Recently and during the last period, it was so interesting to read many articles by writers and public figures from different Saudi regions that are characterized with mildness and moderation over the recent events in Qatif. They showed awareness to the significance of the nation’s unity, thought maturity and rationality in discourse and in addressing an issue that concerns us all.
Previously, few months ago and from this corner, I had called for making an urgent national initiative that addresses this situation and overcomes the factionalism and regionalism in order to be all partners in dealing with issues as we did before by standing shoulder to shoulder in facing the crises that our nation went through.
People of Qatif agree upon condemning all forms of violence and that was proved in words and deeds by the prominent public figures of Qatif through their ongoing religious speeches, statements, letters and declarations. They, also, confirm the importance of respecting the national commonalities which they share with other citizens; especially political leadership and national unity.
Perhaps, it is necessary to make these attitudes clearer away from ambiguity in order to avoid providing evidences or pretexts to any one aims to denigrate the loyal people of Qatif. There are people who work on generalizing attitudes of certain individuals or groups on the rest of the region’s people for tendentious objectives.
I see people, who are keen on the nation’s safety and citizens who are aware and loyal, are stepping behind commendatory writings and condemnations to looking for solutions for this crisis which became highly concerning; especially in the light of the experiences that other Arab societies are going through. Nobody accepts the escalation of violent disputes in a way that threatens security and stability and destroys all the achievements.
So, people and lovers of Qatif; religious scholars, specialized academics, public figures and intellectuals, all of you come and contribute in becoming part of the solution not of the problem.
Mistakes should not be generalized on everyone, and an appropriate atmosphere for dialogue between different parties should be prepared because not establishing it is a loss for every side. Moreover, the cultivated citizens should practice an effective role in containing the crisis because everyone is responsible regardless of the varied distances and orientations.
Whoever review- from you lovers of Qatif- what have been written by our people such as reviews, studies and letters, he would see that they presented the different dimensions of this issue and the suggested solutions as well. With a large nation like ours, a competent leadership, and loyal public figures as you, I do not think that we will be unable to make proper solutions for this issue.
My greetings to every loyal and patriot person who had expressed his love to Qatif, and may Allah bless all believers in the significance of this nation’s unity and safety. May openness and honesty be an approach in addressing issues, and I bet that people of Qatif would continue to stand by their partners in the nation.
* Jafar AlShayeb is a Saudi writer, human rights activist, and a member of Qatif Municipal Council
