An issue of national security

The wounds are still bleeding, and they will continue for some time. The nation, as well as those who hold Oman in high regard, are in astonishment. There is disbelief, and there are questions.

It makes no difference whether it was referred to as an incident or a terrorist act. Whether it was a mass shooting or people caught in the crossfire, the fact is that people were killed. It happened around a religious site, but it could have happened anywhere, including public events, near nightclubs, live music performance venues, or celebrations. The point is, it’s happened.

Could the bloodshed have been prevented? It is a far-reaching question. No one discredits the swift military technical-operational response; after all, special forces are specifically trained for such situations. Could there have been an overlook that such events wouldn’t occur in the country, or was there a failure to anticipate this? These are loaded and broad questions.

Tragedies can be viewed from multiple perspectives, and different groups will shape their narratives. Intellectuals, military personnel, experts, and the average Joe all have their opinions. These views do not necessarily have to conform to each other. It is normal to look at tragic events with different eyes. Nobody knows the truth. If there had been a full picture and information, the shooting would not have occurred.

Some chose to overgeneralise the event; others chose to raise the profile of the special forces. In contrast, there were others more inclined to demonise the criminals and speculate on the possible reasons for such a tragedy.

Families and friends are shedding tears for their loved ones, be the accidental victims, perpetrators, or military personnel in action. The injured, after recovery, will face sequels. Then there is the lingering question of why the perpetrators opted to die rather than surrender. Dying as a martyr or facing jail time and accountability for such a heinous attack? What motivated the perpetrators to commit such a deplorable act, causing pain to their families and the nation? It was an audacious decision to do a terrorist act in the heart of the capital and near a religious site. However, we can only scratch the surface of a soul in despair, and we do miss out on understanding those who have been indoctrinated by ideas; they can behave in unexpected ways.

People around the world read the international news about the shooting with incredulity; many could not understand the sketchy phrases published in the national news. However, those more familiar with the region and its volatility expressed that it has been clear that something in this vein would happen under our own eyes sooner or later. The approach of not wanting to debate or even to believe in probabilities does leave doors open for those willing to test the waters, and therefore, the failure to anticipate this.

Personal disputes and ideological or political radicalism, including hostility to a more open society with nightlife, bars, and musical events, create fertile grounds in which segments of society can display dissatisfaction. It is difficult to pinpoint the reasons for the tragedy, even though many individuals have their own theories, as it is difficult to dismiss whatever circumstances led to the shooting.

A variety of narratives can be read on social media. Some are harmful and personal, others are religious, while yet others focus on media performance and politics. Pundits, speculators, and opportunists all shared their perspectives. The string of ongoing personal insults and narrow thoughts show how individuals believe whatever they choose. It might also be an interesting social study.

Changes are underway, and they have significant implications for our future. A laissez-faire or intransigent response to street voices can feed people’s emotional needs. People will always look for ways to soothe their quest.