In the 1992 US presidential election, Bill Clinton’s campaign strategist James Carville came up with a brilliant one-liner that would eventually unseat the incumbent George H.W. Bush.
“It’s the economy, stupid” focused on the US economic recession rather than Bush’s Gulf and Cold War successes. It was a remarkable change of fortunes for Bush Senior because most Americans had approved of his job performance a year earlier.
Economic development is undoubtedly the key to success. Many Arabs, however, are obsessed with ideas and plans but execute poorly.
But it would be wrong to assume that Arabs lack ability and potential. Often the solution lies in having proper management and inspirational leadership to help people fulfill their potential.
There are many success stories in the region that prove Arabs excel when given the proper support. There are several examples of how many achieved significant victories with determination, innovative ideas, and by rebelling against standard practices.
However, fearing competition, countries in the West have consistently tried to hamper the progress of these globally successful businesses.
A case in point is how many European and American countries passed protection laws, spurred on by their national carriers, to stifle the progress of Emirates airline, including refusing to increase the company’s seating capacity.
Starting with only two rented planes in 1985, Emirates was named the world’s best carrier in 2013, proving how a clear vision and good management can actualize plans. The company defied tough circumstances, challenges and skepticism by sticking to its goals.
Success breeds more success. While other international airlines waged war against the “stupid” company, they could only watch in awe as the company organized the annual Dubai Airshow, and in November last year signed a $100 billion order for new aircraft, the largest in world aviation history.
The American Pilots Union also considered the company an economic threat to American companies and workers. An observer in the industry once said: “Their strategy is simple. They want to rule the world,” which shows how success can also breed enemies.
The Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), the petrochemical giant, is further proof that success doesn’t come easy. When SABIC started to expand, some countries slapped selective taxes on petrochemical products citing unfair competition. SABIC fought back and won several lawsuits enabling it to enter markets freely.
SABIC’s management was able to bring ideas and projects to life. The late Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, may his soul rest in peace, the man behind SABIC’s victories, recalled how a British journalist mocked the company at the very beginning. The journalist had written: “From a small building in a tight alley, a few young men claim they will build the largest petrochemical company in the region.”
To that, Al-Gosaibi replied a few years later: “He was sarcastic, but look at us now, we’re one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies with revenues exceeding $6 billion.”
If these stories tell us something, it is that success is possible as long as there is a will. Arabs are no strangers to success, and these companies prove it. They are an inspiration for Arabs to fight being marginalized.
Mahatma Gandhi once said: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”
