Oil revenues and massive development
This is in reference to the opinion piece “New Silk Route to a more just world” (May 19). It is a telling comment on the sign of things to come. While it all sounds very well to have Saudi Arabia supplying over half of its crude oil exports to other countries, is it really thinking of how it is going to sustain itself once this non-renewable energy resource begins to dwindle? The Saudi media hype is all about oil and more oil, which is sometimes frightening. But as has been pointed out, the oil revenues should be turned into lasting investments that will stand the country good in the future.
Already there are positive steps in this direction, especially in the fields of education and research. Billions are being poured into the education sector and there is a strong emphasis on increasing the country's overall literacy rate. What's more, in order to allow Saudis to compete at the global level, English has been introduced as a foreign language in all its top universities at the foundation level. There is also an increase in the number of scholarships available to enable more Saudis to study abroad as part of the country’s higher education program.
Besides education, there is the health sector. Construction of new hospitals, health care centers and allocations of budgets to support the existing infrastructure are all in the development plan. Furthermore, in 2012, the budget's allocation for transportation, telecommunications, water, infrastructure and municipal services will reach $32.5 billion, equivalent to 18 percent of total spending. Allocations for transportation and telecommunications projects will increase by 40 percent. Meanwhile, water and infrastructure projects and municipal services will witness increases of 13 percent and 19 percent respectively compared to 2011. All this is likely to boost the Saudi economy and sustain its growth and those of us who reside here are eyewitnesses to all the wonderful changes taking place around us. Jeddah's changed landscape with all its flyovers and underpasses have not only made driving easier but also beautified it. And there are dozens of such projects under way.
Undoubtedly, this is not possible without the petrodollars coming into the country. So while the money is coming, it is, as you say, important to spend it wisely. Countries around the world have done very well for themselves on less.
So let us make hay while the sun shines and also continue to make it when it doesn't.
Ozma Siddiqui
Jeddah
Pakistan’s militancy challenge
I take pity on President Asif Zardari, a last minute invitee to the Chicago NATO meeting on Afghanistan’s future. He is going to face a tough audience, who are not in a mood to hear him mouth tall promises. They want to know what actions are being taken by Pakistan to crack down on the militants who are the de facto rulers of its tribal areas. Pakistan may defend its position as a number of its own soldiers and civilians have lost their lives during the ongoing war on terror. But the end result (militants continue to cross the rugged mountainous borders and stage attacks on NATO and Afghan forces) doesn't justify Pakistan's stand that it is fighting the militants beyond its capabilities. Then what is the solution?
Unless Pakistan realizes what it faces at the hands of these religious fanatics, no solution can be worked out. These militants are no freedom fighters but are bound by a deviant ideology, which not only sanctions but also glorifies the attacks an anyone who either doesn't subscribe to their views or dares to challenge the same.
If tribal areas continue to be ruled by religious militants, and if its religio-political link continues to provide them with moral and material support, then it doesn't matter whether it's 2012 or 2022. Pakistan and NATO countries should take the wakeup call.
Masood Khan
Jubail
