Problems are free ...Why pay for them?

A North European friend and I sat down for a quiet talk. The dominant topic was of course the current situation in the Arab World and the future of the Arab countries and their neighbors in the aftermath of the severe tremor that shook Iraq, causing overwhelming ripples throughout the World. Future generations may not easily comprehend these events. Moreover, our grandchildren will not understand the background to this; nor will they understand how a regime collapsed to be replaced by another extremist regime, which was shrouded in suspicion.
 

It was a discussion, which went beyond the Iraqi plight. Throughout the debate, we were in unison that the United States went into a vast territory of uncertainty. The Super Power was fully aware of how it got tangled up in the Iraqi quagmire, but does not know how to get out - assuming that this option is possible.

The overriding sentiment of the discussion was that of pain, sorrow and anxiety over the future of those countries that had joined the long US list of targeted terrorist regimes: Afghanistan, Iraq, Liberia ...They have one thing in common: nations branded military regimes or individuals that have failed to observe the simplest rules that govern international relations.

My friend was amazed when we focused on Iraq and how this great Arab country collapsed. I not only shared his feeling, I encouraged him to ask questions when I mentioned the inability of the rest of the Arab countries to withstand a strike, if Iraq with all its potentials, collapsed like a house of cards.

My friend's retort made me pause and gape with awe. He said that the countries I referred to were relatively weaker than Iraq and that they will not be any better unless they reconsider their social and economic structure and rebuild them on sound grounds, according to a genuine scientific approach premised in the Shura (consultation) and dialogue with their peoples, the intellectual elite and groups of various qualifications.

To tell you the truth, I was shocked and embarrassed. I felt that my friend was deriding some of the Arab countries. But at the same time it made me wonder to what extent he was right!

Aggressively defending what I believed for long to be strong and firmly founded regimes, I said: "But, these countries have all the ingredients for continuity. They possess established administrations and government structures ... etc."

My companion replied: "What these countries actually lack is administrative structures and the executive organs". He also asked me to consider what is currently happening in some of the Arab countries and compare it with the Western World, in particularly referring to Europe, which has firmly founded societies because of well-defined and strictly adhered rules.

In an attempt to salvage the conditions in our countries, I spoke of the US endeavor to attack and occupy Iraq, despite the horrible consequences: the death of a large number of innocent Iraqi civilians, which has occurred even after the collapse of the regime of Saddam Hussein, not to mention the death of many American soldiers, away from their homes and loved ones, fighting in Iraq for no clear cause.

My friend interjected: "This is what we call in our countries buying problems with money at a time when problems come free". He added that President Bush decided to buy problems for billions of dollars and push young American men and women into situation that does not concern or interest them.

I asked: "You come from a great democratic country and you do not hesitate to entertain ideas held by people standing on the other side of the fence, and possibly accept them. Now, do you not think that Bush's decision to go to war was to protect the great Americana from chaos and to stamp out terrorism that these countries export?"

With a bitter smile my friend nervously exclaimed: "What? To protect the US and the American people from cities like Baghdad, Basra, Kabul, Monrovia, Iran and other small countries?! Real protection from terrorism comes from inside the US by giving the American citizen his due rights; by building homes for the homeless, shelters and hospitals for the needy. If only 5% of the military spending is used to solve domestic social problems, this will satisfy many of the needs of the American people. Only then will each American citizen become a defender of his country and the dignity of his nation. American people would not need to conspire with foreigners, criminal or terrorists from within or abroad. Yes! This is what should be done rather than wasting the taxpayers' money to buy problems which normally come free of charge."

The discussion ended here. But deep inside me there was a monologue, in which I was appealing to President Bush to reconsider his policy so that the United States can regain its glorious past as a fortress of democracy and protector of liberties. This would allow the American people go back to their cosmopolitan tolerance, broad horizons and warm human relations that they always had with other nations; such has been the record of this great nation in its history.

I also think that President Bush must leave Iraq to the Iraqis and allow them to choose their own government, regime and laws and steer away from haphazard appointments of governors imposed against the will of the citizens of this country. In fact, such a move will further strengthen the American democracy.

On the other hand, these unacceptable appointments cast a doubt over the American democracy and stigmatize it forever. In case my statements are misunderstood and taken out of context, I must emphasize that I do not have any names or streams of thought in mind on how Iraq should be riled; nor do I know any of those who have been appointed. All I am saying here is that I wish to see democracy prevail.

The Iraqis will be very grateful to President Bush if he pulls out his troops and let them rule their own country. The American people would be equally grateful if the US administration channels the billions of dollars being spent on wars to support badly needed social programs and projects for the welfare and prosperity of the American society.
 

Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor