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 Riyadh:
Khaled Al-Maeena (Editor-in-Chief of Arab News) wrote a
nice article recently on Elizabeth Cheney(daughter of Dick
Cheney, US Vice President) being appointed to supervise a
Training Program on
democracy
for some 50 Arab women from 12 different countries living in
the United States; two Saudi women were also among those who
attended the seminar. His article drew interests from readers
and some of their comments were published in the Arab News.
According to some readers, Al-Maeena rightfully
expressed his skepticism about the credentials of Miss Cheney to
conduct such a program and they agreed that her appointment to
such an important assignment may have to do with
WAASTA
(a term used in Saudi Arabia for
Sifarish
which in English can be explained as using
means and influence to get ahead in life) rather than her credentials. Like any other society, the
menace of
WAASTA
has deep roots in Saudi Society. One can write
profusely on stories emanating in the Kingdom due to
the practice of
WAASTA. But the truth is, however rampant this may be in
the Saudi society, this is neverthless never condoned by
them, rather abhorred in general. And, it is often a
subject of discussion in public life as well as in the media;
either in the form of an article by a reader or thru cartoons.
It should be mentioned here, especially for
those who are not able to follow the Saudi Press or do not
have the opportunity& to watch Saudi TV programs, that social
issues and irritants like
WAASTA
are more often than not, a subject of expressions in
these media. You can see them vividly expressed through
cartoons in the press and in some form of caricature or
skits on the TV.
One such TV program/play worth mentioning is called
TAASH MA TAASH.
This is basically a comedy/satirical play sort of stuff
and purely proudly a Saudi TV production. Although, here in
the Kingdom, film production and exhibition is not allowed
(this is the reason you’ll not find any public Cinema Houses
or Theatres in here), a limited production of drama or plays
on this mini screen TV, however, are permitted. Nonethless,
even for this limited opportunity the famous TV play, named
above, was possible; it’s a clear manifestation of hidden
talents & faculties in Saudis, at large, and their love for
art and culture.
The fame and influence of
TAASH MA TAASH
can be judged from the very fact that this
program is widely screened, sponsored, viewed and admired
equally across the length and breadth of the entire Arab
world. The beauty & charm of this program is its followings
amongst all ages of the population. It's surely a compliment to
be mentioned here that the play enjoys similar popularity
amongst various expatriates in the Kingdom, whose first
language is not Arabic.
For that matter, I am pretty much sure if any body else
(with no Arabic background) has the chance to watch this play,
he/she will but come out with all praises for the same also. And
to be more candid, this may be shared by many also, this play
even has a potential of winning awards if it competes, some
day in future in the International Forums as a play in the
category of foreign language dramas.
The reason is quite simple: the plot of the play does not
revolve around comedy or satire alone, in fact its strengths
are basically derived from the fact that it touches base on
the real life issues (from the Saudi society) including the
issue of “long
arm of
”
WAASTA,
which also finds a passing mention in Al-Maeena’s subject
article. And, it very articulately and effectively translates
the desired messages in the garb of comedy & satire. This is
how it wins the hearts and minds of Saudi viewers in
general.
Now, coming back to Al-Maeena’s impressions
vis-à-vis Ms. Cheney, in his subject article; frankly, he may or
may not be correct but, interestingly enough, this article of
his is definitely drawing attention from the readers on many
accounts.
The first and foremost is the American
oblivion towards the ground realities. According to many
readers the real issue is not teaching lessons of democracy to
the Arabs (although, as mentioned by Al-Maeena in his article
as well, that may be needed some time some where down the road)
rather the real issue now of paramount importance in hand is
bringing about
peace
in the Middle East.
The readers agree with Al-Maeena when he
makes a point that, as of today, nothing is more important
than to impart; training and give lessons to the Israelis
on decolonization from the occupied Palestine, peace
through withdrawal, control & containment of rage of
blood-thirsty Israeli armed forces and its present leadership,
towards besieged common Palestinians (brutalized and
ravaged enough already), especially the stone-throwing
kids, so on and so forth.
It is beyond doubt that America does have the
capacity and potential to teach the world many things;
including lessons on the art and science of
Democracy.
Its progress and achievements in many fields are admired
envied by people across the globe. As of today it’s economy is
admirably the largest and so is its military might. Each year
it draws into its fold best brains from all over the world and
thus has one of the finest human resources. Its
capitalist economy
model is simply a superb success and is now proudly emulated
all over the world; even by the communist China and the
one-time socialist Russia. This has created venues of upteen
opportunities including jobs in the industries, seats of higher
learning, colleges & universities drawing talented young men
& women into its country from all over the world. This explains
also why you’ll find 6 or 7 Americans in the first ten list of
Billionaires in the world. Its achievements in the fields
of Science & Technology bears a long impressive list; it
should also be proud of landing the first ever man on the
moon. Besides the above, there are so many other elements
that glorify America as a Nation,they are: scores of Nobel
Laureates to its credit, renowned academics, world famous
hospitals & physicians, great philanthropists, distinguished war
winning Generals, great peace makers, Microsoft, Oracle, so on
and so forth; there is an almost endless list of all these achievements,
really.
Yet, there is a generally shared belief, though,
that all these majestic and grandeur attainments should be
making America more and more humble, caring & compassionate
rather than arrogant, as it appears to be today. It is also
expected to be seen emerging & assuming role of a
Leader State
in the comity of Nations committed to peace and justice
through out the world; to make this world a better place for
all.
But ironically the known and demonstrated
position of the US, over the years, vis-à-vis the world
issues has not been seen to be commensurate with
its& stature. To name a few: delayed reponse to Kosovo conflict, demolition of Kyoto protocol, blocking
formation of the UN International Criminal Court, rhetoric
of war with Iraq versus diplomacy with North Korea,
torpedoing the UN Durban conference on Race, hands-off
posture on the Middle East conflict, to name a few.
All these posturings have posed a potential risk
of tarnishing its otherwise good image as a nation and the
only super-power left. Another item very much on the line,
already a much cause of fretting, is the demonstrated US
policy of allowing itself to be viewed as an instrument of
WAASTA
for only the chosen few as she is contemplated, by many, to
be exactly doing so in case of Israel.
(Editors note: Opinions expressed herein are strictly author's
and in no way reflect despardes.com's own views and opinions on
such issues and subject matters)
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