Saudi Arabia, UAE ‘lead way in fighting terror ideology’

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Saudi security forces and forensic personnel inspect the site of a suicide bombing that targeted the Shiite Al-Anoud mosque in the coastal city of Dammam on May 29, 2015. Daesh terrorist claimed responsibility. (AFP file photo)
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1983 - US Embassy, Beirut, Lebanon
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2000 - USS Cole bombing, Aden, Yemen
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1994 - Air France hijack, Marseille, France
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1987- Hamas, Gaza City
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1984 - Hezbollah parade, Beirut, Lebanon
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2004 - Osama bin Laden
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1981 - Anwar Sadat’s funeral, Cairo, Egypt
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1997 - Attack on tourists in Luxor, Egypt
Updated 13 September 2018
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Saudi Arabia, UAE ‘lead way in fighting terror ideology’

  • Former British prime minister Tony Blair has called for a new approach to combating violent extremism — but the methods he proposes have been used in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for years
  • Organizations such as the Saudi-based Ideological Warfare Center and Hedayah and the Sawab Center in the UAE are classic examples of the “prevention is better than cure” methods

DUBAI: Governments around the world need a coherent, global strategy to uproot the ideology of violent extremism, former British prime minister Tony Blair says. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, they already knew that — and have been acting on it for years.

Organizations such as the Saudi-based Ideological Warfare Center and Muslim World League, and Hedayah and the Sawab Center in the UAE, are classic examples of the “prevention is better than cure” methods that Blair calls for on Thursday in a report by his Institute for Global Change.

“Extremism is a global challenge prevalent now in both developing and developed states, so the discourse has to be beyond fragile states only,” said Hassan Abbas, professor of international security studies at the National Defense University in Washington. “Enabling civil society workers to promote coexistence is a much-needed agenda item as it will lead to local capacity-building as well as acknowledgement of good work already being done — rather than misguided attempts to reinvent the wheel.”

The Ideological Warfare Center, founded by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, “has been concentrating on educating people and raising awareness about extremism and fundamentalism through cutting-edge visual tools,” said Dr Majid Rafizadeh, Iranian-American pol- itical scientist, president of the International American Council and board member of the Harvard International Review. “The UAE and Saudi Arabia have been leading states in using soft power, security, setting up public and private institutions that raise awareness about extremist ideologies, initiating dialogues between different societies, as well as taking regional and global initiatives to uproot terrorism and extremist ideologies.” 

Such a complex approach is challenging because of the difficulty of coordination between various inter-governmental and intra-governmental organizations, he said. “Nevertheless, in the long term, this is the most effective strategy to uproot extremist ideology and terrorism.”

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Understanding extremist ideologies crucial to fight against terror 

Dr. Anne Speckhard, director of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism, said such efforts are crucial to prevent violent extremism. “Saudi Arabia has for years been counter-messaging and working on ways to disengage and deradicalize imprisoned violent extremists,” said Dr Speckhard, who has more than 20 years’ experience interviewing 600 terrorists, their family members, hostages and close associates. “When countries work together on these points, we can all win. If governments fail, terrorists win.”

However, criticism of the Blair approach came from Dr. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, chairman of the Arab Council for Social Sciences. “It puts the blame on Arab Muslim countries for extremist ideologies in our region,” he said. “What it neglects is the important historical facts that Al-Qaeda was born from the reaction to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and Daesh is a result of a US invasion of Iraq.” 

Terrorism was rooted in foreign invasions of Muslim countries, he said. “The reasons are political, not ideological or religious. The argument from the West is apologetic on one hand, but also shifting the blame where it shouldn’t be.”

He said the Gulf had already done more than Blair recommended. “Saudi Arabia and the UAE are strict when it comes to financing, and regulation is tight. There is zero tolerance for extremism, we have done the most we can do.”

For Dr. Richard Burchill, director of research and engagement at Trends Research and Advisory in Abu Dhabi, overcoming extremist ideologies requires a focus on education at all levels of individual development, to build and support critical thinking skills, tolerance and empathy. “As acts of violent extremism decline, we should not assume the situation is improving,” he said. “It is imperative to address the ideologies that support extremist positions, both violent and non-violent. Extremist ideologies damage societies by creating differences and discrimination, fostering feelings of distrust and grievance. Security policies are important for addressing extremism, but also important is addressing the ideas behind the extremists.”

Critics say that the Blair approach contains little new thinking. “Since 9/11, scholars and policy wonks have been thinking along the lines of prevention before cure,” said Dr Albadr Al-Shateri, politics professor at the National Defence College in Abu Dhabi. 

“There is a greater chance with the Arab Gulf states, who have a genuine interest in combating extremism and terrorism. The UAE spearheads the region in this field as it plays host to organizations such as Hedayah and the Sawab Center. It is also the sponsor of the Muslim Council of Elders and the Forum for Promoting peace in Muslim Society.”

