The disclosure that the American and British schools in Riyadh have experienced a sharp drop in student numbers as they reopen after the summer break will surprise no one. Other international schools here are probably experiencing a similar setback. It is another consequence of the May bombings.

But it is only now — at least as far as schools are concerned — that the gaps show. A number of expats have left; others with young families have stayed on, but many of them decided to send their families home. That is their decision. It is entirely right that they should put the safety and security of their families first.

Nonetheless, the majority of Western expats who have thought this one through have come to very different conclusions. Contrary to the picture painted in the Western press of frightened Brits or Americans clamoring to leave, they remain — and their families remain. There has not been a mad dash for the airport. Those same school figures make that abundantly clear. A 15-20 percent drop in numbers is a serious matter for any educational establishment, especially when it comes to finances, but looked at another way, it also means that 80-85 percent are staying on. That is the figure to concentrate on.

The reason the majority have decided to stay on is because they feel safe here, safer than they do in the West, where levels of violent crime far outstrip those in the Kingdom. There is a far greater chance of being murdered or raped in London, New York or Johannesburg than here, let alone being blown up by terrorists. Likewise, there is a far greater likelihood of being killed in a car crash than by a car bomb — no jest, given the state of driving on the Kingdom’s roads and this week’s announcement that road deaths have risen by 32 percent. The threat of terrorism cannot be ignored, but it has to be seen in perspective.

Expats also know that the Saudi authorities are determined to stamp out terrorism. There is no such thing as 100 percent security, but the war against it here is being fought with deadly earnestness, with all the indications that the terrorists are now on the run. Week in, week out, the authorities notch up further successes against them — helped as much by improved intelligence work as by a now vigilant public eager to keep the police informed about the most minor untoward event. This week has seen another two, with arms caches found near Abha and in Madinah and suspects arrested.

Such victories may seem peanuts in the wider war against terrorism but they are the key to destroying this pestilence. They are the battles that win the war. It is this onslaught that provides the confidence that Saudi Arabia will remain a safe country to live and work.