The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its strong support for the United States' decision to designate branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations. This support reflects the alignment of views between Riyadh and Washington on combating terrorism and extremism in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia's firm stance against extremism
In its official statement, the Kingdom reiterated its firm condemnation of all forms of extremism and terrorism, emphasizing its full support for all international efforts aimed at cutting off the intellectual and financial sources of terrorism. The Ministry noted that such designations directly contribute to strengthening the security of Arab states and protecting their stability from groups that exploit religion for political ends, which in turn positively impacts the security of the region and the world at large.
Historical background and context of the conflict
This Saudi stance is neither new nor surprising; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of taking decisive measures against the Muslim Brotherhood. In March 2014, the Saudi Ministry of Interior officially designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, following major political transformations in the region after the events of the so-called "Arab Spring." Riyadh views these groups as a major threat to the concept of the nation-state and a source of social and political instability in Arab countries.
The strategic importance of the decision and its expected effects
This American classification is of great strategic importance for several reasons:
- On the international level: This decision reinforces the organization’s international isolation and tightens the noose on its financial and political movements in the West, thus facilitating legal prosecution of its members involved in acts of violence or incitement.
- Regionally, this measure represents significant support for countries directly confronting the group's affiliates, particularly Egypt, which has designated the group as a terrorist organization for years. It also places the group's branches in Jordan and Lebanon under unprecedented political and legal pressure, potentially diminishing their influence and popularity.
In conclusion, this Saudi welcome reinforces the principle of strategic partnership in combating terrorism, and confirms that Arab national security is indivisible, and that confronting ideological groups requires continuous and firm international cooperation to ensure a safe and prosperous future for the peoples of the region.
