A Modest Proposal for a New Arab World
By Laura Boustani
There are so many
unspoken rules, ancient prejudices, historical tipping points and complicated
allegiances in Arab politics. Most of them have a great deal to do
with religion and little to do with human rights, equality or freedom. In
fact, hating and oppressing all the “others” is a time-honored Arab tradition.
Shiites oppress
Sunnis and Sunnis oppress Shiites. Christians are oppressed in most Arab
countries and arguably oppressive in one. Palestinians are personae non
gratae just about everywhere, but their cause is front and center for militants
who use it to justify attacking Israel. Most al-Qaida and Hamas
members appear to be Sunni. Hezbollah members and Iranians are Shiites.
Jews seem to be everyone’s enemy.
Are you confused yet? You’re not alone.
It’s maddening, but those of us from that part of the world have no
problem keeping all this straight. Much of it explains our past, defines
our present and shapes our future. In fact, much of the current unrest in
Arab countries is a direct result of the connection between religious identity
and power. And, let me be clear: Probably all religions and
sects are guilty of exploiting their faith to commit countless atrocities – if
not currently, then it is likely to have happened at some point in history.
I began this piece wanting to argue that
Christians in Syria and Lebanon should wholeheartedly support the Syrian
revolution and stand on the side of human rights, freedom and dignity for all,
regardless of their fears. But I realized that any such argument will
fall on deaf ears if religious affiliation, oppression of the “others”, and
fear always come first.
So, to borrow
from Jonathan Swift,
here’s my modest proposal for a new Arab world that rejects the modus
operandi of past centuries:
1.
Separate religion from
all affairs of a nation and grant everyone the right to worship as they wish.
2.
Recognize the inherent
worth and dignity of every person and grant all citizens the same rights
regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, political affiliation or family
history.
3.
Give everyone equal
say on who they trust to serve them at every level of government. Yes, free and
fair elections are a must.
4.
Value and protect
everyone’s right to express their opinions and associate with whomever they
please.
5.
Administer equal
justice to all according to fair laws approved by citizens.
Perhaps what I’m suggesting is simply for Arab countries to weave into the fabric of their new nations a universal teaching of all the world’s great religions, the Golden Rule, or the ethic that we are to treat other people as we would wish to be treated ourselves.
Can it be that simple?
As the American revolutionary Thomas Paine once said, “We
have it in our power to begin the world over again.” So, why don’t we?