The somewhat skeptical response from certain quarters to the formation of the Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance against terrorism fails to account for how the group would operate in terms of decision-making and operations. It should be said first that this initiative has given hope to many Muslims who have been terrorized and stigmatized over a considerable period of time in their own countries and elsewhere. Oliver Miles, a retired British diplomat, is one of those who has scoffed at the initiative in an article written earlier this month for a United Kingdom newspaper, arguing that the alliance appears to be opaque political maneuvering, and wondering about the absence of major Muslim countries such as Iran and Iraq. As has been already pointed out by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and defense minister, a clear vision for the entity has been outlined, which is to fight every terrorist organization wherever it is found throughout the world, with contributions from countries based on individual capacity. Prince Mohammed has also pointed out that operations would include both military and ideological battles, which means on the ground and using various media platforms to counter extremist ideas. This would ensure a quicker and more decisive victory. In addition, he has clearly stated that there would be no unilateral action taken. An operations center will be set up in Riyadh that would coordinate all activities in collaboration with participating countries and international organizations. Miles and others have a right to ask questions, but what they have failed to recognize is that Saudi Arabia is already operating in a similar coalition with Operation Decisive Storm in Yemen, in conjunction with 10 other nations, sharing military resources and intelligence. This military operation has resulted in the liberation of more than 70 percent of Yemen’s territories from rebel groups and prevented foreign intervention in its internal affairs. Many Western analysts tend to over-simplify issues and twist facts. In this case, the claim is that the alliance is a formation of Sunnis against Shiites. The Kingdom has rejected this outright because it goes against the inclusivity that this country is trying to achieve, which is vital in the fight against terrorism. Of course, under these circumstances it is important to achieve consensus on the definition of terrorism. This is important because certain terrorist groups have expanded and succeeded in forming alliances with some governments. Another matter that needs clearing up is that the alliance differs from the Joint Arab Force proposed in March at an Arab League Summit. The Joint Arab Force is meant to protect the interests of Arab nations. The scope of the two initiatives are entirely different. One of the most important aspects of this alliance, which many have not given sufficient weight, is that it gives Muslims and Arabs a voice in the whole debate about terrorism, emphasizing that they are the ones mostly victimized by extremist groups. This subject is a matter of concern for the entire Muslim world, and rather than cast aspersions on it, attempts should be made to help it succeed. The lead has been taken in this regard by Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars, Al-Azhar University and the International Islamic Fiqh Academy. It is confirmation that a unified front is needed to protect our history, religion and future. https://arabnews.com/columns/news/857661