Expat Compounds
This refers to the Abdulateef Al-Mulhim’s column “A German girl in a Saudi wedding” (May 6). I always believed that compounds in the Kingdom were built, not as many believe, to protect Westerners from extremist elements within Saudi society (who are hardly found these days) but to protect Saudis from the potentially corrupting influence of the Western expats. In other words, compounds allow Westerners to be Westerners without causing offence to Saudis. So when there is an ad in the paper declaring that a compound is “For Western expatriates only,” it is for the benefit of the Saudis as well as the Westerners. Is anyone “at fault” for this? I think not. It is just one solution to the potential problems that might be caused by two very different cultures living side by side.
Although more and more expats are choosing to live in town because of the huge cost of compound housing, many others live in compounds precisely because that is where expatriates live; there is a readymade community for them to move into, which is important for those leaving home, friends and family. For much the same reason, Arabs moving to London often head straight to the Edgware Road, where they can feel a little less alienated in the company of fellow Arabs. It is a great shame that some of the new compounds in the area look like huge American “Supermax” prisons. The sprawling and supremely ugly British Aerospace compound blighting Half Moon Bay would not have passed even the preliminary planning stages anywhere in Europe. Going home to such a monstrosity every night must be very depressing for residents. (Jon Park, By e-mail)
An inspiring story
This refers to “A story of courage and conviction” (May 6). It is sheer will that paved the way for Mohannad Jibreel Abudayyah to realize his dream. The report beautifully covered Mohannad’s “trait,” which was even otherwise bound to moisten eyes. Mohannad proved beyond doubt that the “trial-and-error route” is still worth practicing and that barriers crumble like a pack of cards in the face of conviction, courage and determination. The report avoided the monotonous details and narration of the graduation ceremony and emphasized on how barriers can be brought down. Such stories are rare and inspiring. (Abu Farah, Jeddah)
Obama’s ‘peace’ prize
The choice of Barack Obama for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was an unexpected honor that drew less praise and more puzzlement around the globe. The question that should be asked is: Who has done the most in the previous year to enhance peace in the world? And who has done more than Barack Obama?
Obama has generated considerable goodwill overseas, with polls showing him hugely popular, and he has made a series of speeches with arching ambition. He has vowed to pursue a world without nuclear weapons; reached out to the Muslim World, delivering a major speech in Cairo in June; and sought to restart peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, at the expense of offending some of his Jewish supporters.
Is America relying more on diplomacy and dialogue? Has Israel stopped building the settlements? Has Obama achieved a Palestinian state yet? Has the ongoing US conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan come to an end? What has President Obama actually accomplished? Or was the prize based only on good intentions? Perhaps the prize brought him more burden than glory. The Republicans argued that he had won more for his star power and oratorical skills than for his actual achievements, while even some Democrats privately questioned whether he deserved it.
The general public in Washington, reacting in disbelief, sought to portray Obama as unworthy as he has now to devote a great deal of his time to the economic crisis and other domestic issues, that many of his policy efforts are generating. Is this award simply about my admiration or is it something that “must be shared” with everyone who strives for justice and dignity? You don’t have to wait for the world to change you, you have to take action. (Israrul Haque, Jeddah)
