Dr. Mazhar Naqvi
Nothing unexpected is happening in
the Muslim world after ‘execution’ of Sheikh Baqar al-Nimr. Human Right
Organizations and experts of international affairs had predicted severe
consequences if prominent cleric was ‘executed’. They were apprehensive of
escalation in sectarian strife and outbreak of civil war in middle-east. How
correct they were in their assessment is being proved now. The Muslims world is
visibly divided into two camps. One camp is being led by Iran while the other
is in favor of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is trying to project Sheikh Nimr as an ally
of Al Qaeda. After severing diplomatic relations with Tehran, Saudis have also
intensified campaign against Iran to dub Islamic republic as instigator of
terrorism in Yemen, Lebanon Iraq and Syria. Expressing solidarity with Riyadh, Sudan
and Bahrain have also snapped ties with Iran. Countries like Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt
and other pro-Saudia nations have yet to open their cards but they have already
shown their inclination. Likewise, pro-Iran pockets have been much vocal
against the ‘execution’ of Sheikh and bent upon letting the whole world know as
to how Saudi regime has been silencing dissent and showing blatant disregard to
protection of human rights.
Despite being member of Human Right
Council, Riyadh has a dismal record. In November last itself, it was leaked to
the world that the kingdom would execute about 50 persons on a single day. International
organization had then made a hue and cry but Saudi surprised and shocked the
world by beginning 2016 on a bloody-thirsty node by executing 47 persons. It
was least expected. Saudi economy is already depressed. There has been cut in
the budgetary provisions for free education and subsidized health care
facilities. Riyadh is spending millions to keep Houtis at bay and also
extending financial help to nations who managed to brave Arab Spring. Moreover,
it is known for pumping million of petro dollars for running Madarsas in Indian,
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to breed and feed fanatics. Saudi economy has
also suffered setback after the availability of Iranian oil after withdrawal of
sanctions. There are also reports about feud in the royal family. Against such
a backdrop, Saudi government ‘executed’ 47 Muslims to just send a message that
it has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against any kind of dissent. The kingdom is still
maintaining a tough posture to portray that neither its economy is depressed
nor it is under any type of pressure.
But there are not much takers of
Riyadh’s theory of all is well. The executions has only exposed its weakness
and made Sheikh Nimr a martyr who laid down his life for developing Saudi Arabia
into a progressive country. Similarly, Riyadh will find difficult to convince
the world that Sheikh was under Iranian influence because his speeches are
available wherein he has categorically stated of his no links with Iran. After meeting
US administration in 2008,he has distanced himself from Iran. No one would also
believe his association with Al Qaeda. Sheikh Nimr was dead against violence. In
one of his speeches, he said “I don’t want anyone with gun in my processions or
protest rallies. Word is much better weapon”. How could such a person be an
ally of Al Qaeda? King Salman is trying to replicate what his ancestors did to
establish Saudi Arabia into a state. But he is forgetting that his ancestors
could do so due to weakening of Ottoman Empire and patting of western powers. The
world has changed a lot since then. Power equations are changing. New countries
are getting stronger. Even US and Britain are not what they used to be. Russian
comeback cannot be overlooked. The new world order prefers democratic
principles and discourages monarchy. Islam also does not favor Emperors and
their whimsical rules. Sooner Ibn Sauds realize the fact and liberate its
citizens from fist control or else it would only be able to defer its collapse
but won’
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