I read with interest the article “Our fixation with conspiracy theories” (Aug. 25) by Abdulateef Al-Mulhim. The writer always comes up with fresh ideas and never shies away from pointing out the follies of the Arab world. It is not just the Arab world that is always preoccupied with conspiracy theories; the entire Muslim world is facing this problem. I do agree with the writer that it is not about conspiracies; it is all about competition in today’s world. He has cited the example of the United States and China. The Muslim world should come out of these shadows of fear and start taking practical measures not to “conquer the world” but to gain a respectable position in the comity of nations.
People who believe in conspiracies or who see conspiracy behind their failures are basically impractical individuals who like to pass the buck to others so as to cover up their weaknesses. That is exactly what we Muslims are doing. We are not making efforts to change our situation but we love to blame “invisible” forces conspiring against us. — Naba Abbas, Dammam
Conspiracy theories
