The Happy Kingdom... and the Unhappy Houthis

The 96th anniversary of the proclamation of the unification and establishment of the Kingdom is celebrated by our brothers, the people of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the National Day festivities. On this joyous occasion, we are pleased to extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our brothers in the Kingdom on this blessed and happy commemoration.

Here, unfortunately, and contrary to Arab and Islamic customs and traditions, a small, misguided group calling themselves the “Houthis,” during this period, instead of offering congratulations and greetings to the Kingdom on this blessed occasion, regardless of their reasons and claims, have chosen to attack it.

Would it not have been enough for them to see the Kingdom, along with all its regions, tribes, and components, enjoying prosperity, happiness, and a comfortable life, while its people travel across the corners of the world, east and west, with respect, welcome, and honor, bound by ties of neighborhood, Arab ethnicity, and the eternal message of Islam? At this point, I often wished that Yemen, both its northern and southern parts, and all its components, had been part of the happy Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enjoying the same blessings as its citizens, rather than enduring the hardships and suffering they have faced for decades.

As for the Houthis, those who have strayed from all norms of humanity, neighborliness, ethnicity, and even reached a stage of intellectual, mental, and doctrinal deviation, placing themselves outside the fold of Islam—this is not said in vain, out of malice, or as an insult. Anyone who attacks the Kaaba of Islam and the Qibla of Muslims recalls the history of the Qarmatians and the Portuguese, who once attempted to reach Mecca through the city of Jeddah, only to fail, return defeated, and ultimately meet their end.

The Qarmatians suffered the same disastrous fate; their hopes were dashed, their lineage and followers were eradicated, leaving no trace or reputation behind.

Returning to the Houthi attack on the skies of Mecca, this event deserves serious attention, as it revives memories of the 2017 attack, represents a matter of grave concern, and threatens the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the safety of its citizens and residents, and those visiting the Sacred House of God. It also serves to inflame and provoke the sentiments of Muslims in Arab and Islamic countries, and around the world.

It is well known to all that the Kingdom, praise be to God, possesses a formidable military capability capable of confronting and eliminating these aggressors, including their instigators in arrogant and overbearing Iran, which has publicly denied the Houthi attacks on Mecca, contrary to the facts. Perhaps this denial is sincere, and they have returned to their senses, choosing the path of truth and righteousness, and returning to study the rights of neighborhood and neighborliness, guided by the teachings of peace and Islam, with no turning back. May this not be merely a political lie or empty rhetoric. If their position is genuine, they must convince the Houthis of their new stance.

Although the Gulf states, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as their largest, most important, and leading member, are all capable of delivering a decisive response to Iranian and Houthi aggression, they refrain from doing so for humanitarian reasons, out of respect for neighborhood ties, and in adherence to Islamic teachings.

What matters is that everyone is aware of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ability to deliver a firm and decisive response to such childish acts. However, it would be highly impactful and commendable if the Gulf states contributed, even minimally, with a small military unit of no more than 30 personnel stationed in the Kingdom as a symbol of cooperation, solidarity, and fraternal unity, serving as a witness to the world of the unity and interconnectedness among the members of the Gulf family.

We reiterate our congratulations and best wishes to the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, our cherished sister nation. May God protect the Gulf Cooperation Council member states from all harm and evil, and may He turn the malicious schemes of the transgressors against themselves.