Encouraging civic society movements that are intent on promoting co-existence would be key, and a new strategy could lend support to such organizations and reinvigorate them to prevent counter-extremism fatigue, he said.

“How to generate financial and political resources in hard economic times will remain a challenge. The lack of political progress on the Palestinian problem will be another challenge, especially since Western powers are inept at restraining Israeli excesses.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia sees 30% drop in work injuries

Updated 05 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia sees 30% drop in work injuries

  • Saudi minister launches platform for reporting and investigating workplace incidents

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s commitment to occupational safety and health has seen the rate of work-related injuries in the Kingdom drop from 416 to 288 injuries per 100,000 workers, over the past few years, marking a notable 30.7 percent decrease.

At the same time, the compliance rate among establishments with occupational safety and health standards has risen to 71.27 percent.

This progress was highlighted by Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi as he inaugurated the sixth Saudi Global Conference for Occupational Safety and Health in Riyadh on Sunday, signaling a promising future for worker safety in the country.

The forum, which runs until May 7 under the theme “Scanning the Horizon,” covers five main topics: sustainability, corporate safety, technological transformation, cultural awareness, and occupational health.

Al-Rajhi, who is also the chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, highlighted the remarkable progress Saudi Arabia has made in the OSH sector in recent years.

He attributed this success to the collaborative programs and initiatives launched in conjunction with Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at creating a vibrant society and building a diverse and sustainable economy.

Al-Rajhi noted that through the national policy on occupational safety and health, the Kingdom aims to strengthen and develop the OSH sector, promote and protect workers across various workplaces at the national level, in line with local regulations and international treaties and agreements, and implement the best global practices suitable for the labor market.

The minister launched the official website of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and mentioned the e-training platform for OSH, as well as the platform for reporting and investigating work-related accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases.

Al-Rajhi praised the council for its dedicated efforts and the collaborative contributions of various sectors within the council and the broader OSH system.

The achievements in the OSH sector were bolstered by the enactment of several pieces of legislation aimed at raising awareness of occupational safety and health issues, notably through the strategic implementation of the national occupational safety and health program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Key legislative measures include the issuance of administrative regulations related to OSH and the development of a comprehensive national policy in collaboration with the International Labor Organization and all stakeholders. This policy, endorsed by the Council of Ministers, ensures its integrity and reliability, with careful monitoring and follow-up on implementation, according to the SPA.

Al-Rajhi inaugurated the exhibition accompanying the conference and toured various partner pavilions, sponsors, and participating entities. Among these were the pavilions of the General Organization for Social Insurance and Saudi Aramco.


Riyadh expo to showcase poultry innovations

The third Middle East Poultry Expo will be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 13-15.
Updated 05 May 2024
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Riyadh expo to showcase poultry innovations

  • Exhibition is the largest in the poultry industry and will feature over 300 companies from 40 countries
  • More than 800 products from the poultry industry’s supply chain will be exhibited

RIYADH: “Value Engineering” is the theme of the third Middle East Poultry Expo, to be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 13-15.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the exhibition is the largest in the poultry industry and will feature over 300 companies from 40 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will bring together international companies and experts in the poultry industry and showcase the latest technologies and innovations in poultry breeding, production, animal health and the feed industry.

It aims to promote the use of modern technologies, foster the exchange of experiences and best practices, develop the poultry industry, enhance investment opportunities, and contribute to gross domestic product growth to achieve national food security objectives, according to SPA.

More than 800 products from the poultry industry’s supply chain will be exhibited with the goal of promoting trade, encouraging scientific exchange and building business networks in the largest poultry markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

Those taking part include government bodies and institutions, associations, companies and nonprofit organizations in the livestock sector.

The three-day exhibition will also feature the Poultry Knowledge Planet Seminar, featuring experts from major international companies, and a number of scientific lectures.


Saudi project clears 719 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 05 May 2024
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Saudi project clears 719 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 719 mines in Yemen — which had been planted by the Houthi militia — between April 27 to May 3, according to a recent report.

Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s special teams destroyed 631 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 83 anti-tank mines, three improvised explosive devices, and two anti-personnel mines.

The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia at the request of King Salman, which has cleared routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

A total of 439,132 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.

Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


GCC chief stresses Islamic unity at OIC summit

Updated 05 May 2024
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GCC chief stresses Islamic unity at OIC summit

RIYADH: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that member countries value their Islamic roots and aim to strengthen ties with other Islamic nations at all levels.

“The GCC countries have always extended their hands for cooperation and to establish fruitful partnerships with all Islamic countries, believing in the importance of this deep connection derived from our culture, religion and prophetic tradition.”

He made the comments Saturday during the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.

