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Arab Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Nations are led by rulers whose sword is used for justice and reform
No one denies that several Arab and Gulf countries have suffered from administrative failures that opened the door to widespread corruption, so much so that citizens have been exploited to serve the interests of their leaders rather than contributing to the development of their homelands. This is what happened in countries like Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and others, where rulers were isolated in ivory towers, and the groans of their people were not heard. In such environments, only the leader's voice is heard, drowning out all others. Over time, this fostered corruption among the people, leading citizens to focus solely on their personal interests. Nearly seven centuries ago, the Arab intellectual Abd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun warned of the grave consequences that result from a state's lack of strategic vision, how it can collapse into ruin, and how it can rise again. In my last article, I mentioned that some Gulf states had fallen victim to widespread corruption, pushing them to the brink of bankruptcy and even fragmentation. Then came a historic turning point when God granted them responsible leadership, concerned for the nation and its people, and managed to steer the state back onto the right path and restore its leading role. We must openly acknowledge that the democratic chaos that prevailed over the past three decades nearly brought Kuwait to the brink of collapse. It was a period marked by the unchecked spread of obscenity, where its voice often overpowered that of responsibility. During that time, Kuwait embodied what Ibn Khaldun described in his analysis of the decline of states. Corruption had infiltrated nearly every institution, coming dangerously close to the judiciary, the only bulwark of any nation. As former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously said during World War II, 'Britain will be fine as long as the judiciary is fine.' In recent years, Kuwait has witnessed a troubling expansion of influence, with parliamentary interference extending even into traffic operations such as preventing the issuance of tickets to certain individuals. This absence of strict accountability has contributed to the spread of drugs, the normalization of administrative corruption, and a general breakdown in oversight. Kuwait has also witnessed systematic crimes involving the theft of public funds and their transfer abroad, while unqualified individuals have been appointed to senior leadership positions. Such a situation was what led to the collapse of the Umayyad state, as described by one of its own princes, who said, 'We entrusted major affairs to the unqualified, and left minor matters to the most capable.' Advisors cannot be absolved of responsibility for what transpired, as some used to tailor their advice to serve personal interests, or to benefit their tribe or sect. The logical and legal principle stipulates that those who rush toward something often lose it entirely, but sadly, that principle was not upheld at the time. To speak plainly, had that situation continued until today, especially amid the sweeping regional crises and tensions, Kuwait would have become the weakest link in the Gulf Cooperation Council. It might have turned into a breeding ground for evil, given the unchecked freedom of reckless voices inciting tribal and sectarian discord, threatening to destroy the national fabric. This is why Kuwaitis came to see cauterization as the last resort. Yet no one heeded the people's cries. So, when the opportunity finally arose to appoint a leader whose sole concern was the unity and well-being of his people, the establishment of justice, and the restoration of Kuwait's lost leadership role, he raised the sword of reform without favoritism, fear, or hesitation, and personally followed up on everything happening in the country, down to the smallest details. He is a leader who is deeply aware of his society's conditions, gifted with foresight, and able to carefully evaluate all matters brought before him. He is committed to ensuring that no one is wronged and is firm with oppressors, firmly believing that even the smallest injustice can open the door to the collapse of the state. He understands that neglecting minor issues can lead to major crises. For this reason, citizens accept the high-level princely actions taken, even when some were strict. What matters most is that these measures are used for the nation's benefit by officials who prioritize the country's interests above all else. They must be prepared to admit and correct their mistakes, especially under the watchful eye of a vigilant leader who closely follows their performance. They are bound by the constitutional oath they have taken, which has great weight and responsibility.
