Our writer friend, Abdullah Abu-Alsamh, is controversial to a certain extent. The subjects that he tackles reflects his beliefs and ideals. He aims to open the doors for in-depth debates in order to allow as many points of view.
For example, if someone suggests that the Arbaeen Lake should be developed for domestic tourism, then Abu-Alsamh would suggest filling the lake with sand because this would be environmentally friendly.
He recently wrote on family planning by espousing his beliefs on the importance for population control as a way of solving the problems of water shortages, overcrowding in schools, hospitals and in other public services.
Controversy would have arisen if any other writer had expressed his views before he had done on the subject.
Abu-Alsamh’s supporters, however, appreciate his views and turn to his column as a breath of fresh air for journalism.
Abu-Alsamh’s article last week highlighted the need to send students abroad for higher education. He claims that this will help high school graduates who cannot find places at local universities. It is evident that sending students abroad is less expensive than building new universities. Regardless of the capacity of the universities, students studying abroad benefit from learning about their host country’s culture and civilization as well as the research facilities available. The Kingdom adopted this method in the recent past. This was a fruitful venture with the nation benefiting from Saudis returning to take up well-deserved jobs in every sector.
Abu-Alsamh’s proposal is practical and it should be taken seriously and carefully considered.