Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi

 

The terrorist’s mother was very upset. She wanted to see her son more often, and without restrictions.



An old, simple bedouin woman, with little education, she asked her children to just call the office of Prince Muhammad Bin Naif.



They were reluctant, knowing how busy the Assistant of the Interior Minister must be, beside it was after hours, and government offices are closed at such time.



Under her pressure, they relented and called—”What to lose, anyway! They would say he is not there, and that would be that!,” they decided.



Sure enough, he wasn’t there, and the secretary was listening to her shouting in patience, trying to tell her that her message will be delivered to him as soon as possible. 



“We thought he was placating her. The best we hoped for was to get someone, anyone to explain to our mother how difficult it was to see her son as much as she wished to.



It was hard for us, too. “But shortly enough, the phone rang and my mother was talking to someone from the Interior Ministry.



She was still angry and loud, but then she calmed down, and told the man on the phone, ‘Ok, son, talk to his brother and tell him what you just promised me.’



“I was pleasantly surprised at the speed with which they called back, but not prepared enough for the shock waiting for me.



The caller was Prince Muhammad Bin Naif himself, and he was telling me to assure my mother that he will do what he could to bring her son closer to her, or provide her with transportation and accommodation to visit him whereever he happened to be.



He ended his call encouraging us to stay closer to her in this difficult and trying times.”



“After all, she is a mother who missed her child and is terribly worried about him,” he explained.



This lady was not alone. The mother of a known terrorist told me that Prince Muhammad kept calling her every now and then to make sure she and her family were fine.



“He gave me a direct number, and I used it when I needed to. Once, it was about my passport renewal. He explained to me why the government won’t let me travel to just anywhere.



They need to ensure my security, because my son was wanted everywhere. He did, however, allowed my travel to certain countries where he could arrange with their authorities for my protection.



I even asked for some help with other issues, like visas for visitors and servants, and he helped. He calls me mom, and I feel it. He is my son!”



Like these women, Muhammad Bin Naif is regarded as son by thousands of mothers. True their sons deviated from the correct path, but the General of War on Terror, understands that they are just mothers.



Is it not enough that they and their families have to suffer for the sins of their beloved sons!



The kindness of the “humanitarian” Prince is not extended only to the families. The terrorists themselves are included.



It was his idea to establish a center to advice them. Most, he realized, are victims, too. They were fooled and misguided by religious and terrorist leaders, who convinced them that they are following Allah’s commands.



Thousands went through the religious teaching and discussion seminars at the hands of trusted scholars and returned back to their families and society good and productive citizens.



The same goal was pursued with his mega project to overhaul prisons. New buildings, well equipped with modern facilities, are being built in every city and town.



The current ones were well-improved in the last decade, but not to his satisfaction. He wanted prisons to be reforming centers and transit stations for people who deserve second chances.



They should live well, behind closed doors, but not with closed opportunities. In the workshops and schools they receive education up to university level, and learn skills that would provide them with good jobs when they leave.



In external, nice bedrooms, they may meet with their wives, to spend the night. In times of death or illness, they are given time out to be with their loved ones.



Those who did their times, regret their sins, and changed their ways, were given back everything taken from them — their jobs, businesses and societal standing.



Many were helped to get married and settled down with a good source of income. Prince Muhammad Bin Naif may not have expected to be in such position.



He came back from the United States with a bachelor’s degree in political science, to work in the private sector, for a decade.



In 1999, he was called to duty as Assistant for Security Affairs, to his father, the late Interior Minister, Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz.



After 9/11, he was charged with the tough task of fighting terrorism. Al-Qaeda may have won a few rounds, but eventually he had the upper hand.



With unlimited support, he put together a formidable well-trained and equipped police force, and built a comprehensive network of communication and intelligence. 



He was helped with good training. He attended the FBI’s security courses from 1985 to 1988, and was trained at Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorism units from 1992 to 1994.



After 9/11, he earned the nick name: The General of War on Terror. He also earned his ministry top marks for e-services.



Today, Prince Muhammad Bin Naif is the deputy of the Crown Prince, Interior Minister, and the man in charge of the newly established committee of politics and security affairs in the Council of Ministers.



To observers, he earned his spot, and the trust of the leadership and Saudi people.



— Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at kbatarfi@gmail.com. Follow him at Twitter: @kbatarfi