Category Archives: Good Article

Is It Time For The Expatriates ‘To Start To Think To Start’ To Leave? 1

Good Article, Opinion • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

July 12, 2011

Opinion.

Is It Time For The Expatriates ‘To Start To Think To Start’ To Leave?

A Question For The Expatriates To Ask For Themselves Only!

Prognosis

There was an article a few weeks back by a famed Omani Columnist titled – ‘Fearing axe expats leaving for good’! This is my dire attempt to try to address that assertion being made.

v  “O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and I have given you good advise but you like not good advisers.” (Ch 7:73-79 Quran)

Prophet Saleh – (MethuSaleh) – Peace Be Upon Him.

v  No one is listening to me – now I know how a radio feels! – Grandpa Abe Simpson.

v  The problem is many people hear – but few listen! – Anon

Importantly and more sadly, it cannot be denied that a lot of things have changed in our Oman now – especially with our Youth! Things will never ever be the same again!  All the things I had tried to caution and counsel have come into being – especially in my two Management books – Psychology of Arab Management Thinking – and more importantly even in the title itself – A Cry for Help! The book was published one year before what had
happened to us! – www.majidbooks.com

Notes

I am writing this all today because of the article – see it here –

v
Reply to Saleh Shaibany – https://majidsn.com/2011/06/21/reply-to-saleh-al-shaibany-fearing-axe-expats-leaving-for-good/

v
 Also this one – https://majidsn.com/2011/06/24/the-final-episode-learning-to-go-silent-now/

v
 http://www.betweenusonly.com/?p=1456
– The New Future.

v
 http://www.betweenusonly.com/?paged=22
– What The Old Man Said!

v
 Also this article – http://www.betweenusonly.com/?p=1325
– Time To Say Goodbyes!

v
http://main.omanobserver.om/node/57939
– Equal Opportunity and Pay

Please read all these articles in joint consultation with this write up.

Introduction

No one knows how far this is true but the story goes on like this. After Iddi Amin the ex
Ugandan Dictator had ‘chucked out Asians’ from Uganda, there were stories that some local peoples had approached also the then President of Tanzania – Julius Nyerere and asked him – What about us in Tanzania? Are we going also to ask the Asians to leave as Uganda has done?

Iddi Amin had accused the Asians of siding with the British to destroy ‘from within‘the  economy of Uganda. He also said he had received a ‘dream’ from God to ‘chuck out all the Asians’ in Uganda! Nyerere is purported to have replied – No we will not tell anybody to leave – but they will all leave by themselves – without us telling them to do so! – Which they did – especially after the ‘Ujamaa’ Socialist policies then! Tanzanian Asians mainly were the next exodus to leave Tanzania – just like their Ugandan brethrens!

Known of his temperamental and unpredictable behaviours, in a speech to his peoples he – Iddi Amin – took a ‘Citizenship’ document of an Asian named Patel – he tore it up and exclaiming – Mr. Patel – you are now no longer the citizen of The Republic of Uganda! He added – No longer ‘Paper Citizens’ – We do not want them here anymore! – To wild acclaim,
applause and cheers from his congregation – of the indigenous African population of Uganda!

There were many of us who had left early from Zanzibar after the bloody revolution of January 1964 to move to places like Dar es Salaam and other places in Tanzania and Kenya mainly. Incidentally few Arabs origins in Uganda were touched by Iddi Amin calling himself as a ‘Muslim’ and allied to the Palestinian cause. I wonder how many Asians who might have been
pro-Palestinians but were still on those planes leaving Uganda for mainly UK, Canada and Australia – and had missed the boat in joint affiliations with Iddi Amin on these leanings?

Anyway, those of us who lived in Tanzania were subjected to continuous embarrassing searches – even at homes – and if known as ex Zanzibar Refugees. The situation went worse after the assassination of Abeid Amani Karume – the then President of Zanzibar – by one ‘Arab’ youth who was pro the system and was working in the Army. They were called ‘Comrades’ or the Socialists supported by Cuba and China mainly – and had sided with the majority Africans against the fellow ‘Arab Government’ under the then the Sultan of Zanzibar – linked to the Al Busaidy family in Oman!

There were also ‘forced marriages’ when Arab, Indian and Persian girls were forced to get married to young African men – and this was the time of mass exodus of ‘coloured’ peoples in Zanzibar. Luckily, India and Iran had accepted their citizens – we Omanis were not that lucky – though the Yemenis were more luckier than us – despite their South Yemen Communist Government was in cohort with the Zanzibar Government – politics make strange bed fellows
indeed!

The point is that Yemenis too were massacred in this bloody Zanzibar revolution, though! Just like the Omanis and the Arabs too – and like in Ruanda even some ‘moderate fellow Africans’ too! This was the first ethnic cleansing in Africa – not the Ruanda ones. In all these the role of ‘our protectors’ the British is all vague – and we keep forgetting they may have their own agendas – which are not necessarily parallel and linked to us then the Sultanate of Zanzibar – or the Arab side either!

You will forgive me for going far stretched out in all these – but the connections and filling in the dots will become hopefully very clear! Give me a shout – if not!

As a College student in Morogoro Tanzania at the time of the assassination of Karume, some Arab students were arrested after ‘celebrating’ this. I am not stupid nor naïve after having seen myself nearly shot and my late Father too (Please read the articles – relevant parts – Appendices – My Broken Heart! and The Glass Is Bent!) – So I knew what to expect. In my diary of the day I wrote – ‘Very sad news today of the assassination of Karume’ in brief. Sometime later – a good friend of mine – an African indigenous sidled down to me whispering to me – It is good they killed the fu …ng bas…rd! – All the time he was chatting and occupying me, my college room was being searched by their peoples.

When I returned, I found my diary at the entry that it was written – and I knew that they must have photographed it – finding nothing on me – they left me alone. A few months later, I left the course and joined ESSO (EXXON) – and a few months still later on left for Oman in November 1973 – under the UN Refugee programme under UAE Rulers then – and after the Accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said – May Allah Give him long life and health
– Amin. Omanis started to leave East Africa to return home – after many of their Indian peers had already been millionaires in especially Canada and USA – but those were the dark gloomy days of Oman history!

Strangely my late Father who had gone to Africa to follow his father – my father with his two children at 12 boy (elder brother of mine) and 8 girl (elder sister) and with his wife – all Arabs and Omanis and born in Oman – he was the first one to return to Oman – he was arrested and jailed in Oman. In anger, he sold off all his properties then in 1956 at Quriyat Al Hail Gaaf – the twists and ironies of life – because 6 years later the Zanzibar bloody Revolution wished he did not! Especially when final return in 1972!

The person who bought his property became one of the richest families post the Ascension! Twists and ironies too it was the time of the Dhofar Rebellion wars when he came back in 1972 – and he was arrested (again) because his boat and with others was caught off (suspiciously) outside Dhofar waters – poor peoples desperate to return home and mistaken for rebel supporters instead! The irony too was that we had the same friends protecting us both in Zanzibar and in Oman!

The Arab Spring Uprisings.

I do not want to go into details in this – as too we in Oman did not escape it! However, you are invited to also read this – An Open Letter To The Omani Youth. – http://www.betweenusonly.com/?p=1315

Also – http://knowledgeoman.com/en/?p=165 – All Under One Flag.

And – http://www.betweenusonly.com/?p=860 – Forty Years On!

So What Has Changed Now?

I can safely say this – that Oman will never be the same again. A lot of things have changed. All the things I had tried to pre-warn and counsel have come into being. Especially in my two Management books – Psychology of Arab Management Thinking – and more importantly even in the title itself! – A Cry For Help! The book was published ONE YEAR before The Arab Spring Uprisings!

The Book Theme – A Cry For Help!

A frank, honest, transparent, open and call-a-spade-a-spade no punch-spared, no barrels held stuff and no frills play book exposing the increasing lack of ethics, principles, professionalism and tolerance – plus increased radicalisation, extremism and increased
fundamentalism of the Offices environment – and in similar to the overall similar fast changing facts of the ground in the region.

Addressing the increased extremism, fundamentalism, and lack of tolerance and forbearance in the Arab workforce, Author Majid Al Suleimany presents A Cry for Help! –  Context and Perspectives – Arabian Management Services.

 In three parts, A Cry for Help! concentrates on the management styles and aspects of companies located in the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council that encompasses Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

 It discusses the:

• Growing radicalization of local staff

• Misbehaving Few Expatriates

• Unhappy, dissatisfied local staff

• Bad treatment of Local Staff – especially by some Expatriates – mainly Indian, European and Western Staff on the Locals

• Increasing extremism and fundamentalism in The Offices

For more on my books information and details – please visit www.majidbooks.com

Those who thought I was just stirring up the pot in creating artificial troubles, situations and will-not-ever-come-to-pass-in Oman-at least must have their words and tongues eaten up as the Arabs say – because I as an Omani loyal and faithful citizen was sincere, honest and genuine. In the end, I was targeted and marginalized – and I had never received any
Management Projects or Temporary Contracts after that – though I had applied many times to any openings that had arisen!

Sadly and tragically for An Author who knows many profile personalities – including HH, HE and many top Omani CEOs and GMs! – some whom I did successful projects before! You see it is all about my books! I know the sarcastic lot amongst you would add – Should we stop playing the violin now? But that does not bother me at all – my conscience, body and mind is crystal clear – and feel vindicated too – I think! Though very sad, unhappy and desolate that all my cautions and advices went to waste – and this should not have happened to us – as we were a beacon to be followed and to be emulated!

The Omani Youth have now changed forever. See here for all the topics I had written about CHANGES – in addition to my books above – https://majidsn.com/articles-since-january-2009-in-my-two-columns-in-the-oman-daily-observer/ – articles concerning changes only from January 2009 – let alone the books!

I can also say that the worst that has come out of all these is the drawing up of artificial lines and borders on the grounds – and that took the greatest hit and toll is the relationships now and the future mainly between Omanis (especially The Youth) and the Expatriates (The Old
Guards)!

Admittedly, Omanis generally are still over friendly, accommodating, respectful to expatriates – ever still weak and docile – and preferring expatriates to locals at all times – because they are ‘cheaper, trustworthy and more reliable’ syndromes.

Do not get me wrong – I am not against expatriates – especially without the expatriate lower ends labourers GCC countries will not be like what it is today. That is an undeniable fact – even if hard to swallow by some of us! We owe them the thanks appreciation and gratitude too at least!

I agree too that there is still some mass mistreatment and injustice to this labour force – and though steps have been started to amend and remedy the situation – it is still vague and farfetched. Far more needs to be done!

I am not naïve and stupid either – I know there are many jobs that expatriates are still better off in doing and in performance you name it!  Some are so indispensable – that if they go – the establishments they are in would most probably too collapse! The best example is the Municipal Cleaners – at 2 a.m. still cleaning the streets – whilst the rest of Oman is sleeping!

However, if you have read this it will show you that the picture is not that rosy – http://knowledgeoman.com/en/?p=728 – Why There Is A Need To Omanise? Also here – http://majidall.com/2011/07/10/equal-opportunity-and-pay/ – Equal Opportunity and Pay! Also – http://main.omanobserver.om/node/57939

The Arab Spring Uprisings.

I do not want to go into details in this – as too we in Oman did not escape it! However, you are invited to also read this – An Open Letter To The Omani Youth. –

Let us also face it

If the tables were turned today and I had to work for my living in UK, USA, Europe or India etc – I will always be on my toes – show I am better than them – either openly (or by hidden innuendos and agendas) – work very hard and diligently – otherwise the natives will take me out of the equation – and ‘they will take our jobs’ – though I may well tend to forget that I am here temporarily – and the job is for their own Nationals first and foremost! And admittedly – there is nothing permanent and forever in life – except God and Death only!

If you have watched Mumbai Calling and Outsourced comedies – you will get the gist of my meaning – of how Indians at least behave lazily at home on the work front!

The Omani Example.

Ask yourself and recorded in history and maritime too – Omanis that went out had created history – and the only non-European colonialists in Africa – see start of this write-up. Their peers that stayed on and suffered in silence and agony – to the gloomy and dark days
in Oman. So what was the difference?

It was the opportunity thrown to them to the former. Today in History books in East Africa they have recorded Omanis as bringing ‘Civilization, Islam and * Cleanliness’ – though the bad side of so-called Slavery too! * Imagine my shock to see how dirty the streets were in 1972 when I came here!

There is also this element why some people will ever prefer for the expatriates to stay on! Who will rent their flats? Read their English Newspapers? Buy in the Supermarkets, Stores, and Cars? Who will the lack-of-confidence-and-trust Omani bosses shout at without impunity? Who will do their jobs – with them only signing the documents prepared by the expatriates? And all the harassments and bad treatments? Surely no fellow Omani takers for that matter!

I think you might have seen these famous British films where the joke and tease is – ‘The Natives Are Restless Tonight! – After the British Colonialists hear some distant drums beatings! – Reminds me of the song Distant Drums by Jim Reeves – that I used to like a lot as a  teenager!

I have always been accused of taking my Readers up to the bridge – and then let the Reader decide for himself to cross the bridge or not! In short, however, there is need for pragmatism, tolerance, harmony, patience, more cooperation – as in all my articles and works.

Sorry for the abrupt end – you see I am really dead tired and fatigued now ….

Take Care!

By:-

Majid Al Suleimany

Muscat – Sultanate of Oman – July 12th 2011.

APPENDICES

*** The Office Fire *** – From – Love Story.

 Five days later after the Office fire incident and his fight with the big American CEO, he had quit the place – and taking all his things in his carton. He could not understand why he cared and felt so much for the company – but here he was treated so abruptly, crudely and badly too!

 As he pulled out from the place, he was crying first all inside – and then like a baby as he neared home. He had never cried like this ever before! The housemaid said to him – Do not cry boss – everything has a reason, and maybe there is something better for you to come.

 The Madam came home – why are you crying Darling? Do Not Cry – God will repay you. You did nothing wrong. The man thought – men do not cry, but why am I crying now? He could not explain it.

***16 Years Old*** Family – From – The Glass Is Bent!

The shot rang out! They have killed my son, the Mother cried out to the rest of the Family huddled inside. Everybody was crying! We have lost our son, the Mother cried to the Father. The shot rang out again. It was all quiet outside the house, nobody knew what was  appening. The one who said he was a Police Official and had lost his job – because of you peoples – had taken the boy outside.

I want your eldest son, pointing his pistol at the family. I want to ask him some questions. When a loaded pistol points at you, there is hardly anything you can do, even if you are many.
Besides, this was a new experience the family had never met before. An armed man who comes into your house, and wanting to kill someone because you come from that group of peoples who had made him lose his Sergeant job – though he was not an Islander, but came from the Mainland. From even a different country for that matter.

Like they say, what goes around comes around. If you do good things to peoples as part of your family’s focus and aspirations, you will be recognized – and good things will come back to you. The other armed men were now shouting to the Ex Police Man,what are doing to the boy? They are innocent peoples, they respect everyone.Besides, they just came to this place. Leave him alone. They were pointing guns at him. Give us your pistol, they said to the man. The man gave it up unwillingly. They  – they called themselves Comrades – they hit him by the butt of the rifle. He fell down. Now run they told him – or we shall shoot you next. Like also in each basket, there are good and bad fish or fruits – take your pick.

Your son is alive – the men told the family – Do Not Cry. He shot at him, but he missed him! It is God’s wish to send us to save you all. You need to come with us, to come to the refugee centre. This town on the outskirts are no longer safe for you peoples.The boy went in, they all hugged him – including his younger brother who was always picking fights with him, trying to undercut him being the leader of the pack!

END

Tough Job For MENA To Combat Youth Unemployment! Reply

Good Article, Reproduced Opinion Articles, Sensitive Critical Topics • Tags:

Times of Oman also report dated July 5th 2011.

MENA: The Great Job Rush

 The ‘unemployment’ ticking time bomb and how to fix it

Today MENA has the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the world, say the report. It drills into the causes, identifies the problems and creates a check-list of mandatory solutions.

 Regardless of whether you call it the Arab Spring or refer to the changing dynamics in the MENA region as unrest, there has been a dramatic shift in the overall paradigm and the localized effect on the job market has been definitive in both long term and short-term scenarios.

The cause of the various civil uprisings can easily be traced to authoritarian rule, corruption, large rural-urban divide, high inflation and unemployment in the region. Unemployment in particular has played a significant role in energizing the masses.

Today, MENA has the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the world, according to a recent report released by Al Masah Capital. The ground breaking report drills into the causes, identifies the problems and creates a check list of mandatory solutions that need immediate government support and implementation; otherwise the Arab Spring will become a relatively benign side note to a much more explosive societal upheaval in the not too distant future. The Middle East clocks in at an unemployment rate of 10.3% while North Africa registers in at 9.8%. The situation in GCC is somewhat better with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. In countries like Djibouti, Yemen and Libya have unemployment rates in excess of 30% and there is little relief in sight. Joblessness is a structural problem, particularly among youth in the region. What created the spontaneous flood of people marching for change was  huge numbers of unemployed youth; the level of disaffection and disenchantment with the system was and remains palpably raw.

With one in every four youth living in this region being unemployed the numbers are growing exponentially. The figures are staggering and unless they are recognized for their potential  danger, things can get badly out of hand. A World Bank report released in 2003 had mentioned that the MENA region needs to create some 100 million new jobs during 2000-2020 to combat unemployment. The demographic data indicates that as many as 76 million people (male and female) in the MENA region will enter the 20-30 (youth) age group by 2020. Based on an employment rate of 65% among the youth and the exit of 18.3 million from the working age group (retirees), the total number of new jobs required stands at 30.7 million.

Similar analysis places the total number of new jobs required in GCC nations at 3.3 million.
Generating jobs in proportion with the growing youth population over the next 10 years will be an undeniable priority for MENA countries and one that will have to be taken very seriously indeed, according to Al Masah Capital’s research.

However, the job market is not that dynamic at present with global and regional economies growing gradually after the recession and to gear up for such an induction will tax resources and systems. “For the new generation the choices seem to be clearly leaning towards the public sector. It remains the primary source of employment in the MENA region yet,  aradoxically, is also usually also the last resort, especially in many GCC countries. The job
security that comes with it is a very attractive element,” said Shailesh Dash, founder and CEO of Al Masah Capital.

The World Bank registers that the services sector accounts for 52% of the jobs in the MENA region, 70% in the GCC region compared to 43% for the rest of the world. On the other hand, the agriculture sector and industry are responsible for 24% each compared to 35% and 22%, respectively on the global scale. A lower number of people are engaged in agriculture and this is but natural for the Middle East region due to poor climatic conditions, the terrain and the
relatively low yield. Sectoral employment trends in the MENA during 1999-2009 indicate the rising importance of the services and industry sectors. The share of both sectors has increased 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively, over the past decade. These sectors gained at the cost of agriculture which is down 2.3%).The services sector accounts for 52% and 70% of the jobs in MENA and GCC region and is expected to retain its position.

“The demographic breakdown does have a large percentage of expatriates in the labour force and this has been the case since the early days of the oil boom. This will not change hurriedly
and will require more than just legislation because private sector employers prefer foreigners over nationals due to their knowledge and skills, lower salaries, higher productivity and flexible hiring arrangements,” added Dash.

Exhibit 3: Employment statistics by sector – World, MENA and GCC

Knowing that the situation is explosive many of the MENA countries are significantly investing in improving their education system to equip their citizens with the knowledge and skills needed to join the workforce. Some countries have gone into forward thinking mode and have been hiking their budgetary allocations for education. Saudi Arabia, for example, allocated USD40 billion (more than one-fourth of its 2011 budget) for education and training. The country’s budgetary allocation for education and training was USD36.7 billion in 2010 and USD32.5 billion in 2009, highlighting the increased focus on this area. Nationalization policies, despite criticism, are also being actively pursued across the region (especially GCC) to spur employment for the local population and reduce capital outflows in the form of expatriate
remittances. MENA governments do realize the valuable contribution that expatriates offer to the economy in terms of expertise and knowledge, so they are unlikely to be targeted as unwelcomed guests. However, as more citizens come up to take job there will be slowing down of the expatriate influx.

Each MENA and GCC country faces unique challenges pertaining to unemployment and hence similar solutions cannot be applied to eradicate their problems. Therefore, each government will have to react based on its available resources and intensity of the problem and create customized solutions.

The confusion over the Saudization program recently underscores the problem. It was misunderstood to mean that all expats would be told to leave after a maximum of six years and then later clarified that it applied only to those companies that would not comply with the Saudization parameters. At this juncture, Saudi Arabia is not alone in battling a high unemployment of 10.8% (countrywide). Unemployment rates in GCC countries were lately recorded as follows: Bahrain (15%), Oman (15%), Saudi Arabia (10.8%), with UAE (2.4%), Kuwait (2.2%), Qatar (0.5%) showing less reason for fear but the overall future trends all pointing towards an escalation rather than a deceleration.

Demostrators in Libya

Governments need to look at long-term viable solutions that go to the heart of the unemployment problem. Al Masah Capital’s suggestions for solving the unemployment
dilemma are: (1) Assist self-employment/entrepreneurship, (2) Encourage investments from the private sector, (3) Continue to give greater emphasis to education, (4) Nationalization, and (5) Diversification.

To make it work deep structural changes are required, changes that go to the heart of cultural mentality, methods and processes that themselves will take generations to bear fruit.

The government support has to be long standing, unequivocal and resolute. Using Singapore as a case study, the report shows that its experiment was based on an education system that not only taught the young generation a new way of the world but equally it taught the existing generation the need to adapt to a changing world.

Demonstrators in Yemen

The fact is that over reliance on expatriates will not go away as long as the indigenous population only expects the best jobs with the best perks regardless of merit and competency. The Arab Spring shows that the Arab people are ready for this change and they are ready to accept the challenges that come with a new dawn. A failure on the part of policy makers to recognize this ‘ticking time bomb’, will have deep, long lasting negative connotations., throwing the region and its population off the growth path and into a cycle of stagnation.

In a detailed analysis and prognosis of the MENA unemployment problem, Al Masah Capital’s research report manages to paint a compelling picture. For more information on the report and to request copies, please contact: Nandini Vohra, Managing Director, The Guild, nandini@theguildpr.com.

© Press Release 2011

 Qatar has lowest unemployment rate in GCC

 DOHA: Qatar has the lowest rate of unemployment in the GCC region at 0.5 percent but experts warn that future trends point towards an escalation rather than a decline.

 Among the GCC states, Oman and Bahrain top as far as unemployment is concerned as the rate in these countries is quite high at 15 percent each, with Saudi Arabia trailing with 10.8 percent.

The UAE and Kuwait have lower joblessness rates at 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively, Al Masah Capital said in a report on unemployment in the Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region.

The region (MENA) has the dubious distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in the world, Al Masah said talking of the political upheaval jolting some countries in the region.

The cause of the various civil uprisings in these countries can easily be traced to authoritarian rule, corruption, large rural-urban divide, high inflation and unemployment in the region, Al Masah said in its report.

It added that unemployment, in particular, has played a significant role in energizing the masses.// The situation in the GCC is somewhat better, the report noted, putting the unemployment rate in the region at 4.2 percent. The report, however, said that the total number of new jobs required in the GCC states is 3.3 million.

The services sector accounts for 70 percent of the jobs in the GCC region whereas the average for MENA is 52 percent and that for the world is 43 percent.

Shailesh Dash, founder and CEO of Masah Capital, was quoted as saying that expatriates will keep dominating the jobs market of the GCC since private sector employers prefer foreigners over nationals due to a number of reasons, including their knowledge and skills, lower salaries, higher productivity and flexible recruiting arrangements.

© The Peninsula 2011

Reactions Received – Learning To Let Go! Reply

Good Article, Opinion • Tags:

Reactions Received – Learning To Let Go!

 See Below.

 https://majidsn.com/2011/07/01/learning-to-let-go/

1      Brother Majed – May Allah bless your cousin and take him to paradise. Amin

 I did once curve up my face! My brother did a failure hip operation in University Hospital which led to a hip replacement. After everything my mother asked me to collect donations from her very rich brothers and other surrounded rich and very rich relatives to take him to Germany… I urged her that the time you lived in has passed!! But I will give it the shot, so I started approaching those very close rich relatives…

 Majed, they said no problem we will donate, so they keep calling me daily asking me this question ‘ How much you collected till today??!!’ then I decided to stop picking up the phone when they call, so it was the chance… They disappeared!!’ ,, few of those very rich relative sent to my mom 380 Rials !!! Collected from 4 persons!!! I returned them back after awhile!!!

 My wife noticed me angry and worried that I don’t have sufficient money to take my brother to do the very urgent operation .. She approached her friends and collected more than 3000 Rials , but still I need to top up the budget with additional 6 thousands in addition to my 3000 thousands ..!! I failed collecting the money from very very close rich relatives!!

Alhamdulillah Allah sent to me a doctor friend who arranged for him a great consultant Orthopaedic who did the operation successfully in Khoulah .. Then I returned all the money
collected which curved my face and my wife’s face too!!

 Thank you brother for keeping me up to date with your new wisdoms …Omani Engineer

 2      Salaams! Sorry for the loss of your cousin.

It is sad to hear that tragic story. This has happened to many people who were seriously ill and still have relatives who were financially sound but were reluctant to help

 But we sometimes are good in blaming relatives and branding them as heartless but we really don’t know anything about their financial conditions.

Many people here live beyond their means. They take loans to show off while in fact they are full of debts and problems. So we shouldn’t be negative all times.

What is written as you said, we have no control over it. Let it be as it is. God knows what is best for us all. Best Wishes – Omani Lady Fan.

 3      Salaams!- This is a good teaching Majid.

 If everyone reads and relates to their lives, the would be a better place to live.  It’s shame
to see many people are very greedy and think those who donate have money. They don’t know that giving is not that one  is wealthy but it has a heart of compassion.

Keep on spreading the message. It might touch someone’s heart and change  for the better. The credit will always be yours!

Keep It Up!  – Another Omani Lady Fan.

 4      Dear Majid, Good Morning and Wishing you a peaceful Friday.

 It was very sad to know about the demise of your cousin and his son.  Insha Allah they will rest in heaven.

 I have nothing to comment on people behaviors’ when it comes to financial assistance, I can only pray to Allah to ease the situation of those who are less fortunate than us – Omani GM (Lady)

 5      I fully agree with you – but it is very sad really.

 I was surprised to see the reactions from people like you said. It seems to be is a Common Big Problem now in Oman and from many peoples too. Omani HR Professional

 6      What can one say ALR….

Thank you – Love everything you said J — Omani Lady Engineer

 7      Thanks for the article

I know and feel what you say here. Frankly you worry too much about others – but no one worries about you! But I guess you will always remain as Majid. Allah Kareem. Sad though! – Omani Friend.

 8       I fully agree with you!

Family and close ones are the most stingy ones as if it cannot happen to them. Your
example is the best one.

 One very rich friend said he will help me in my case too. I went to his office expecting so much money he gave me 20 OMR! I was so much embarrassed. He put in an envelope otherwise I would have given him back as I had left his Office He has so much money – but heart is all dark and empty! Allah Kareem – Keep in touch! – A Relative.

9      Dear Majid – Please be happy as much as you can!

Here we are in the world in transit only – and being happy is a great cure! We human beings all make mistakes – there is no one who is perfect.

Let us pray for each other for blessings and good tidings only! Al Israj Greeting – Family Member (Lady)

 10      Some too Confidential to reproduce… END.

Learning To Let Go! Reply

Good Article, Opinion • Tags:

July 1, 2011

Learning To Let Go!

Yesterday June 30th Wednesday on the Holiday of Ascension I received this sad news of the death of my cousin Saleh Masoud Nasser (Al Suleimany) in Tanzania. May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace in this world and the next Amin – and open the highest of Heavens for him Amin.

Those who believe in such things may say he went on to meet his late father and mother – and the 14 year old son he missed so much after the boy was hospitalized for months and finally left for his heavenly abode a few months back Since the boy had died the father was not the same again. He blamed himself for the death of his son and not being in a good financial position to help his son.

Like the East Africans like to say ‘kuchonga uso’ – literally meaning carving up one’s face – he went around asking help from all friends, relatives and people he knew – to not much avail and comfort. The treatment of his son was eating his heart out – to see your son suffering in the hospital and in so much pain and hurt – and there was hardly anything he could do to help his son and to alleviate his situation and predicament.

There is this expression – only the wearer of the shoes knows where it pinches! I wrote about his case in my column – dated May 2nd 2011 – Remember The Poor(er) Relatives! – I said – Quote – Last two weeks back; I got a frantic and desperate call from my relative living in Tanzania asking from me financial help and assistance for medical bills (talk of the blind leading the blind!) – Because his 14 year old son was dying in hospital due to both failed kidneys.

Not lucky like us Omanis (Thank God!) for getting free medical services and treatment! In the Eastern African lingo there is an expression – with its literal translation in English – that goes on like this – ‘To carve up your face’ – that is meant to go out to ask for help (financially and materially!) from others – which I too was bound to do for the sake of the boy at least!

The Full Article Is Here – http://www.betweenusonly.com/?paged=12

Actually, the amount was almost negligible and just amounted to Omani Rials One Hundred – (US Dollars 300). I went around frantically looking to help him – but all I met from those I had approached were open stares and indifference – as if nobody was hearing me – as I knew I was talking rather emotionally and highly charged too!

By the time I was able to get some money to send to him – the news came next day that the poor boy had died in great pain. And the poor family’s great traumatic stress and desperation – because they could not afford the medicines – and to ‘let the child go away’ in peace and in comfort! – Unquote.

One of the Indian fans decided to insult me instead that – I a great writer did not have US Dollars 300 to send to my relative. My first impulse and gut feeling was to give him ‘a piece of my mind’ that he will never forget for the rest of his life – but I resisted the urge!

 Lately, I have learnt that there is no point in saying anything further – like in my last article – Learning to be Silent Now – and let things take their natural designated routes – and my head hurts a lot banging it against brick walls and people determined not to hear me – or give me the chances and opportunities I deserve.

I leave all these to Allah (God) SWT only now! Like the Titanic ship heading to icebergs – nothing you can do to stop its designated doom and fate! But the death of my cousin though is God’s Will has made me realise that people can never change – you cannot remove spots from a leopard – or stripes from a tiger either. Admittedly there are good fish (apples) in each basket – but so far I have been pulling out bad eggs (fish).

May Allah (God) be with you and your family – Amin.

Take Care!

By Majid Al Suleimany

Why September 11? By Professor Daniel A. McGowan. Reply

Good Article, Reproduced Opinion Articles • Tags:

Why September 11? By Professor Daniel A. McGowan.

http://vimeo.com/15528714

Ten years after the worst attack ever on their homeland, most Americans still are fuzzy about the terrorists’ motives. WHY 9/11? cuts through this fog to reveal what angered the terrorists most, and why. Until the American public clearly understands this, just getting rid of terror kingpins  is unlikely to bring lasting security and peace to America.

Must watch video at: www.vimeo.com

 http://vimeo.com/15528714

If blocked go straight to the site under Search… www.vimeo.com

The Final Episode – Learning To Go Silent Now! 2

Between Us Only! Column Articles, Good Article, Opinion • Tags: , , , , , ,

June 24th 2011

The Final Episode – Learning To Go Silent Now!

A       Levels of  Faith for Changes

In our Religion we are given three levels of what one can  do in action change and in faith too – of what one must do. There are several  Hadith (Religious Narrations) that too confirm on this – and I could give many  references and quotations – but I am trying to give this universal message appeal  to all people generally –

  • Highest Level One –
    Change things if it is in your power to do so! It is left to you and your God  only if you know about this and do nothing to make the move and change.
  • Level Two– Cause change to happen by  speaking it out about this or drawing attention to it. Similarly here – It is  left to you and your God only if you know about this and do nothing to make the  move and change.
  • Lowest Level  Three – You say it in your heart only that you are against this but are too afraid to speak about it as it may cause harm, danger and damage to you if you go to Level Two. This is considered as the weakest of all  the faith one has – but is designed and designated to protect yourself more (or  also those near you).
  • Level Three can also be there is no added profit nor advantage to speak about it because you have tried several times before to go to Level Two with no  results nor advantage – but only you are exposing yourself to harm and damage  if you continue – or you look more ridiculous, stupid annoying and losing  standing, personality and character if you continue in this practice.

Now those of you who know me well will appreciate and  understand that something has happened to want me to write about this – and you  are absolutely right too!

If you have few  minutes to spare please Read All – otherwise go straight to F. Page 7 – Family,  Friends and Relatives are urged to READ ALL

I also note this – people have very strong comments, rigid  views, outlooks, perceptions and opinions on many things – but the worst part  is that they think they are always right, ethical and correct – and want to  impose them on others.

The more unfortunate  part is also once they have judged someone or given him a certain colour and  shade – they stick to it and do not want to change their views and opinions
because they are ‘riding the high horse’ and speaking down to you! They do not  want to give you the benefit of doubt that they may be are mistaken and there  is a possibility of change in a person too – as we all human change too from  time to time – but not you!

I now understand  why some people outside our societies (or even within) hate and despise us so  much. I now also understand fully what it means to say ‘opening a can of worms’
really means.

There is also no  respect and esteem for those older and senior to us – especially in such
affairs. I want to bring the subject out in the open – so we can discuss it  rationally, unemotionally, pragmatically and with hopeful signs of  reconciliations, remedy, peace, harmony, understandings, live-and-let-live  outlooks and scenarios.

Time and time  again, History has proved this point. The days when you could scare people away  by words and acts of threats, aggression, bullying etc are now over. Even if  you go to the basics at home. What my grandfather could do to my father – to  what my father could do to me – and what I can do to my son (and hopefully his  son too) – have been reduced from time to time. My late father could scold me  in front of my wife – his father could beat him my father in front of his wife  – but I will think twice before I even contemplate to scold my son – especially  in front of his wife.

Times have  changed. But opinions and views have not – and people have still not learnt  even if the truth is facing them right into their faces!

 B       The Triple Filter Test.  

Have you heard  of The Triple Filter Test? 

During the  Golden Abbasid period, one of the Scholars in Baghdad, the capital of the  Muslim Caliphate at that time, was reputed to hold the highest of knowledge and  education in esteem. One day an acquaintance met the Great Scholar and said –  Do you know what I just heard about your friend? The Scholar replies – Hold  on a minute, before telling me anything I would like you to pass a little Test.  It is called The Triple Filter Test. The Man asks – Triple Filter Test?

The Scholar  continues – That is right. Before you talk to me about my friend it might be  a good idea to take a moment and filter what you are going to say. That is why  I call it the Triple Filter Test. The first filter is TRUTH.  Have you made absolutely sure that what you  are about to tell me is true? The Man replies – No, on the contrary! The  Scholar – All right, so you do not really know if it is true or not. Now let  us try the second Filter Test of GOODNESS.  Is what you are about to tell me about my  friend something good? The Man – No, on the contrary! The Scholar goes  on – So, you want to tell me something bad about him, but you are not  certain it is true.

You may still  pass the test though, because there is one Filter Test left. That Filter is of
USEFULLNESS. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to  me? The
Man replies – No, not really. The Scholar – Well, if what you want to  tell me is neither true or good nor even useful, why tell me all about it at  all? (Good Question I guess!)

In our Holy  Quraan it says – Surah  49, Al-Hujarat, Ayah 12 – Quote – O ye who believe! Avoid much  suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one  another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would  hate it (so hate backbiting) And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who  Accepts repentance, Most Merciful – Unquote.

Like the East Africans like to say – Uutu  ni bora kuliko Vitu – Humanity is better than (material) things! We all make  mistakes and errors in judgment in life – but forgiveness is divine – as is  going for the high road too!

C       The Great Alexander Story

The Great King Alexander’s Three Death Wishes.

The Great King Alexander – after conquering many kingdoms – was returning home. On the way, he  fell ill and he was bedridden for months. With death drawing close, Alexander
realized how his conquests – his great army – his sharp sword and all his  wealth were of no use to him now.

He called all his generals and said – I will depart  from the world soon. But I have three wishes. Please fulfill my wishes without  fail. With tears flowing down their cheeks, the generals agreed to abide  by their King’s last wishes

My First Desire is that – said Alexander – my Physicians alone must carry my coffin. Secondly  – when my coffin is being carried to the grave – the path leading to the  graveyard should be strewn with gold, silver and precious stones which I have  collected in my treasury. My Third and Last wish is that both my hands  should be kept dangling out of my coffin.

The people that had gathered there wondered at the  King’s strange wishes. But no one dared to question;

Alexander’s favorite general kissed his hand and  pressed them to his heart. O King – we assure you that your wishes will all be  fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes?

At this Alexander took a deep breath and said – I  would like the World to know of Three Lessons I have just learnt. I want my  Physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no Doctor can  really cure anybody. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches  of Death. So let not people take life for granted.

The Second Wish of strewing gold, silver and other  riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that that not even a  fraction of gold can be taken by me. Let people realize that it is a sheer  waste of time to chase wealth.

And about my Third Wish of having my hands dangling  out of the coffin – I want people to know that I came empty handed into this  world – and empty handed I go out of this world.

Alexander’s last words – Bury my body – do not build  any monument for me – keep my hands outside so that the world knows the person  who conquered the world had nothing in his hands when dying…… A REAL GREAT  ADVICE!

D       From My Article – What the Old Man Had Said!

www.mylatemother.weebly.com  and at www.majidalsuleimany.blogspot.com

 

During  these difficult times, I thought it is essential, imperative and fundamentally
important to share this one with you today on My Late Father (PBUH).  Hopefully all of us and The Younger  Generation can learn from it all – Inshallah! Though admittedly I feel still so
empty, vacuum, desolate and despondent that all I had tried to caution, counsel  and warn in my books went to waste – and it seemed nobody had read my books at  all. Especially the book – A Cry For Help!

I had talked about the increasing expectations  – and the lack of tolerances and patience – especially amongst the youngsters –  and how some few misbehaving expatriates would cause a great deal of trouble  and havoc here…

My  Late Father was not that educated – nor did he speak any good English – but my  late Father was the most educated, intelligent, smart, wise and pragmatic  person that I ever saw in my life!

Whilst  there are many problems usual Father to Son Relationships – My Father and I  were the Best Friends to say the least. We could communicate and touch base at  the highest levels. I try to do the very same with my children too.

This is an  extract about My Late Father (Peace Be Upon Him) and from My Book A Cry For
Help! – A.15 – The Oman FM Radio Interview – in June 2007. The Announcer is  Mrs. Judith Razaq (JR) and me (MS)

JR       – Majid – Who has the greatest  influence in your life than anybody else?

MS      – I think it is my Father more than  anybody else because my Father was straight forward.

He made a lot of  friends and he also made a lot of enemies too. Because if somebody had upset  him- he never went about a long way to tell him so. My Father sometimes when we
invite guests to our house – he is dead now- so Father – Father please Father –  Please put the brakes on! He would say – the food is for you – eat it – I am  not going to tell you more than once! You are the guests – the food is for you  – please eat it. I tell Father – you do not have to tell them these things! You  know he is straight forward. And he has been telling us – that you should not  be scared nor to be afraid!

Always tell the  truth even if it may cost you – you must do the right correct same thing. But  please do not go for lies and deceptions.

My late Father  was particularly against taking loans (interests!) and living beyond our means
– or trying to brag and show off in life. He also told us – Do not be deceived  you have a rich powerful family member, relative or friend – because nobody is  going to help you – except yourself and your Lord only! To Him you go for help  and salvation – and nobody else – if you want to be happy and live comfortably  in this world! Live within your means – and do not overspent – or be stingy in  life either! Also earn your living honestly and sincerely!

And yes – Do not  be jealous and envious of others – because God does not like this in men. He is  The Giver and The Provider – and He decides whom to give (more or less) or not
at all. When you become jealous and envious – it means in other words that you  are challenging The Lord himself!

Do not ask for  kindness, mercies and favours from anyone in this life – except the Lord only!
But if somebody came to you for help and assistance – help him – because The  Lord favours those who are kind and compassionate to their fellow human beings  – and The Lord is particularly angry on those who can help but do not – it is  the same Lord who gave you that is denying him – and the Lord is just testing  you now!

Do not be  obstinate and difficult in life – and listen to the advices of your parents and  elders. Respect others and their belongings – just as you are doing yours and  would not want others to harm yours either. A good Muslim is the one who wants  the same good things for himself that he wants for others to have too! Work  hard and diligently for yourself and for your family – and never put all your  faith and trust in people – because they can let you down badly and unexpectedly!

On Family he  said – PBUH – Family  is like your running nose having a very bad smell – but it is still your nose. You  cannot cut and remove it – because if you do – you end as The Bigger Loser than  anybody else!

My Father ended  being just a Grocery Shopkeeper in his life – though he rode the same donkey to  school with people who were his peers in becoming great public figures and very
rich and powerful elites – from his home village in Hail Al Ghaaf – Quriyaat –  and after his parents had moved from Manah in Nizwa.

If we only had  listened – To what the Old Man had said!! A great man lived – and went! Peace  Be Upon Him! May Allah God Protect and Preserve us all – Amin…

E       From My Article – Goodbye: Our Mama!

www.mylatemother.weebly.com  and at www.majidalsuleimany.blogspot.com

Our Late Mother  (Mama Bi.) Jokha Hamed Zahor Al Suleimaniya (Peace Be Upon Her) – Left us for  her heavenly abode on Monday 4 a.m. October 26th 2009 – From Allah  (God) we come – and To Allah (God) we all return … Amin… A great greatness that  had come to us with our Mother to us in this world – and now had gone forever –  just like the dust and candle into the wind! (Elton John to Lady Diana Song!)….

There is this  saying that if you see a grave and see a person being buried, then you  will come to your senses of our Temporary existence in this world. And all that  we pursue, focus, strive, drive and compete for have ambitions for – and want  to have and attain are all superficial and a charade. Only what you leave  behind is your good deeds, standing, reputation, behaviour and characteristics  only.

There is also  this point that sometimes you think you know everything or from your
subconscious that they exist – until someone tells you or reminds you – and in  many cases end up as being missed chances and opportunities – and if only  becomes the norm and too late a reminder! All the money, power and riches you  have you will leave behind, and you will go with that, they put on you before  they lower you to the ground and bury you!

Our late Mother  above had expired early morning Monday morning 26th of October 2009
after a failed and aborted surgerical operation at Royal Hospital for Dialysis  Implant. She was 78 years old – and her kidneys, lungs and also her heart  (heartbeats) had failed her. She was too weak for surgery, but the Doctors told  us that her lungs had accumulated too much water – and their attempts to drain  her had failed.

They had aborted  and stopped the operation whilst still in process – and instead they had to
resuscitate her and insert oxygen instead. These things are well best left for  the Medical Professionals – after all, they are supposed to be more experts, knowledgeable and experienced. In any case, it is Allah’s Will – and we have to  accept that it was her time due to return to Allah SWT.

But having seen  that back 10 years ago, my late father went the same way – something has to be  done for cases where the patient is aged and weak, and yet the operation  becomes necessary as they say. But if one ponders on the critical paramount and  fundamental point for a minute that the patient certainly cannot take it – then  the Medical Professionals must find alternative ways, means and routes to treat  such cases. I do not think surgery for the sake of surgery or an easy way out  is an easy option remembering the Medical oath, ethics, professionalism,  principles – and Hippocrates Oath I think?

Also if you as  Head of The Medical Team have already reached a decision with one member of the  family (in this case me as the eldest) you should stick to that agreement –  otherwise it causes distrust and divisions in the family – especially when  death etc comes in (as it did!)!

Allah Kareem –  God Is Great – Praise be to Allah –The Cherisher and Sustainer of The Worlds –  Most Gracious – Most Merciful – Master of the Day of Judgment – You do we
worship – And Your aid we seek – Show us the straight (right) way – The way of  those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace – Those whose (portion) is not Wrath  – And who not go astray (Amin).

In this column  and in my books (see www.alsuleimany.com)  I have written about my late Mother – from an article titled The Glass Is Bent  – and several others. She is covered in all my books too – the Between Us Only  series. Also in the introduction part of my book Psychology of Arab Management  Thinking.

My late Mother’s funeral received one of the  biggest gatherings that I have seen  for a very long time. One resident of the place asked one of my friends – who  is the great person who has died today (by the number of peoples attending). My  friend replied – She was not from that very rich and famous powerful lady group – but certainly she was a Great Lady.

She had built  relationships to those high unbelievable levels – especially to neighbours –  proved by how many of them were at the funeral – even from Hamriya days 35  years ago – and even our neighbours from Zanzibar Mafia etc. sent in condolences!  The friend told me – I lost my Mother again after my own Mother had died two  years ago. Now I have No Mother!

One of the old ladies in Hamriya 35 years ago  had said – all I wish is to be buried near you – and she was three days later –  a premonition and wish that came true. She was also very sick – and had also  lost her husband – and a son too!

My late Mother was one of the gentlest and  kindest ladies that had ever existed in this world. She always respected and  esteemed everybody equally whether you were from the rich or poor, the powerful  or not, the famous or not.

She was especially kind and generous to the poor,  the needy, the desperate, the sick, the aged and elderly, the small children,  those that had given up hope and those that had ‘been lost; and wanted to be  ‘found and to be discovered’ and had come to her. She was especially against  disrespect, rudeness abruptness and contempt to those in ages older to one –
and especially also to those in leadership roles.

She stood out against unfairness and lack of  ethics and principles in life, and unalike many of us, found it in her own  subtle ways and means of communicating what was or should have been obvious to  that person – or the person talking to her and asking for her views, ideas and
opinions.

She meant not to hurt anyone’s feelings and  outlook, even if she wanted to scream out the opposite in what she was feeling  or was in her heart. This especially to her sometimes misbehaving and truant  children – as far as I know she never took a stick to beat you (unalike our  late Father Peace Be Upon Him) but she would look at you and stare at you – and
you will get the signals and conform yourself – if not the first time – then  surely the second time around!

From the time she was married to one of the richest  and famous man in that distant island place – to the time we were poor  ourselves and in need – she remained unchanged as the same person. There was  always extra food in our house, and the those worse off than ourselves at the  worst of times were welcomed in to partake whatever was cooked in that house –  especially the locals. That is where I had received more calls and messages  than even from here – they all cried saying – a great lady has come – and  now has gone. We are with you at this particular time – your loss is ours too.  That in a summary sums her all up.

It is all so  very traumatic, hurtful and painful – but we must all now only accept Allah’s
Will – Amin. There is this hurt and pain that you simply cannot define when our  parents leave us, and leave us the children behind. The rest have then to mend  and change their ways, behaviours and attitudes to the one left behind who is  the parent figure – so those the parents that had departed do not turn in their  graves – and for the sake of the family and future generations – even if that  person is not rich and powerful. One owes that to the departed especially – and  one only can hope and pray!

 May Allah Bless our Great Mother for the  Greatest of The Heavens and Remove her  from the punishment of the grave – Amin  – Take Care!

F       Why Go Silent Now?

Remember this in A above? Now those of you who know me  well will appreciate and understand that something has happened to want me to  write about this – and you are absolutely right too!

I got this Email (and SMS) message from  several people including from The Company itself.

Talent2, A Global HR solutions company with an office  in Muscat, has been asked by Oman Oil Company to assist in a flag ship HR  project in Sohar.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

• We need HR professionals for 9 days in Sohar

• To play a critical role in a companywide HR  assessment project

• Attractive contract rates will be offered

Interested or can you refer HR professionals?

CONTACT: dermot.omahony@talent2.com +968 9985 8525

We are asking for your help in finding HR  professionals to help in this client based HR project.

We need HR professionals for a short period –  Saturday 18th and Sunday 26th of June. The project would  require HR professionals to assist the panel  interviews to assess internal applicants for key positions throughout the newly  formed company.

We require HR professionals with:

More than three years professional HR experience in interviewing/recruitment/assessing
people.

Residents of Oman

These HR professionals would play a critical role in  interviewing and assessing internal applicants and helping add value to these  candidates internal career mobility within the Oman Oil Company subsidiaries in  Sohar.

Oman Oil Company has three subsidiary companies  in the Port of Sohar which being amalgamated:.

The companies are;

• AROMATICS OMAN

• OMAN POLYPROPYLENE

• OMAN REFINERIES AND PETROCHEMICALS COMPANY

•

The new name for this company has been named:

• OMAN OIL REFINERIES AND PETROLEUM INDUSTRIES  COMPANY

After trying to contact him several times and  failing I decided to mail him – including one Omani Lady Maha Sultan. After  several days and the project had already started, I received this Email –

On 23 June 2011 09:59, Dermot OMahony <Dermot.OMahony@talentpartnersintl.com>
wrote:

Hello Majid

Apologies for my delayed response.

Presently the HR consulting project which we were  asked to find HR professionals for, has been downscaled (After I had applied?).

The management team at our client site have stated  that they are managing with the existing six HR consultants which they have  resourced.

Originally requiring 21 personnel they have adjusted  their timescales to execute the project with these six senior HR consultants.

I really appreciate the time you take into follow-up  with me.

Perhaps in the future we will be able to work with  each other again.

Regards

Dermot

So I replied to him –

Frankly it is not a  question of sour grapes as it may sound but I invite you and Maha to buy my two  Arab Management books A Cry For Help! (predicted all came into Oman etc) and
Psychology of Arab Management – www.majidbooks.com  – and unless they remove some of the current CEOs and few top Brass all your  exercise will be wasted too – but why worry they will pay you anyway to show  ‘we did something’ – 🙂

On 23 June 2011 11:01, Majid Al  Suleimany <majidalsuleimany@gmail.com>  wrote:

Dear Dermot;

Thanks for letting me know! It is okay – I  wished I could have helped because I know the problems they have there and  there are few Omanis with guts and courage to face them what they need to hear  but do not want to hear!

In confidence when I left Sohar Refinery I  knew it would end in failure and to be merged up – and if you read my weekly  columns in The Oman Daily Observer Strangulation From The Inside you will note  what I am saying here.

Please remove my name from your list because I  have something already with me which will take at least 15 months to complete  at my own pace and speed.

Best Regards,

Majid Al Suleimany

I have, therefore decided to go now  completely quiet and let things take their natural cause – because my head is  bleeding banging it against brick walls and people that do not want to hear  anything from me as a person! I have already said so many times before – I told  you so! It is like winning many Derby races – one more will add nothing on to  what is already red lines crossed and saturation points!

With sincere and genuine apologies – Allah  Maakuum – God Be With You All – Amin.

Majid Al Suleimany.

….

Reply To Saleh Al Shaibany – Fearing axe, expats leaving for good? 2

Good Article, Opinion • Tags: ,

June 21, 2011

 

REPLY To Saleh Al Shaibany  – Fearing axe, expats leaving for good?

Dear Brother and Friend Saleh;

I have read your article titled Fearing axe, expats leaving for good? In the Times of Oman – June 20, 2011. The article is reproduced below for others to read in case they missed it! Frankly your article came at the right moment and what you say is disturbing and emotive – because I can feel for them having myself worked in HR Human Resources and where the decision to renew some contracts or not remain undecided – even to some cases coming after the contracts have already expired – and in some cases even after one month too! And then the abrupt and raw treatment too after you in HR keep asking the Department Heads and Managers saying to you – give him one month notice of not renewing the contract and one salary in lieu.

Most of the victims are usually in the middle and lower echelons – and sad to say are usually Regional Staff – namely Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos etc – and not from The Western World where treatment is either better or know how to fight for their rights and in the contracts making – where generally speaking here need to be given at least three months notice or salary in lieu if not going to be renewed – unalike his Regional colleague which is generally and normally speaking is one month unless is in the top cadres and echelons.

I do not want to blow my trumpet but you can ask people who know me where I had fought my various Management to treat staff decently, professionally equitably and ethically because they ‘too hurt and bleed’ – and blood is after all red for all human beings disregard race, creed, nationality or colour! I met a lot of resistance and unfortunately and sadly from fellow Omanis that had taken over from the same style of their Western compatriots! Reminds one of Animal Farm by George Orwell.

The Indian worker has too a family and children going to school – and possibly loans too from the bank. Remember the article – Fleeing Dubai – Hasni Essa – January 14 2009? (See A Cry For Help! book) My career suffered a beating because of my stand – but I look at the greater picture of My God here more than just career progression and development.

My Omani peers used to mock me – why fight for Indians? They are always against us and they gave us very hard and difficult times when we Omani graduates came in by the ‘lies and fibs’ they told their Western bosses. If you have the time please read my books especially the Management ones A Cry For Help! and Psychology of Arab Management Thinking! – http://www.majidbooks.com – very telling and informative!

It is neither fair nor ethical to generalise but the Filipino Staff are more compliant compassionate and understanding in training and in teaching especially the young Omanis – unalike their Indian and Pakistani peers. Also in guidance, mentoring and coaching aspects. They are also practical and realistic – because they know they are here for a temporary time and contract – and will have to hand over and give a chance to the young Omanis.

A worst case scenario was reached in my last oil company where there were literal in-fights between the two communities (Indians and Filipinos mainly) – especially in the Interior desert locations. The issue was why the Filipinos (teased as dog-eaters!) were more friendlier to the young Omanis than the Indians were. Frankly there are bad fish (and eggs) in each basket but what the Indians generally forget that Omanis have elephant memories of how they were treated when they joined the Company.

These same young Omanis became future bosses of the (again generally speaking) Indians previous bosses. It is mad world out there – the laws of the jungle. Like I always say – people – apart from family – behave worst in the work environment – and thus my need to write a second column titled At My Workplace. Apart from The Oman Daily Observer, the other English dailies ignored me completely – despite all the things that have recently happened in our country! The Indian and Regional Staff continue to be discriminated – an example is holding their passports.

But I want to pose a question to you, if I may? Over 86% of the General Managers and Managing Directors in Oman are from India. Why do they not revoke this rule? Surely they can over ride the Omani HR Managers – as they do in many decisions – even in training, recruitment etc. I could understand this situation if it was the Omani or Western MD doing this. A point to ponder for you. Tip – ask the Indian labourers who fly home Air India!

This is a most ridiculous statement full of bias and innuendos – sorry! “I really hope this is not a universal trend. We still need experienced expatriates in Oman. If they go in large numbers then the productivity of many companies would nosedive,” Qais Al Abry, the proprietor of Ghubra Heavy Lifting, told Times of Oman. “I don’t think we should be in a hurry to replace them yet. It is the junior positions that we must Omanise to create jobs for the nationals. I hope the government makes a distinction between the two levels of employment,” he added.

Why are Omanis designated only for lower end jobs? Why? Another point to ponder for you!

Having said all that I fully agree with you in all the other aspects. I thank you for ethically and professionally bringing out such issues in the open. I also like your defence of the under dog – the poor Indian etc outside casual labourer and worker and how they are treated.

This is my advice. Ensure you fight your rights like the European and USA Staff to insist of at least three months notice period – and if the date is crossed it is ‘presumed to have been automatically to be renewed’ per se. Do not expose yourself to unnecessary tensions and depressions. Yes we all need to work – but our health and well-being are far more important.

By Majid Al Suleimany

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Fearing axe expats leaving for good

Rising Islamophobia! Reply

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Rising Islamophobia! – By Majid Al Suleimany

Visit also My Books at www.majidbooks.com and My Columns at www.majidall.com

A – The Message from the Relative!

Yesterday Tuesday June 14th 2011 a relative sent me this one – Quote – Good One! – One reason Hitler lost World War II was that he did not fully understand the situation. Bearers of bad news were punished. Soon no one dared tell him the truth. Not knowing the truth, he could not act appropriately.

Many of us are individually guilty of the same error. We do not like to admit to ourselves our mistakes, errors, shortcomings, or ever admit we have been in the wrong. And because we will not see the truth, we cannot act appropriately.

Someone has said that it is a good exercise to daily admit one painful fact about ourselves to ourselves.

Look for and seek out true information concerning yourself, your problems, other people, or situation, whether it is good news or bad news.

Adopt the motto. It doesn’t matter who is right, but what’s right.

Admit your mistakes and errors but don’t cry over them. Correct them and go forward. In dealing with other people try to see the situation from their point of view as well as your own – Unquote!

I thought it was a good one and as sent by him. Admittedly my gut feelings and impressions were there was a message there for me- Admittedly it is true too that it is easier to lecture than to follow one’s own advice – and as some cynics may as well say – Those in Glass Houses should not throw stones. Or even more sinister sceptics would add – that they should undress in the dark!

Frankly it got me seriously thinking that there is something that I need to self-analyse and in deep thinking and in hindsight as something that I needed to do. I recoiled from the usual responses of the past that you need first to practice yourself first before you preach in others – because I could say the same thing to you! Because I have known you to be difficult to admit your own mistakes – and even if proved wrong, unfair and unethical you still stand your grounds – and have never apologised to anyone in your life – as far as I know! Anyway, enough of the subject for now!

B – My First Article – titled Keeping up with the Changes! – July 23rd – 2003 – 8
years ago!

In this article I had written – Quote – One of the traits of ever successful, smart, pragmatic and proactive peoples is their ‘ability to be able to vision and predict changes’, and to be able to adjust, accommodate and even make these changes work for their advantage! They are able to even predict when these changes will come, in what format and their consequences and repercussions too! They are able to make the changes become as ‘a friend and as a Support’, rather than as an adversary and blockage cum detrimental to them per se! Proactive and pre-empt to be exact!

The Africans have this saying – ‘praise and compliment even that snake that hides in a crevice in a rock or boulder, and it will pop its head out – and when you can then hit it on the
head with that behind your back held stick! Praise its eyes, I hear you have beautiful eyes, can you at least show me those beautiful eyes? Please?

Or have you heard of the Arab and The Camel (nearer home)? There is a dust storm and the camel is outside the tent – whilst the boss is comfy inside. So the camel asks the Arab, can you not at least allow me to put my head inside? So the Arab agrees. Then it is the right front foot, then left foot, then the hump. To make the story short, the camel decides to kick the Arab out of the tent – and it takes over the tent, whilst the poor Arab has lost his tent to a slimy rebellious camel, all by listening to its pleas in the first instance!

I have also said – if you have something working for you – keep it, preserve it, protect and defend it – and do not spoil things for yourself and those near you and you love! Do not spit on your food – and do not put sand in your coconut pudding – as The Swahilis of East Africa like to say!

Or have you heard of the expression – ‘Bite the hand that feeds you, and lick the boot that kicks you!? If not I am telling you now – has happened so many times – but people still keep repeating the same approaches, techniques and dealings with others – especially thinking they are scattered, docile and weak! But the Arab Spring Uprisings should wake up a lot of people still slumbering and sleeping! – Unquote.

C – Unveiling The Veil! – December 24th 2003.

This is what I had written on the controversial ban in France – The veil – and now it is The Burqah – I do not know what is next under Sarkozy – who himself is descended from Settlers! Quote – Personally, this is what I see are the greatest dangers now facing mainly Arab and Muslims Minorities in Europe. What the Muslim Armies had failed to do, and these emigrants were able to, is what scares them the most! Let us not forget that the Muslims in France number over 5 million (plus 12 percent), and this scares them the most as Islam is now the second largest Religion (and fastest growing one too!) in France, and similar scenarios maybe repeated in other parts of Europe, America and Australia.

To quote their reasons for doing so, the French cite ‘secularism’ as the cornerstone of French ‘Republicanism’. In the same vein, did not Hitler and Goebbels say ‘in their war machine propagandas that ‘they wanted a pure white Aryan race to dominate’ in massacring over 6 million innocent Jews? You can always make and create a rule to justify what you really want! – Unquote!

 D – The Need To Change Article – November 19th 2009.

In this article I had said – Quote – People who have accepted changes have come are always going for the higher road in accepting and in bringing in changes – to be a better  person – to think outside the box – and to be able to see the forest from the trees! You do not need to be a nuclear physicist to realize and know that change has come – and to be ready for changes to come in.

Ten years ago if you had told me that a son of an African Muslim from Kenya with a white American wife would be The President of The USA, I would retort that you do need to have your head fully examined. Most likely I would show you the direction to Ibn Sina Hospital to seek psychiatric help, or even take you there myself. But Bush made it all possible. So was the hanging of a most powerful dictator in the region.

Same would be that the most powerful states of the world would attack a third world country under pretext of weapons of mass destruction – that even can make Hitler look good – because he attacked only those countries near hem – not so far away like this one.

Some of the changes need not be that big or universal. It could even be small and insignificant at first glance and analysis – but it is still change all the same in all spheres and aspects – and cannot be discounted, ignored or marginalized even. In all my books there are cautionary tales and articles on Changes – and their coming in – though my concentration had been The Youth and in Office Environments.

Also on stereotyping, bad and whimsical perceptions and outlooks, patronizing and  condescending attitudes and approaches – especially from a few misguided and misled ‘welcomed and invited guests’ in our country! Today I want to go on the bigger picture.

I watch the news and see what is unfolding before us. I have noticed what is unfolding is this – people have very strong comments, rigid views, outlooks, perceptions and opinions on many things – but the worst part is that they think they are always right, ethical and correct – and want to impose them on others. I now understand why some people outside our societies (or even within) hate and despise us so much. I now also understand fully what it means to say ‘opening a can of worms’ really means.

There is also no respect and esteem for those older and senior to us – especially in such affairs. I want to bring the subject out in the open – so we can discuss it rationally,   emotionally, pragmatically and with hopeful signs of reconciliations, remedy, peace, harmony, understandings, live-and-let-live outlooks and scenarios. So here goes. Please bear with me.

Time and time again, History has proved this point. The days when you could scare people away by words and acts of threats, aggression, bullying etc are now over. Even if you go to the basics at home. What my grandfather could do to my father – to what my father could do to me – and what I can do to my son (and hopefully his son too) – have been reduced from time to time. My late father could scold me in front of my wife – his father could beat him my father in front of his wife – but I will think twice before I even contemplate to scold my son – especially in front of his wife. Times have changed.

No one had predicted the demise and downfall of The Apartheid Regime in South Africa, nor that of UDI – Universal Declaration of Independence of Ian Smith of Rhodesia (now  Zimbabwe). Tell that to the Israelis too – with the Intifadas despite all usage of brute and ugly force. In the 21st century, everybody wants to be free and independent – you cannot continue to colonize a whole segment of society even if you have all the power, army and support from whatever corners.

Our Islamic Religion tells us that we must sort our own problems within ourselves – amicably, peacefully and harmoniously. We are told to respect, adhere, be loyal and be faithful to those in authority – and those in authority have but to follow the teachings and examples of our Great Prophet, our books, The History, and Stories narrated to us. I for one like the way some of the new-born-Christians like to think when problems arise – what would Jesus (Prophet Issa) do in such an occasion or situation?

We need to think like that to solve many of our problems that we have now – that are not only getting bigger by the day, but are even spilling over – and causing more divisions, splits,  disasters, malaise and destructions. The losers are everybody. We must think and act for ourselves – not listen, obey, copy or emulate those that pretend to be our friends and well-wishers (spare us!) – Unquote!

E –– Live and Let Live! – We Want To Live Too! – January 19th 2009

 This is what I had said – Quote – There is this Palestinian woman crying ruefully and emphatically why they are getting this raw and bad treatment from the Israelis and what did they do to deserve such a treatment the innocent babies, children, women and old peoples that had bore the brunt of the fatalities, injuries, harm and damage from a most powerful Aggressor State that came into being set up by outsiders to the conflict – and driving away the original inhabitants from their homes so other peoples could come in to occupy their land and homes.

Supposedly from the same peoples who were victims of annihilation and massacre in the holocaust, whilst supposedly god fearing peoples who created the pariah state looked the  other way – whilst Hitler and his thugs did their dirty works on a whole human race? And why? Because they were not human beings but an inferior race that had taken control of their economy and economic power, and had to be done in and to be massacred and to be annihilated in what was nothing but simple a holocaust.

Yet the same victims are now doing the very same thing that the Nazis had done to them, and from peoples that were the only ones in History that had accepted the Jews as equals and amongst their midst, as Believers in God and Peoples of The Books (Torah) mentioned too in their Holy Book The Quran. Peoples that were considered to be as ‘First Cousins’ and descendants of the same Great Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim – Peace Be Upon Him) – the greatest esteemed and respected Prophet that is mentioned in all the 5 prayers of Muslims.

But then the Western powers including Russia wanted to get rid of the Jews amongst their midst, and what better way than the tool of ethnic cleansing and put them in a land that
belonged to others now – and that they had left behind for better pastures – only that they raise some much anger, animosity and hatreds from others to the extent that peoples feel like strangling them or do them all harm and pain that they are now vetting on others/

There is now so much anger in the streets in the Arab and Muslim World (even in civilized societies, if not their governments). This spells only more troubled and dangerous waters ahead, and in increases in extremism and hatreds – and even from peoples that are  supposed – as the labels go – as flexible and moderate – and ‘our friends and supporters’.
The tragic and sad facts are that this includes now even the children from the Arabic and Islamic world that see their brothers and sisters butchered in Gaza – and feel and care for their plights, miseries and tragedies. Forget the elders for awhile.

This will spell only more hatreds, animosities, extremism and fundamentalism for the future – and for future relationships between peoples and faiths of the world = and between
countries too. Peoples are now asking questions that they had never asked before or taken for granted – even in Oman. Questions that have come out of anger, desperation, impotence, fury – and hatred and animosities. Questions that could erode friendships and kind and good intentions, character, welcome and pleasantness taken for sure and granted for so long.

Some uncaring and unscrupulous elements have even being saying wrong and unethical and uncalled for remarks – perhaps when they are alone or in closed trusting circles. But like I  have said so Many times before – a secret is well kept inside you only; when you share it
with another (even one) it no longer becomes a secret. The point to remember is this – you cannot trust everybody, and what you really think or feel has always a way of coming out in the open.

Do not take things for surety and for permanency – do not take peoples for granted – and  certainly do not patronize or generalize. And certainly do not rub peoples the wrong way,
especially when they are upset, angry and furious. Besides the paramount and important thing to remember is that Gaza are our brothers in race and religion – and when it comes to making a choice, everyone should know which side would be selected and win. That is for sure and for certainty. I advise and caution everyone to be just careful, tactful and diplomatic –  especially now with raised emotions, angry and fury.

This poor Palestinian woman was crying plaintively and tragically – Where is the rest of our brothers and sisters? Don’t they see what is happening to us? Why are they quiet? Why are
they not doing anything? Where are our leaders? Is this what is happening to us now they like? Or are they with the enemy? Don’t we deserve to live too – in peace and as human beings ought to live – like in the rest of the world? Why are these things continuously only happening to us- she cried again – with a baby in her arms, and with her other children  following her.

Where are those great Arab leaders that we have read about in Arab History? We are simple peoples; we do not fire rockets at anyone. Why are we being shot at? Another had said – Our
countries have always been divided – so what is happening is nothing new? Lady – so many questions – but I have no answers to give you now. But I promise you this one – I will forward your questions – and ask the rest of the world to know – and perhaps may have answers for you? Hopefully – and let us pray together lady.

Also see these – Children as young as 2 being shot at the back at close range, and yet are smiling after her operation. A UN Security Resolution completely ignored. A UN Building and
Officials being bombed at shot at And food shelters? Even The UN General Secretary was visibly upset. Targeting and shooting at Journalists

Like I have said so many times before, and I will say it one more time. It is all so easy to join the silent majority – and not show care, feelings or the need to say it or speak out – and
join the silent majority and in turning off or switching off too. Without any further expressed emotions – and let it all burn quietly inside like the cinder fire – burning slowly till it burst out and explode – as it is bound to do – eventually!

Like I have said also before also – everyone is responsible for each one’s action, or inaction. Everyone is also responsible for the people under you, and who have put trust, faith and hopes on you – that is for sure, That is whoever you are – and in whatever role that you are in – Unquote.

F –       Rising Islamophobia – especially in The West and ‘Changing Friends Alliances’ – A Worsing Phenomenon!

 I was attending this party ran at home by an Indian Company CEO that I did some Project work with them. There were two sets of tables – One was for Vegetarian food (as many there were Hindus – and some still practicing!)  And the other was Non Vegetarian food. As I likes Dhaal (curry type) I thought I would visit too the Vegetarian one! Everyone looked at me as if I was a ‘fish out of water’ though I had made a point not to take any meat potions on my plate!

It surprised me to see from what I presumed to be more expensive porcelain and utensils at this table – rather than the one I just came from!  I made a big booboo later on when I passed to look into the kitchen – I had never before seen such disdain and hostile looks from The Host in my life before – yet this same man calls Oman as his second home! Some of his associates were even Omani citizens too! Then I noticed the bias and the prejudices – though I had suspected existed before for a long time too!

Rising Islamophobia

According to Wikipedia and although the term is widely recognized and used, it has not been without much controversy in itself and the use of the word.

Islamophobia is prejudice against, hatred or fear of Islam or Muslims. The term seems to date back to the late 1980s but came into common usage after the September 11 2001 attacks in the United States

Islamophobia as the “dread or hatred of Islam and therefore, to the fear and dislike of all Muslims,” stating that it also refers to the practice of discriminating against Muslims by excluding them from the economic, social, and public life of the nation. It includes the perception that Islam has no values in common with other cultures, is inferior to the West and is a violent political ideology rather than a religion

A perceived trend of increasing “Islamophobia” during the 2000s has been attributed by some
commentators to the September 11 attacks, while others associate it with the rapidly growing Muslims populations in the Western world, especially in Western Europe, due to both mmigration and high fertility rate In May 2002, the European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC), a European Union watchdog, released a report entitled “Summary report on Islamophobia in the EU after 11 September 2001”, which described an increase in Islamophobia-related incidents in European member states post-9/11.

USA Republican Presidential Hopefuls – see what they say!

 1          Newt Gingrich compares NYC Islamic community centre to “Nazis” putting a “sign next to the Holocaust museum”

2          Herman Cain: If I’m President I Won’t Appoint Muslim Judges or Cabinet Members

When asked if he would be comfortable appointing a Muslim to be a federal judge or a member of his cabinet, Cain confidently replied: “No, I will not. And here’s why. There is this creeping attempt, there is this attempt to gradually ease Sharia law and the Muslim faith into our government. It does not belong in our government. This is what happened in Europe. And little by little, to try and be politically correct, they made this little change, they made this little change. And now they’ve got a social problem that they don’t know what to do with hardly.”

Although he’s unlikely to apologize, since he said “I feel the way I feel,” might a clarification of this statement be in order? Later Cain also said, “I get upset when the Muslims in this country, some of them, try to force their Sharia law onto the rest of us.” Yet if Cain understands the distinction here, that most Muslims are not forcing Sharia law, then why does he still insist on banning all Muslims from his administration?

3          USA Right Wing Watch reports that US Christian bigot Pat Robertson has once again attacked Muslims, by comparing them to Nazis. “Why is it bigoted to resist Adolf Hitler and the Nazis and to say we don’t want to live under Nazi Germany?” Robertson asked.”But oh it’s bigoted if we speak out against a force that is slowly but surely trying to exercise domination over the world.”

