I am not a political analyst to write about the global situation even though I have a degree in political science.
There is a lot of difference in studying politics and reality and this is what many do not know or even realise, especially in the Arab world. People, cutting across all sections, begin to ‘analyse’ what is happening around the world, give their own ‘expert’ opinions and, in the process, make a mess of that analysis.
Social media accounts affiliated with certain parties and governments then start circulating these so-called expert opinions and make it even more complicated and weird.
The sequence of events is always the same if we go back in time and look at events that have unfolded in the Arab world over the last few years. What happens in the end is that an actual event that started the discussions is completely forgotten in the rush of fiery and irresponsible statements. In the process, the actual perpetrators of alleged crimes or incidents are not held accountable.
Take the case of Lebanon, for example. This glorious country has a special bond of love from everyone. It is a great country with very loving people and God Almighty has endowed it with qualities that you do not find anywhere else.
It withstood all odds and emerged from the ashes to find a prominent place on the global map after grinding civil wars and political instability. This was due to its people who were steadfast in their will, spirit and determination.
It was the Lebanese people who built bridges and buildings after they were bombed and destroyed during years of civil war.
The words of poet Gibran Khalil Gibran, sung by Fairouz, say it all:
Give me the flute and the song of the elements of eternity;
And the whining of the flute remains after it ceases to exist;
“Have you taken the jungle like me as a home without palaces?
I tracked the streams and climbed up the rocks
Were you bathed in perfume and breathe in light?
Dawn drank wine in glasses of ether.”
I first visited Lebanon in 1966 when I was six years old and I still remember all the details of that visit. Thirty-eight years later I visited again and it was still the same unfailing spirit and determination that I saw.
I have close relations with many Lebanese families living in Bahrain, and have been very close to them since my schooldays despite the difficulties that I faced in the beginning because of the difference in cultures, their outgoing personality and their over-friendly approach.
But over the years, my association with them has polished my character since I imitated many qualities and good habits to a point where I am now fluent in the Lebanese dialect.
My sincere prayer is for God to preserve this country and its people. In this respect, the initiative of His Majesty the King to send medical aid is the greatest evidence of a sincere love.
Thanks are also due to the Royal Humanitarian Foundation for their prompt translation of His Majesty’s directives, to all charitable societies, the Bahrain Red Crescent Society and all those who took the initiative to contribute to this noble humanitarian work.
May the Lord preserve this country and prevent it from all harm.
ztawfeeqi@gmail.com