The Ministry of Commerce and other relevant bodies have assured us that the country has enough rice and other food to last at least three months in the event of any crisis resulting from the on-going US-led war in the region. Food is essential for survival and of all staple foods, rice remains a favorite dish for us Saudis — to the extent we cannot do without it under any circumstances. But are such assurances by the ministry and others the only thing that we need to know in these difficult times? Are there no other issues of concern to the people than the announcement that there is no need to worry since the Kingdom’s supplies of rice will last three months?
Assurances and analyses aside, we have to admit we are in the middle of a crisis which threatens to engulf the entire region. If we agree on this, attention must then be focused on issues far more important than rice. We seem to lack the sense of urgency that calls for all to be ready to respond to difficult situations.
This sense of urgency means that information should be provided in a more logical and credible manner through fair and transparent discussion. Any discussion should of course be a matter of concern to all of us. If a few closely monitor the non-stop flow of information, the overwhelming majority have their attention focused on other issues. Their knowledge of what is happening around them is derived from what is said at social events and gatherings, which is mostly shallow, highly generalized and usually exaggerated.
That is why many people remain unaware of the actual situation — there is an absence of genuine and reliable information. Because people then seek information from sources which are unreliable, they are unable to react positively during a crisis and so, despite their best intentions, they are taken by surprise.
Why do we lack reliable and credible information in our media? The problem with our press is that it tends to parrot what is said by others while lacking independent initiatives to enlighten the public during times of crisis, especially the one now looming over the region. It is time our media played a more serious and responsible role for all of us.
Arab News From the Local Press 27 March 2003
