In a surging rise of instability spreading through Syria, Iraq, Libya and now Yemen, the Arab League country leaders agreed on March 29 to form a joint military force to fight terrorism in the region. The 10-nation Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against rebel Houthis in Yemen, known as "Operation Decisive Storm."
In a matter of days, Saudi singer Rami Abdullah released a single entitled "Ya Hala Bel Harb" ("Welcome, War") in support of the Saudi troops and the Arab coalition on "Operation Decisive Storm." It is said that the song, which was produced between Cairo and Riyadh, took no longer than two days to produce.
Arts, and especially songs, have long been used in times of unrest and war to bring peace to nations, support troop, and reflect the general psyche of a people. But according to the Arab onlookers, this is no longer the case.
Translates: "Did you hear the Saudi song 'Ya Hala Bel Harb'? The last time the fight was in the Battle of Badr" (a famous battle in the times of Prophet Muhammad)
Translates: "Seems like an idiot sings this song. "Welcome, war. Welcome" Tell him it's not a party in Dubai"
Translates: "We've heard 'Welcome, guests', 'Welcome, feast', but 'Welcome, war'? That's new!"
Caption translates: "Welcome, war. Welcome, blood, orphaning, and loss"