On justifying the assassination of Russian envoy

Following the assassination of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov, a debate has erupted among Twitter users.
Some people mix up injustice taking place in some countries with the strong relations that stay intact even during the most difficult circumstances. Even during wars, ambassadors and embassies are considered among sanctities.

It’s everyone’s right to be different and to reject Russia’s intervention in Syria. However, going as far as cheering for the assassination of an envoy and a diplomat reflects flaws in thinking and lays bare mistake in the attitude as international laws and conventions prohibit harming envoys no matter what the circumstances.

Even when fierce wars erupt between two countries envoys are not targeted. Assassination is a crime which the Saudi Arabian leadership has condemned.

Going as far as cheering for the assassination of an envoy and a diplomat reflects flaws in thinking and lays bare a mistaken attitude

Turki Aldakhil

Threat of terror

This episode also shows the persistent threat of terrorism as recruitment for terror groups is happening even among police ranks. This indicates a serious and grave threat the consequences of which we may witness in the future.

What we can conclude from this dramatic scene is that terrorism feeds off crises and tries to invest in them. The murderer of the envoy shouted out against Russia and tried to use the tragedy of Aleppo to gain sympathy and support.

What’s happening in Aleppo is a bold crime and assassinating the envoy is a heinous onee. This is how the situation must be viewed.

This article was first published in Okaz on December 22, 2016.
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Turki Aldakhil is the General Manager of Al Arabiya News Channel. He began his career as a print journalist, covering politics and culture for the Saudi newspapers Okaz, Al-Riyadh and Al-Watan. He then moved to pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat and pan-Arab news magazine Al-Majalla. Turki later became a radio correspondent for the French-owned pan-Arab Radio Monte Carlo and MBC FM. He proceeded to Elaph, an online news magazine and Alarabiya.net, the news channel’s online platform. Over a ten-year period, Dakhil’s weekly Al Arabiya talk show “Edaat” (Spotlights) provided an opportunity for proponents of Arab and Islamic social reform to make their case to a mass audience. Turki also owns Al Mesbar Studies and Research Centre and Madarek Publishing House in Dubai. He has received several awards and honors, including the America Abroad Media annual award for his role in supporting civil society, human rights and advancing women’s roles in Gulf societies. He tweets @TurkiAldakhil.