Sir Derek Plumbly, the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia, was recently a guest on an Arab satellite channel television talk show. The ambassador speaks good Arabic, not only because he is married to an Egyptian but also because he has lived in the Middle East for more than three decades and is well informed about the region. The ambassador agreed to be interviewed, knowing full well that he would face some tough questions. After all he represents a country closely allied to the United States and which has been portrayed by the media as America’s shadow.
What impressed me during the interview was the way the ambassador reacted to the questions. I think if any Arab official were faced with provocative questions portraying his country as being under the control of another, he would react with such anger and might even storm out of the studio, cursing the questioner. An angry statement would soon follow from the ambassador’s home country. To every question that might have been embarrassing or unwelcome, Sir Derek answered calmly and with a smile that never left his face during the entire interview.
Why do our Arab officials appear nervous during public discussions? Why for the past century has the Arab mentality refused to accommodate or tolerate a different opinion and insist only on accepting what suits it? Why do our Arab officials handle affairs impulsively as if the world is about to end? Why are so many of us still influenced by the mentality of the tribe, ready to wage war against another tribe over an unpleasant piece of poetry? Why do we react so extremely in moments of joy and sadness?
Sir Derek was asked why Britain assists the US in its policy and how Britain as a member of the Security Council could agree to be America’s poodle. He replied without emotion that America had fought beside Britain in World War II, saved his country from the Germans and that Britain was now repaying the debt. He did not overreact or show any agitation or excitement. He did not find fault with America or point out that, as masters of the world, no country can force them to become a subordinate.
As a matter of act, I profoundly disagree with the views expressed by the ambassador. At the same time, I appreciate his Western ability to identify objectives and the means to reach the targets as well as their rallying behind their allies to defend them at diplomatic, media and other forums as becomes necessary.
Arab News From the Local Press 26 January 2003
