Saudi- Means to achieve peace

(MENAFN- Arab News) This is with reference to the article 'Beefing up defenses for enduring peace' (May 18) by Alaa Alghamdi. I endorse the writer's views. So-called peace activists are always prompt in raising their voices against military spending and arms sales but they tend to forget that such measures are important to ensure lasting peace and stability. Nobody likes to go to wars. It is all about preparedness. Beefing up defenses serve as deterrence. The world we live in is not an ideal place. Many elements are always on the prowl to create disturbance for their vested interests. They always look out for loopholes or weaknesses to exploit them to their advantage. The Saudi Arabia-led military campaign should be seen as a means to achieve peace and stability.
It is easy for so-called activists to write long articles calling for the useful of nonviolent methods to resolve conflicts. Such people appear to be living in a world of their own totally disconnected from the realities of the world. Do they believe that organizations like the self-ascribed Islamic State (IS) Al-Qaeda or Boko Haram could agree to hold dialogue?
We should also not forget that holding talks with such organizations would tantamount to accepting their legitimacy. These elements don't enjoy popular support. Their missions are ambiguous.
Saudi Arabia however should be appreciated for its efforts to use diplomatic means for the resolution of the Yemen crisis. It were the Houthis who backtracked from their commitments and refused to enter into dialogue. Of course in such a situation the Kingdom was left with no choice but to militarily intervene in Yemen to control the situation in its backyard. Inam Ahmed Khosa Riyadh