a journalist, I had the opportunity to follow during the last years some of the crises that affected inter-Arab relations, some of which Saudi Arabia was a part of. Even at their most critical, I heard the Saudi side make sure that these conflicts never reach a point of no-return. This stance was a prelude to the call made by King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz at the Kuwait summit for burying conflicts. We then witnessed its practical implementation at a later stage.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy was often blamed for its lack of animosity. Indeed, it always deals with the crises among other countries, and sometimes inside these countries, as an advisor, helper, and supporter of settlement, understanding and mutual compromises. It intervenes based on the request of the conflicting parties and enter countries through their legal gateway. This is a truth acknowledged by the Lebanese, the Palestinians, the Somalis, and others.

Anyone who knows Saudi Arabia also knows how keen it is on the autonomy of its decision and its refusal to yield to any dictations from friends or foes. Saudi Arabia’s relations with the great countries are filled with evidence on the above, but these stances remain in the framework of the diplomacy that does not promote its stances.

When a country that has such political and economic weight on the Arab, Islamic, and international level adopted a policy based on the option of stability and cooperation, this made it a great target of destabilization policies. It is no secret that Saudi Arabia was the primary target behind the September 11 attacks, and a mere look at the team that was entrusted with the execution reveals Al Qaeda’s intentions. Since the Saudi weight is one of the main pillars of stability in the Middle East, its role was expected to be targeted by those attempting to strike a blow against the pillars of stability there or lead an upheaval on the balances that curb some of the rash ambitions in the region.
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