Delegations from the 57 OIC member states attended the conference, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation under the theme “Enhancing unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development.”.

In his speech, Albudaiwi, said: “Today, we gather while the world is facing numerous and escalating challenges. In light of these dangerous developments, the role of the GCC and the OIC as two active forces to confront the multiple crises in our region and the world as a whole becomes prominent.

“The common challenges we face require collective action and solidarity to promote the values of peace and prosperity, particularly considering what Palestine and the Gaza Strip are subjected to — a brutal attack by Israeli occupation forces.”

Albudaiwi also highlighted the key outcomes of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic joint summit held in Riyadh last year. This meeting led to the creation of a ministerial committee to travel the world, seeking to aid and protect the Palestinian people in Gaza by reducing violence, safeguarding civilians, and reviving peace initiatives.

He praised the role played by this committee in stopping the aggression in the Gaza Strip, a role that is aligned with those of the GCC and other Arab and Islamic organisations.

The GCC chief noted that after more than 211 days, the Palestinian people in Gaza continue to suffer from the ongoing violence perpetrated by the occupying forces, with 35,000 people — mostly children and women — having died at an average rate of 165 deaths per day.

He also pointed out the significant threats to security and stability, especially because the escalating crises in the Middle East are linked to the turmoil in Palestine and Gaza.

“The ongoing Israeli aggression requires us all to renew our commitment to collective and responsible action in supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” he said.

Albudaiwi also emphasized the need to prioritize sustainable development in the agendas of the GCC and the OIC. “It requires all of us to work together to address the environmental and economic challenges that affect our countries and peoples. Additionally, we must enhance cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation to support sustainable development projects.”


Metal bands battle it out in Jeddah

Updated 05 May 2024
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Metal bands battle it out in Jeddah

  • Saudi band Wasted Land emerged as champions of the 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Middle East

JEDDAH: Wacken Metal Battle Middle East arrived in Jeddah’s Makan Music Center on Friday night, providing a platform for local metal bands to showcase their musical prowess.

The battle of the bands event featured Jaheem, Volfram, Kaizer, and Wasted Land aiming for top spot, creating a memorable experience for regional metal fans.

The battle of the bands event featured Wasted Land, Jaheem, Volfram, and Kaizer aiming for top spot, while 2023 winner, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind, took to the stage as guest performers. (AN photos/Supplied)

Wacken Metal Battle Middle East — supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi, and a competition connected with Germany famous Wacken music festival — featured a jury of music experts and international guests, including judges from Germany, who evaluated the bands based on technical ability, song composition, and musical interpretation. They also took into account the band’s uniqueness, stage presence, audience interaction, execution of sound checks, communication, punctuality, and overall attitude.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wacken Metal Battle Middle East was supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi Arabia, and a competition connected with Germany’s famous Wacken music festival.

• Saudi band Volfram described the night as a ‘unique and unforgettable experience.’

The jury selected Wasted Land as the champions of the competition, meaning they now have the chance to perform at the Wacken festival, which takes place annually in Hamburg. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the 2023 event, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind also took to the stage as guest performers.

The battle of the bands event featured Wasted Land, Jaheem, Volfram, and Kaizer aiming for top spot, while 2023 winner, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind, took to the stage as guest performers. (AN photos/Supplied)

Promoter Monika Bremer said, “Since its inception 10 years ago, Metal Battle Middle East has provided numerous emerging bands with the opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their careers. This anniversary edition is an important milestone for the regional metal scene.

“Thanks to the support of our partners, emerging metal bands have the opportunity to participate in this competition and gain valuable experience,” she added.

Emad Ashor, guitarist and vocalist of Jeddah-based death metal outfit Immortal Pain and one of the judges at the event, said, “Talent, passion, and professionalism are key. This platform allows all bands to explore new experiences and pursue their dream of victory.”

Karim Mounir, composer and bassist of Erasing Mankind, who was also a judge at the event, said: “Wacken is all about embracing the present moment and fostering camaraderie between bands and the audience. Live performances truly distinguish bands, and the Saudi metal scene’s exceptional talent and musicianship have demonstrated their worthiness for such a significant event.

“The band that can most effectively captivate Wacken’s lively and inclusive crowd would be a perfect representative from the Middle East.”

Saudi band Volfram described the night as a “unique and unforgettable experience.”

Reflecting on the band’s journey to the final of the Wacken Metal Battle, a member of Kaizer said, “Being part of this competition is an honor in itself, and sharing the stage with incredible bands is an experience we will always treasure.

“Kaizer is just beginning and has so much more to offer. Our goal is to represent the Saudi metal scene in the most intense and impactful way possible. Earning the title of Jeddah’s Heaviest Music from the crowd is a recognition we deeply appreciate.”