I am writing in response to Sufia Khalid’s editorial entitled, “Saudi Arabia: A World Away- But Not That Far” dated Tuesday, February 28, 2006. To preface the proceeding, it is integral to note that I admire Ms. Khalid writing ability and her willingness to put forth an alternative prospective. It is also important to note that many of my beliefs, most notably American foreign policy, run parallel to the opinions of Ms. Khalid. This letter is not written to slander Ms. Khalid, but rather, to propose an alternative perception of the United States from an Arab-American.
In reading Ms. Khalid’s articles religiously each week (no pun intended), I have noted a recurring theme: slander of Western society. This week was no different. Though I found Ms. Khalid’s opening lines, “Whoa…did you ever ride a camel” somewhat inappropriate and absurd, I will leave the subject of racial presuppositions for another date. The main assertion that I take issue with in this article is the continuous slander of Western society, while failing to note the incredible wealth of opportunity granted to Ms. Khalid and foreign students as a collective unit. She states, “The worst things about Western society, are its social aspects: substance abuse, divorce rates, unwanted pregnancies and so on,” while failing to note the overwhelming number of positive aspects of Western civilizations such as democracy, freedom of speech, etc.
Conversely, throughout this article Ms. Khalid consistently emphasizes the positive aspects of life in Saudi Arabia. This is exemplified in her stating, “life is more stable there, following an Islamic code of decency and legality.” It is almost as though Ms. Khalid perceives Saudi Arabia as a near utopian society. Though tackling the many negatives that one can attribute to Saudi Arabia is an arduous task, it is important to note the lack of democracy, 25% unemployment among men (women are not permitted to work), the distinct difference in monetary status among the monarch and the common people, etc. Though my view of Saudi Arabia is admittedly biased, it is not difficult for one to observe that Saudi Arabia ultimately lacks the “stability” upon which Ms. Khalid bases her thesis.
As a Palestinian-American I am familiar with injustices occurring throughout the Middle East, as a product of both internal and external conflict. However, I call on Ms. Khalid to recognize the faults of the regimes in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, etc. I also call on Ms. Khalid to recognize and appreciate the plethora of opportunities and freedoms granted to citizens of this great country. No country in the world has ever been perfect; no country in the world will ever be perfect. It is inherently impossible for individual humans to attain perfection, let alone a collective populace of human beings. Nevertheless, the United States is a country rooted in personal freedoms and opportunity, and for this, we should be thankful. After all, Ms. Khalid, would the Saudi autocrats have allowed your editorial to be published? I think not.
Amir Raed College of Arts and Sciences 08′
