His Majesty King Hamad’s statement during yesterday’s Cabinet session: ‘You were the nation’s strength in times of war, and you remain its enduring strength in times of peace’ was not merely praise for citizens’ stance during an exceptional period.
Rather, it was a precise summary of what defines a strong state: one that relies, above all, on the awareness of its people, their unity and their confidence in their institutions.
The royal gesture extended beyond acknowledging popular support; it embodied a reciprocal act of loyalty and appreciation.
This was evident in His Majesty’s signing of a document of gratitude and loyalty and in his sincere appreciation for the honourable patriotic positions demonstrated by the people. In doing so, His Majesty reaffirmed a renewed covenant between the leadership and the nation.
The royal address also reflected the spirit of unity between the leadership and the people – a cohesion that enabled Bahrain to present a united national model in confronting regional challenges by resisting all attempts to undermine the country’s social fabric.
His Majesty’s clear reference to the fact that history will record Bahrain’s steadfastness in the face of what he described as Iran’s unjust aggression during an unprecedented war did not stem from a position of weakness. Rather, it reflected the confidence of the state in its defensive capabilities and in the efforts of the personnel of Bahrain Defence Force, the National Guard and the Ministry of Interior.
It underscored that Bahrain carries a message of peace from a position of strength, supported by a high level of defensive readiness and a firm commitment to peace – an unmistakable expression of a deeply rooted Bahraini policy.
His Majesty also placed all brotherly Arab countries before their historic responsibilities, emphasising the necessity of joint co-ordination to safeguard their sovereignty against present challenges and prepare for the future without hesitation.
The current phase, he stressed, requires heightened awareness of the dangers threatening the Arab world and its resources.
These existential challenges reaffirm that the nation-state remains the key to confronting regional instability, as it alone is capable of preserving its sovereignty against external aggression while serving as the guarantor of stability and development.
The explicit reference to the Strait of Hormuz and global security highlighted the international dimension of the royal address. It reflected a belief in the importance of safeguarding global economic stability and international supply chains, while protecting the region from the dangers posed by weapons of mass destruction.
The ultimate objective is to preserve the right of all peoples to sustainable development, free from the devastation of war.
The epic national resilience demonstrated by the people of Bahrain, as described by His Majesty, places upon all of us an even greater responsibility to strengthen the internal front.
This responsibility belongs to every citizen – thinkers, politicians, intellectuals and members of society alike. There is every confidence that Bahrain will emerge even stronger and more resilient as it moves towards the future, guided by the foresight of a leadership fully aware of regional and international challenges and committed to policies that promote development and prosperity for its people.
– ANWAR ABDULRAHMAN
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