Arab Times
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Dear people, these are the qualities of a regenerating leader
As Abd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun mentioned in his book 'Muqaddimah', all states pass through various stages, ranging from strength to weakness. In the final stage, corruption spreads, the corrupt take control, bribery becomes rampant, and chaos seeps into state institutions. The state's path veers toward decline, and people begin to fear for their future. Yet this state of affairs does not last forever. It is in the nature of states to produce, from time to time, a regenerating leader whose sole purpose is to preserve the stability of the state and protect the best interests of its people. This extraordinary leader is never detached from the people or the institutions of the state. Instead, he watches silently, waiting for the right moment when God grants him to the nation. Once he assumes leadership, he begins his work precisely where it is most needed, drawing on his deep understanding of the hidden dynamics at play and the tactics used by the corrupt to gradually erode institutions. He also recognizes the true worth of loyal, honest, and competent officials. This leader is distinguished by his ability to understand people's conditions, for he is not distant from them. He knows the details of their struggles, understands the cause of their pain, recognizes the nature of the remedy, and applies it in his own unique way. With a deep knowledge of the complexities of international politics, he does everything in his power to shield his country from surrounding turmoil, exercising great skill and prudence. He does so by issuing firm directives to officials to ensure that no one is subjected to injustice, knowing that injustice can serve as a loophole through which enemies exploit and threaten social stability. At the same time, he issues decisions to reassure his people. This man understands that decades of corruption and institutional paralysis cannot be undone overnight, but only through sustained, tireless effort. He is fully aware that his mission is to ease the suffering of his people and help his country reclaim its distinguished and leading position. For this reason, he works quietly, steadily, and with discretion. Some Arabian Gulf states have faced several setbacks to such an extent that many believed the situation was beyond repair, that the state was finished, and recovery was impossible. However, when new leaders emerged who prioritized the interests of their people above all else, they were able to correct course and eradicate corruption through decisive, yet measured, measures. As a result, these countries not only recovered but rose to become influential forces on the international stage. This kind of leader believes in justice, stability, and development, and always works in the best interest of the people. He listens to voices of wisdom and rejects those who spread lies. He values honest officials who work for the good of the nation. Such a leader works to amend laws in order to restore order, and revitalize state institutions for guiding his country toward a path of security and justice. This leader is blessed by God with many qualities that guide him on the right path to save his people and his country at the right moment. God has granted him the willpower to take charge of the country's affairs, restore its glory, and safeguard its future by fulfilling his promise that no one will suffer injustice under his leadership. Fully aware of his people's hopes, always present among them, and deeply familiar with their characteristics, this visionary leader creates power for his people and his country.
Arab Times
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Arabs create their own defeat and never change their attitude
Arabs have not changed at all, despite the criticisms directed at them. They have become accustomed to glorifying customs and traditions, and have not changed their attitudes, despite the clear guidance in the Holy Quran: 'Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.' (Al-Ra'd: 11) Reports from research centers and ambassadors about the Arab countries they are accredited to reveal the extent of the backwardness of these countries, despite Allah urging them to seek knowledge. Nearly 700 years ago, Abd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun said, 'Arabs only conquer the simple and triumph over the weak.' This sad truth should be accepted by everyone, including prominent figures, leaders, and even ordinary citizens. They must understand that time is unforgiving and that they will remain a harsh testing ground for a brutal world, which relentlessly pursues its interests at any cost. Everyone must understand that there are no permanent allies, only permanent interests. Reading the report by British Ambassador Jane Marriott, who served in Yemen from 2013 to 2015, on education in the Arab world presented to the British House of Commons years ago, I realized that we, as Arabs, are a nation that creates its defeats. Ambassador Marriott stated, 'The education system leads to shocking paradoxes among graduates. The smartest, top-tier students go to medical and engineering colleges. The second-tier graduates go to business and economics colleges, and become managers of the top-tier graduates. The third-tier students attend political science colleges and become the country's politicians, thus ruling over the top-tier and second-tier graduates.' Those who fail to complete their education often leave school early to join the army or police. Once promoted to senior positions, they control politicians and economists, dismiss them and do as they please. What is truly astonishing is that those who never attended school end up becoming members of parliament, mayors, and tribal leaders, with everyone obeying their commands! Arabs believe in polygamy, but fail to embrace multiculturalism, diverse languages, religions, civilizations, and freedoms. Ibn Khaldun said, 'Arabs invite people to Paradise, but they are unable to invite an orphan to a banquet. They invite people to Paradise while their countries are full of beggars and shoe shiners.' Arabs disregard rationality, and cling instead to traditions, customs, and superstitions, which limits their ability for innovation and progress. Knowledge is the weapon with which humanity fights. As long as we remain in darkness, we have no hope for advancement. Without learning and applying knowledge, we will remain at the bottom. The noose is tightening around the neck of the Syrian sectarian, the swindler, and intelligence agent. He will be forced to return the properties he looted to their rightful owners, including the hotel he stole from that humble Lebanese man. The cars, planes, and farms will be returned to their owners. His partner in crime, the intelligence agent, has already been arrested.