4       UK warned against Rising Islamophobia

 Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain with a total of 762 confirmed Islamophobic offences reported in London alone since April 2009, says a British Muslim council.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) told the council’s Annual General Assembly (AGB) in Birmingham on Sunday that “robust action” is needed to counter Islamophobic attacks including assaults on Muslims, vandalizing mosques and desecrating graves, the daily The Independent reported.

Britain’s largest Muslim organization is urging “robust action” against Islamophobic attacks as more violence and hate crimes remain unreported in the country.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is worried over the “ethnic profiling” of Muslims as they are 42 times more likely to be stopped and detained by the police under the Terrorism Act.

In an address to the council’s AGM in Birmingham, MCB secretary general Farooq Murad will say crimes targeted at Muslims including violent assaults, death threats and desecration of graves need to be tackled.

MCB secretary-general Farooq Murad said that minorities in the UK are 42 times more likely to be targeted under the Terrorism Act.

He challenged the “ethnic profiling” of British Muslim community, calling for anti-Muslim crimes to be monitored more evidently to encourage communities to report crimes to the police.

The calls, supported by leading academics, a counter-terrorist think-tank and Muslim groups, come as the Metropolitan Police confirmed a total of 762 Islamophobic offences in London since April 2009, including 333 in 2010/11 and 57 since this April.

A spokesman said the Met was aware of “significant” under-reporting of hate crime, and acknowledged “missed opportunities” to keep victims safe.

“Islamophobic attacks, on persons and properties, are committed by a tiny minority, but the number of incidents is increasing. Robust action is necessary and this means we must have a systematic manner of recording, monitoring and analysing such attacks. Only a small number of police forces record anti-Muslim hate crimes”, said Murad.

 I rest my case. Live and Let Live – before it is too late for everyone! Please reread
my all article once again – just so you have the messages being sent with this
article today of mine!

 By – Majid Al Suleimany

 majidsnalsuleimany@hotmail.com

majidalsuleimany@gmail.com

majid@mas-trac.com

 YOUR OPINIONS VIEWS MOST WELCOME HERE!

 

Most Dangerous Countries For Women In The World! Reply

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A woman speaks with an election official as she prepares to vote in the Afghan election in Mazar e Sharif in northern Afghanistan August 20, 2009. REUTERS/Caren Firouz

* Afghanistan tops expert poll of dangers to women

* Congo plagued by rape as weapon of war

* Pakistan blighted by acid attacks and ‘honour killings’

* India cited for trafficking and sexual slavery

* Somalia seen as having full gamut of risks

LONDON (TrustLaw) – Violence, dismal healthcare and brutal poverty make Afghanistan the world’s most dangerous country for women, with Congo a close second due to horrific levels of rape, a Thomson Reuters Foundation expert poll said on Wednesday.

Pakistan, India and Somalia ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in the global survey of
perceptions of threats ranging from domestic abuse and economic discrimination to female foeticide, genital mutilation and acid attacks.

“Ongoing conflict, NATO airstrikes and cultural practices combined make Afghanistan a very dangerous place for women,” said Antonella Notari, head of Women Change Makers, a group that supports women social entrepreneurs around the world.

“In addition, women who do attempt to speak out or take on public roles that challenge   ingrained gender stereotypes of what’s acceptable for women to do or not, such as working as
policewomen or news broadcasters, are often intimidated or killed.”

The poll by TrustLaw, a legal news service run by Thomson Reuters Foundation, marked the launch of its new TrustLaw Women section, a global hub of news and information on women’s legal rights.

TrustLaw asked 213 gender experts from five continents to rank countries by overall  perceptions of danger as well as by six risks. The risks were health threats, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, cultural or religious factors, lack of access to resources and trafficking.

Some experts said the poll showed that subtle dangers such as discrimination that don’t grab headlines are sometimes just as significant risks for women as bombs, bullets, stonings and systematic rape in conflict zones.

“I think you have to look at all the dangers to women, all the risks women and girls face,” said
Elisabeth Roesch, who works on gender-based violence for the International Rescue Committee in Washington.

“If a woman can’t access healthcare because her healthcare isn’t prioritised, that can be a very dangerous situation as well.”

LITANY OF PERILS

Afghanistan emerged as the most dangerous country for women overall and worst in three of the six risk categories: health, non-sexual violence and lack of access to economic resources.

Respondents cited sky-high maternal mortality rates, limited access to doctors and a near total lack of economic rights. Afghan women have a one in 11 chance of dying in childbirth,
according to UNICEF.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), still reeling from a 1998-2003 war and accompanying humanitarian disaster that killed 5.4 million people, came second mainly due to staggering levels of sexual violence in the lawless east.

More than 400,000 women are raped in the country each year, according to a recent study by U.S. researchers. The United Nations has called Congo the rape capital of the world.

“Statistics from DRC are very revealing on this: ongoing war, use of rape as a weapon,  recruitment of females as soldiers who are also used as sex slaves,” said Clementina  Cantoni, a Pakistan-based aid worker with ECHO, the European Commission’s humanitarian aid department.

“The fact that the government is corrupt and that female rights are very low on the agenda means that there is little or no recourse to justice.”

Rights activists say militia groups and soldiers target all ages, including girls as young as  three and elderly women. They are gang-raped, raped with bayonets and have guns shot into
their vaginas.

Pakistan ranked third largely on the basis of cultural, tribal and religious practices harmful to women. These include acid attacks, child and forced marriage and punishment or retribution by stoning or other physical abuse.

“Pakistan has some of the highest rates of dowry murder, so-called honour killings and early
marriage,” said Divya Bajpai, reproductive health advisor at the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

Some 1,000 women and girls die in honour killings annually, according to Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission.

TRAFFICKING

India ranked fourth primarily due to female foeticide, infanticide and human trafficking.

In 2009, India’s then-Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta estimated that 100 million people,  mostly women and girls, were involved in trafficking in India that year.

“The practice is common but lucrative so it goes untouched by government and police,” said Cristi Hegranes, founder of the Global Press institute, which trains women in developing countries to be journalists.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation estimated that in 2009 about 90 percent of trafficking took place within the country and that there were some 3 million prostitutes, of which
about 40 percent were children.

In addition to sex slavery, other forms of trafficking include forced labour and forced marriage, according to a U.S. State Department report on trafficking in 2010. The report also found slow progress in criminal prosecutions of traffickers.

Up to 50 million girls are thought to be “missing” over the past century due to female infanticide and foeticide, the U.N. Population Fund says.

Some experts said the world’s largest democracy was relatively forthcoming about describing its problems, possibly casting it in a darker light than if other countries were equally
transparent about trafficking.

Somalia ranked fifth due to a catalogue of dangers including high maternal mortality, rape and female genital mutilation, along with limited access to education, healthcare and economic
resources.

“I’m completely surprised because I thought Somalia would be first on the list, not fifth,” Somali women’s minister Maryan Qasim told TrustLaw.

“The most dangerous thing a woman in Somalia can do is to become pregnant. When a woman becomes pregnant her life is 50-50 because there is no antenatal care at all. There are no hospitals, no healthcare, no nothing.

“Add to that the rape cases that happen on a daily basis, the female genital mutilation that is being done to every single girl in Somalia. Add to that the famine and the drought. Add to that the fighting (which means) you can die any minute, any day.”

Poll respondents included aid professionals, academics, health workers, policymakers, journalists and development specialists.

India ranked 4th as world’s most dangerous countries for women

BySiliconIndia, Wednesday, 15 June 2011, 00:01 Hrs ]>Bangalore: Increasing human trafficking and continuous presence of female infanticide  has placed India as the world’s fourth most dangerous place for women, as per a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters’ Trustlaw Women, a hub of legal information and legal support for women’s rights. Trust Law contacted 213 gender experts from five continents to rank countries by analyzing six risks. The risks were health threats, sexual violence, non-sexual violence, cultural or religious factors, lack of access to resources and trafficking.

In India, a whole gamut of human trafficking is run whereby women and girls are trafficked within and into India since they are most vulnerable into the sex trade. The enormous bulk of trafficked women and girls are poor, some belong to landless families, and most come from dalit, adivasi or other low caste communities.

In 2009, India’s then-Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta estimated that 100 million people, mostly women and girls, were involved in trafficking in India that year.

In 2009 it was estimated by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation that about 90 percent of trafficking took place within the country and that there were some 3 million prostitutes, of  which about 40 percent were children.

The purposes for human trafficking in India are numerous such as forced prostitution,  marriage, domestic labour, bonded labour, agricultural labour, industrial labour, entertainment, begging, adoption, drug smuggling and peddling and organ transplants.

The 2007 U.S. Trafficking in Persons report identifies that the lack of co-ordinated national action undermines attempts to combat human trafficking.It recommends the urgent necessity to establish an effective national-level body to enforce the law strictly as these problems are made worse by the reported complicity of law enforcement officials in trafficking and related
criminal activity.

As far as female infanticide and foeticide in India is concerned up to 50 million girls are thought to be “missing” over the past century due to female infanticide and foeticide according to the U.N. Population Fund.According to the report this problem is creating gender imbalances and other serious problems that experts say will have far reaching consequences for years to come.

Experts in India who have analyzed the National Family Health Survey 2 (NFHS2) estimate that about 300,000 girls go “missing” in India each year. Other studies have put the number between 150,000 and 500,000.

In India, where the child sex ratio is calculated as the number of girls per 1,000 boys in the 0-6 years age group, the problem is severe. The 2001 Census shows there are only 927 girls per 1,000 boys, representing a sharp decline from 1961 when that number was 976. In certain parts of the country there are now fewer than 800 girls for every 1,000 boys.

Apart from India, Afghanistan has been placed as the world’s most dangerous country for women and Congo has been placed second due to the horrific levels of rape dominant there. Pakistan grabbed the third place for its increasing domestic abuse and economic  discrimination and Somalia ranked fifth respectively due to its genital mutilation and acid attacks.

But if India wants to make its country worth living for women it will need to  cover lot of  aspects as far as security is concern. According to police  records, over 400 rape cases have been reported in the capital in the year 2010  alone. According to the data, 18,359 rape cases were registered in India in the  first three quarters of this 2010; hence, we need to provide an environment of  safety and security to our women with strict implementation of the female
centric laws that’s in theory in our books.