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February 28, 2007
Saudi Author Laments Conditions in the Arab World
Topics: Middle East News and PerspectivesSo, how do you know you're in an Arab country? Reformist Saudi author and journalist Wajeha Al-Huwaider gives us some clues in a satirical poem titled "When" (ht - Forward Movement):
"When you cannot find a single garden in your city, but there is a mosque on every corner - you know that you are in an Arab country...More excerpts at MEMRI ..."When you see people living in the past with all the trappings of modernity - do not be surprised, you are in an Arab country.
"When religion has control over science - you can be sure that you are in an Arab country.
"When clerics are referred to as 'scholars' - don't be astonished, you are in an Arab country.
... "When you find that the large majority of people oppose freedom and find joy in slavery - do not be too distressed, you are in an Arab country.
... "When you hear the clerics saying that democracy is heresy, but [see them] seizing every opportunity provided by democracy to grab high positions [in the government] - do not be surprised, you are in an Arab country...
... "When you see that the authorities chop off a man's hand for stealing a loaf of bread or a penny, but praise and glorify those who steal billions - do not be too surprised, you are in an Arab country...
Interesting related reading: Saudi Society Teaches You Allah Is a Tormentor
Posted by Richard at February 28, 2007 12:25 AM
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