[wvns] Ahmed Zewail: The New Jihad
We must wage a new form of jihad
By: Ahmed Zewail
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/el_ma7rousa/message/47763
The cataclysmic wars in Lebanon, Palestine, and Iraq have uncovered
the reality of Arab unity and plight, and the collective conscience of
international society. It is abundantly clear that the Arab people
must themselves build a new system for a new future. The current
state, as judged by a low GDP, high level of illiteracy, and
deteriorating performance in education and science, is neither in
consonance with their hearts and minds nor does it provide for their
political, economic, and educational aspirations.
Yet this is the same Arab world that produced leading civilizations,
world-class universities, and renowned scholars and scientists.
Clearly, something has gone seriously astray.
As someone from, and directly involved with, this part of the world, I
am convinced Arabs are qualified to regain their glorious past. Arabs
have two-thirds of "proved oil reserves", and copious sunlight for
possible alternative energy. They have their own market, the potential
for an Arab Union, and many Arab countries are strategically
positioned, geographically and politically. The people have a unique
culture of community and family values, and their faith is inclusive
and pluralistic. Above all, the Arab world has people with talent and
creativity, with nearly half of the population in its youth. These are
forces for progress, but without nurturing intrinsic talent and
establishing a cogent system of governance the status quo will prevail.
In my view, there are four "pillars of change" that would support an
imperative historic renaissance for transforming the current state of
affairs. First, a new political system must be established with, at
its core, a constitution defining the democratic principles of human
rights, freedom of speech, and governance through contested elections.
A select delegation of honorable intellectuals, respected political
personalities, and thoughtful religious scholars, perhaps under the
patronage of supreme-court judges, should form a council to debate and
chart a new constitution for a final referendum involving the people.
The co-existence of religious values in the lives of individuals and
secular rules in the governance of the state should be clearly
defined. There is no need to fear conflict, as reason and faith are
driving forces in western democratic societies and in some Muslim
countries such as Turkey and Malaysia.
Second, the rule of law must in practice be applied to every
individual, independent of caste, faith, or background. Currently,
some rules of law are either unenforced or selectively enforced,
resulting in demoralizing practices. Besides being a prime cause of
poor economic growth, poor governance breeds corruption which cripples
investment, wastes resources, and diminishes confidence. If rules are
applied fairly, people acquire security and faith in their system.
Third, the methods used in education, cultural practices, and
scientific research must be revisited, reviewed, and revitalized. The
goal should be to promote critical thinking and a value system of
reasoning, discipline, and teamwork. The government should remain
responsible for the primary education of all. Higher education should
be based on quality not quantity, receive merit-based funding, and be
free of unnecessary bureaucracy. Not the least of the benefits of
educational reform is to foster the pride of achievement at national
and international levels.
Fourth, an overhauling of the Arab media is necessary. Currently,
there are numerous satellite TV channels and several so-called media
cities generously financed, perhaps much more than research
institutions. Yet people are inundated with mind-numbing and
propaganda programs. The conceptually new al-Jazeera has become a very
effective news media among millions of Arabs; similar media outlets
concerned with cultural, social, and educational events should be
established.
The primary objective is to stimulate minds and encourage critical
thinking for civilized debates and dialogues. Governments should
control neither the news nor appointment of editors; quality and
appropriateness should be controlled by the judgment of professionals
and the wisdom of society in accordance with the rule of law.
We Arabs can accomplish the transition to the world of the 21st
century, but the people and leaders must embark on a new course.
Incremental changes - so-called gradual reforms - are inappropriate
for a system that has been ineffective for decades. We should have
confidence in ourselves and in global participation, and not blame
others for current calamities or use religion for political gains. The
responsibility of the individual for self and societal improvement is
clearly stated in The Koran: "Indeed! God will not change the good
condition of the people as long as they do not change their state of
goodness themselves."
I appeal to the Arab people to participate in this process of historic
change and not to be distracted by the ideologies of the past and
conspiracy theories of the future. Being passive creates a state of
apathy and legitimizes the status quo. I call on intellectuals to
focus on the greater good, not just for personal gain. Conscience and
integrity are national responsibilities in this critical period of
history. I urge the leaders of the Arab world to implement these
historical changes and, in so doing, become makers of history. A
genuine and peaceful transition to democracy is both legitimate and
timely.
Before too long the oil will run out and human talent will migrate,
but if we commit to "pillars of change", with jihad for modernity and
enlightenment, we will realize our rightful place in the future.
Ahmed Zewail is presently the Linus Pauling Chair Professor of
Chemistry and Professor of Physics, and the Director of the Physical
Biology Center for UST and the NSF Laboratory for Molecular Sciences
(LMS) at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, U.S.A.
Professor Zewail was awarded the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his
pioneering developments in the field of femtoscience.
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