subject: Article 383: Arab People Needs Dignity and freedom Rather than Rulers Charitable Reforms in the Arab Land [print this page] Article 383: Arab People Needs Dignity and freedom Rather than Rulers Charitable Reforms in the Arab Land
Hasan Yahya, Ph.Ds, professor of sociology
Wealth is for the nation, not for rulers. I wonder when Arab Rulers will come to understand that wealth is not for themselves, to give charity for the people and call it improvements and change? What demonstrators want in almost all Arab countries is changing the traditional system of ruling.
Since the wave of protest sweeping the Middle East for months, leaders were surprised with the scope of such protests. In many countries, rulers announced packages for citizen improvement and concessions like creation of jobs, providing cash money, social security policies, etc., but many analysts say: it is too late, and miscalculated understanding from these rulers. These concessions appear to have done little to quiet protesters, whose demands include an increase participation in power for the legislative body.
While the wealth of some Arab leaders estimated in tens of billions, (in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Morocco and Libya for example) most of their citizens live in what I may call it "slavery conditions". For example, in Saudi Arabia King Abdullah announced today a $10.7 billion package of benefits for citizens. But there was no mention of political reforms despite popular uprisings sweeping across the Arab world. It seems that
economic incentives announced included promises to raise employees' wages is a sign of misunderstanding the spirit of age.
The Saudi regime thinks it can buy off its own people with cash These attempts were used in by the Egyptian, Tunisian and Libyan leaders, But Freedom, and dignity cannot be satisfied by giving only amounts of money or partially improving social aspects without political changes. It is time for Arab leaders who rule their countries for decades with no radical change to understand the needs of protesters. Unfortunately, most Arab leaders contribute in the people lost dignity and freedom for a long time.
Fear is no more existed among protesters, and human rights have to be respected and regulated in democratic practices by opening equal opportunities for all citizens. Anger is misleading sometimes and may direct demonstrators' efforts toward property destruction as the case in Oman, who set fire in supermarket, cars, a police station, houses, and the governor's residence.
In conclusion, as far as the status quo still stand as a cultural way of life, people will seek ways to make the change. The role of leaders is not only to show citizen share in the nation's wealth, but in this case is may be strange, but in my opinion, to satisfy demonstrators, rulers have to respond positively by formulation of three to five council members to plan and oversee the improvements needed in each Arab country. This may reduce tension and make signs of change discernable. (501 words) www.askdryahya.com
