During a heated discussion among friends last week, one of them started complaining about the worsening situation in our beloved country.
He complained about the weakness of the country’s academic curriculum and bad condition of the schools, especially those run by the government.
My friend argued that such academic curricula were responsible for promoting religious extremism in many Islamic countries.
His criticism did not end at schools but extended to universities, particularly the Islamic universities in the Kingdom.
I was surprised to hear these views, which repeat what has been promoted by the American press and propaganda machinery for reasons we are all aware of.
I told my friend that there wasn’t a single graduate of Saudi schools and Islamic universities among the Saudis accused of attacking the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. On the contrary, some of them were graduates of Western technical universities.
Moreover, Saudi society in general is less inclined to violence directed toward either its own people or others than other societies in the world.
My friend also complained about the bad situation generally in the country, especially ad ministrative corruption and bribery. He then made clear his intent to move his business to Dubai and stay there with his family, saying things would be far better there than here.
People migrate elsewhere to have a better life. This is quite natural.
Over the centuries, the desire has prompted many people to migrate to various regions of the world. The influx of migrants to the United States is a good example.
But I believe that migration is now only an option for the weak and the defeated. This is our country. If we leave this country, who will benefit? How can we improve the situation here if we are living elsewhere?
I won’t deny the fact that we have a lot of complicated problems. But let me ask one question: Is there any country free of problems?
We have to face our own problems openly and courageously. We should not yield to disappointment and frustration. On the contrary, we should show patience and perseverance, because the negative, even if it appears powerful, will one day disappear if it faces concerted resistance.
None of us should belittle the efforts of others in this respect. A single word at the right time could change the future course of the Muslim nation. Remember that all mighty torrents start with a drop.
Arab News Opinion 23 March 2003
