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Changes in the Arab World?
30 May 2008There are two positive pieces of news today from the Arab world that give us reason to smile. One is about Houda Nonoo, a Jewish Bahraini, who has been appointed by King Hamad Isa al-Khalifa as the country’s ambassador to the United States. Although Bahrain is considered to be quite moderate in circles, it’s still nice to hear that they’re willing to give a female and a Jew (in this case, the same person) a prestigious post. For more information, see the Jerusalem Post.
Another story in the Jerusalem Post has to do with Arab reactions to reports about Israeli Prime Minister’s Ehud Olmert’s corruption trial for receiving $150,000 in cash over 14 years. While it is clear that some of the posters don’t like Israel, it seems as though most of them respect the fact that Israel’s justice system works even against elected representatives in the highest positions of power. Some are even critical of Ehud Olmert for taking so little money! Many responders laud Israel as an example that Arab countries should use, as it’s clear that the Arabs realize the corruption that occurs in their countries. Comments include:
- “the reason why Israel has lasted for so long is because of its independent and fair judicial system. I challenge the Arabs to have such an independent judicial system.”
- “Only a few thousand dollars? What a fool! This is what an Egyptian minister gets in a day or what a Saudi CEO gets in 45 minutes, or a Kuwaiti government official in five minutes. This is what the physician of the emir of Qatar gets every 30 seconds.”
- “Unfortunately, this is the real democracy. Our enemies are very good in practicing democracy. In the Arab world, our leaders steal everything and no one ever dares to ask a question.”
- “I swear Israel is a state that will succeed. They are prosecuting their prime minister because of tens of thousands of dollars. What about the millions of dollars that Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority stole? How come the Palestinian people are still hungry?”
Is the Arab world finally seeing the virtues of Israel? Do these sentiments reflect the consensus in the Arab world? Unlikely. But given the Arab world distaste for Israel, to put it lightly, the fact that these opinions are shared in public forums (albeit online) could be a step in the right direction. Perhaps it’s no reason to be overly optimistic, but it is a step in the right direction. Let’s hope justified criticisms of leadership in the Arab world, by Arabs, continues – it shows that people are waking up to the reality that Israel is not their enemy – their own leadership is.
