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Journalism of Courage
Terrorist acts targeting foreign, especially American, citizens and interests have been on the increase in Saudi Arabia in the past year. Many of these have focused on those associated with the oil industry. The strike at Al Khobar last month and the beheading of an American hostage this month are just the most alarming manifestation of a simmering threat to both the desert kingdom8217;s oil installations as well as the thousands of foreigners who work in key sectors of its economy. This has finally stirred the Saudi authorities to crack down on Al-Qaeda and its kindred organisations which have struck deep roots in the kingdom. The security forces killed Al-Qaeda8217;s leader in the country, Abdulaziz al-Muqrin along with three senior leaders last Friday. They also arrested 12 militants, including some prominent figures.
The speed with which Saudi security forces were able to hit the top Al-Qaeda leader in the country within hours of an American hostage being killed clearly indicates that Saudi intelligence about the whereabouts and actions of Al-Qaeda members was obviously good. Some cynics may even be moved to ask why the terrorists could not have been neutralised earlier? But the important point is that the kingdom is finally taking action. Obviously it must do more, much more, if for no other reason than that the country had supported the rise of the Taliban who nurtured Al-Qaeda and gave refuge to hijackers and terrorists. Saudi Arabia, it may be recalled, was one of the three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, Pakistan being another.
