Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Al-Azhar Join in Condemning Syria

In a written statement on Monday, Saudi King Abdullah condemned the violence in Syria, saying that “what is happening in Syria is not acceptable for Saudi Arabia.” The King demanded ”the stoppage of the killing machine and bloodshed, and the use of reason before it is too late.” UPI notes that the King’s statement marks “the sharpest criticism the oil giant has directed against any Arab state since the December start of the Arab Spring protests.” Saudi Arabia and Kuwait both withdrew their ambassadors to Syria today. Kuwaiti Foreign Minster Sheikh Mohammad al-Sabah told reporters on Monday, “no one can accept the bloodshed in Syria…the military option must be halted.” And Bahraini Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa announced on Twitter that Bahrain is also recalling its ambassador. Ministers from the Gulf countries are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the situation in Syria.

The Saudi and Kuwaiti condemnation comes a day after similar but less strongly-worded statements from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League. The Arab League said it was “alarmed” by the bloodshed and called for the Syrian regime to immediately stop the violence.

The grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, broke Al-Azhar’s silence regarding Syria today. He said in a statement that “Al-Azhar was patient for a long time and avoided talking about the situation in Syria because of its sensitive nature…but the situation has gone too far and there is no other solution but to put an end to this Arab and Islamic tragedy.” And on Tuesday the Turkish Foreign Minister is expected to travel to Damascus to issue a “final warning” to the regime.