Because of acts committed by a very small minority, the way the West treats all Saudis has changed dramatically. Saudis who want to travel abroad have to undergo a lengthy process — producing bank guarantees, waiting for up to three weeks to learn if their visa applications have been accepted and then the treatment they receive at passport and customs barriers when they arrive at their destinations.
The few who resorted to violence and who caused these problems is a minority that is found in other parts of the world. In Europe and other countries, these groups may be even larger in both numbers and influence.
The West remains largely uninformed because of the absence of an effective and strong media capable of explaining the truth. It is such an atmosphere that produced some advocates of reform who use provocative language, throwing accusations here and there. Although their message may still include some national objectives, these individuals have nevertheless begun expressing opposing views before exhausting all peaceful means of discussion. Their criticism is not confined to the political leadership and has been extended to include us, businessmen, as well.
We are considered by some as the advocates of corruption and hypocrites whose only objective is to further personal interests at the expense of the country’s. We are accused of being only concerned with money while ignoring all social and civic responsibility, of being behind the creation of classes within society and even of being behind rising unemployment. Some consider us vampires sucking the blood of the poor. Others regard traders as thieves while still others consider them no more than a cover for dealing in blacklisted goods.
Businessmen are accused of money laundering, of taking their money outside the country and keeping it in European and American banks where it is used to finance projects benefiting those countries and also Israel. No businessman seems to have escaped these accusations. It may be that businessmen have indeed ignored the social and humane side of life, focusing instead on material concerns. It may also be that some care nothing for the concerns of the country and its people. We need to open a new page and begin with ensuring freedom of expression as long as the discussion is carried on to serve the public interest.
