The kidnapping and beheading of American Paul Johnson Jr. marks a turning point in Saudi public opinion against his Al Qaeda slayers.

Celebrations broke out at the news Friday night that Abdelaziz al-Miqrin, the man responsible for Johnson's death, had been killed. It was the first time in the kingdom's 13-month fight against terrorism that ordinary citizens expressed spontaneous joy at security forces' success.

"Whatever their disagreements with the United States, however much they are against US support for Israel or the war in Iraq, Saudis feel that Americans and foreigners in general should be able to feel safe in the kingdom," says Turki al-Dakheel, who hosts a show on the Al Arabiya network.

The need to win over public opinion has become more apparent as the Saudi government intensifies its battle against militants, who have killed more than 30 foreigners since early May. Al Qaeda's message of anger with Americans and its desire for revenge has resonated with many Saudi sympathizers. But if popular sentiment turns away from jihadists, analysts say, it could undermine their ability to find support in the form of hiding places and suicide cars.

Material incentives seem not to have worked. Though it has offered up to $2 million in reward money, the Interior Ministry has not reported receiving any major tips from the public. And Sunday, the Associated Press reported that the militant cell that killed Johnson said in a Web posting that sympathizers in the security forces provided it with police uniforms and set up fake checkpoints to aid in Johnson's abduction.

Still, the grisly nature of the Al Qaeda cell's latest attacks seem to have lost them significant support in the kingdom.

In attacks in Yanbu and Khobar last month, two Westerners were dragged behind cars through the streets. In the housing compound in Khobar, Muslims were spared and Christians were slaughtered. And the public's awareness of Johnson's decade in the kingdom and his sympathy toward Islam - as well as an appeal by a Saudi colleague praising him as a good man - made his violent death particularly distasteful.

"There was general shame at what was happening, a collective feeling of guilt that innocent foreigners that had come to our country not to kill us, but to work, were abused here," says Mr. Dakheel.

Indeed, Saudi businessman Zaid al-Sulaiman issued an open letter in Arab News last week, stating, "To every foreigner working in this country, I repeat that you are in your country. And we will not leave the job of protecting you, and your safety, to security men alone."

Dakheel received more than 30 messages from friends congratulating each other on the "end of that bloodthirsty terrorist." And crowds cheered police at the Malaz neighborhood where Mr. Miqrin and three other Al Qaeda linked members were killed. Abeer Hamza, a housewife, said, "It was the best news I heard in a long time. He had put us through a very scary period. I feel safer with him dead."

As Saudi security forces combed areas around the capital, Riyadh, on Sunday, searching for Johnson's body, Al Qaeda issued a statement confirming the deaths of Miqrin and three others, and vowed it will continue to fight.

"The holy warriors will continue the holy war they have pledged to God, and the death of their brothers will not weaken their resolve," said the statement.

US Ambassador James Oberwetter said the situation in the kingdom remained dangerous for Westerners. "A great deal was accomplished Friday evening. We also believe that much remains to be done," the official Saudi Press Agency quoted him as saying.

Page: 1 | 2