One of the most unfortunate consequences of the Middle East wars is that they deflect attention away from the real issues facing the Arab world. By maintaining the focus on the Twin Satan’s (America and Israel) Arab and Islamic leaders are able to present a façade of unity behind a common goal of destruction. These enemies are convenient and useful – instead of introspective focus the Arab world uses these enemies as a pinboard of blame for all the calamities they face.
The need for reform in the Arab world was the subject of a refreshing article in The Mercury on Friday: Arab world in need of change.
The author of the article, Ahmed Zweil, is the only Arab scientist EVER to have received the Nobel Prize in Science (won in 1999). Zweil identified “four pillars of change” as a remedy for the calamities faced by the Arab world (problems which include: low Gross Domestic Products, low levels of literacy and deteriorating performance in education and science).
| First, a new political system must be established with, at its core, a constitution defining the democratic principles of human rights, freedom of speech, and governance through contested elections. A select delegation of honorable intellectuals, respected political personalities, and thoughtful religious scholars, perhaps under the patronage of Supreme Court judges, should form a council to debate and chart a new constitution for a final referendum involving the people. The co-existence of religious values in the lives of individuals and secular rules in the governance of the state should be clearly defined. There is no need to fear conflict, as reason and faith are driving forces in Western democratic societies and in some Muslim countries such as Turkey and Malaysia. Second, the rule of law must, in practice, be applied to every individual, independent of caste, faith, or background. Currently, some rules of law are either unenforced or selectively enforced, resulting in demoralising practices. Besides being a prime cause of poor economic growth, poor governance breeds corruption which cripples investment, wastes resources and diminishes confidence. If rules are applied fairly, people acquire security and faith in their system. Third, the methods used in education, cultural practices, and scientific research must be revisited, reviewed and revitalised. The goal should be to promote critical thinking and a value system of reasoning, discipline, and teamwork. Fourth, an overhauling of the Arab media is necessary. Currently, there are numerous satellite TV channels and several so-called media cities generously financed, perhaps much more than research institutions. Yet, people are inundated with mind-numbing and propaganda programmes. The conceptually new al-Jazeera has become a very effective news media among millions of Arabs; similar media outlets concerned with cultural, social, and educational events should be established. |
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