Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud has written his first op-ed since his arrival in Washington.
The post, “Confronting Extremism,” was published in the Huffington Post.
“Extremism, especially violent extremism, is a scourge on the planet. Those who promote extremist ideologies or sponsor acts of violence in the name of Islam cannot be condoned or supported by anyone of true faith. In Saudi Arabia, extremists have attempted to hijack our religion, have murdered many of our people and used terrorism to intimidate our nation. There are two things that Saudi Arabia and its people hold most dear, and will never allow to be threatened – our faith and our security.”
The Ambassador notes that Saudi Arabia is waging a ‘war of ideas’ against extremism and highlights the misuse of the term ‘Wahhabi’ to describe a Saudi version of Islam.
“Some point to our faith, calling us “Wahhabis” (meaning Saudis), as a convenient group to blame for the global problem of extremism. But the fact is there is no group of people called “Wahhabis.” You will not find a “Wahhabi” anywhere in Saudi Arabia. There is no book of “Wahhabism” or any meeting of “Wahhabists.” It does not exist. “Wahhabism” is an invented term that has become a slur against the Saudi people.”
Although the post does not mention the United States, Prince Abdullah says Saudi Arabia is determined to “work with regional and international partners to promote political stability to create the environment for a lasting and sustainable peace and security.”
The effort to promote the kingdom’s anti-terror fight “comes amid growing criticism of the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen,” writes Akbar Shahid Ahmed, also for the Huffington Post, in an accompanying story examining the “PR battle” to convince Americans that Saudi Arabia is doing its part to stabilize the region and contain Islamic extremists.
[Read the full Op-Ed from the Ambassador here]
[Read the Huffington Post accompanying story here]
