Qatari Intelectual Desert

Moneera,

I am really happy to have your participation in this topic. Really, I wished more Qataris would be visibly involved in the betterment of the country, the foreigners would certainly follow just like in any other country!

Discussions do take place in the Arabic Media and that is great! However, how many improvement actions are taken in practice, based on the conclusions of those actions?

I understand Qatar is a developing country, but we all know that the amount of financial resources ready available, make it not just an ordinary developing country.

One thing that I sure believe that would help Qatar immensely, would be to set up a mechanism of feedback, in which it could be analyzed by the authorities and improvement actions could be implemented accordingly. After all the valuable feedback would be free of charge and would come from many fronts – usually those close to the problems!

Let's take an example of the labor work and life conditions. A simple improvement of the legislation dictating in a clear manner the minimum conditions to be offered to labor and its enforcement by having auditors checking regularly the labor’s accommodations and working environment (just like in most of the developed countries), would improve a lot the actual situation. This government policy would project a very genuine positive and human image of Qatar in the whole world.

Small actions can produce enormous results!

As for the garbage in the desert, I was personally chocked to see how some Qataris (in front of me) litter every where. Their overnight camping sites are surrounded in the morning by enormous amount of garbage. And then they wake up in the morning pack and leave behind the garbage!!!!!!!!

I have some photos of these extreme bad examples and I just don't post them here because I think we all know (including the government) what is going on and who is doing it.

The other day I was at a public beach and this person went to the sea eating candy and when he finished it, he simply threw the wrapping paper into the sea. I got up from where I was sitting and asked him not to do that and to please pick up the paper and dispose it into a rubbish bean (available a few meters away). He looked at me as if I was saying something really stupid!!!!

How about a simple recycling program?! It hurts me to throw plastic containers, batteries, paper, etc… into the garbage together with organic waste. I am sure Qatar has the financial means to tackle this issue. Why isn’t anything being done? How many years and billions of tones of waste have to be accumulated in Qatar, before the authorities wake up and take action????!!!!!

Two days ago, a white "Land cruiser" came speeding behind my car almost bumping into me. Eventually I managed to get out of its way and they passed me nearly smashing into other 2 cars that were on the left lane. All that at least 100 km/h in a area marked as 40 Km/h, coming from the airport at the intersection of Rasababud to go to the Marriott. I kept driving towards the hotel (where I was going) and these two guys on the white "Land Cruiser" kept speeding in front of me.

When I arrived at The Marriott I saw the two guys and went to tell them that they put a lot of lives at risk. They happened to be 2 Qataris "working" for the UN meeting. They had badges of security. They start laughing and said "No English". I then saw a police officer in front of the lobby and went to tell him about the danger driving. The police officer also replied "No English". As the place was full of UN representatives, one of the Qatari officials volunteered to listen to what I had to say. I explained him the situation. He just said: “they were probably in a hurry, don't pay attention to them, your country has nice people”.

And that's it!!!

That is one of the reasons that some Qataris will keep driving dangerously and will keep littering the desert, and as a matter of fact dropping out of school, because they know that nobody can do anything about it and they always have what they want!

And I could be here all day giving you more examples!

On the other side, I do feel sorry for the country and its people. I know for a fact that it has so many potentials and most of the Qataris I had the chance to meet in person, were really nice people!

Now you may say, if I understand that issues are being discussed in the Arabic Media and if I understand that Qatar is at the beginning of its development, why can’t I just accept in silence what I find here?

Simply because, I want to help Qatar to become a better Qatar.

I believe that the more you expose the problem and debate about it, the more pressure will be given to those who have the power to change things.

Most of these topics are discussed daily in Arabic media ( in Radio, we have "Watani El habeeb sabah el khair , and in TV "Doha this evening" . Also you should know that my country is still developing and we are working hard to change things for the better and that's why we need your experiences. Our big goal starts with education and that's why Qatar Foundation has been established. Change takes time friend.

About pollution, Qataries, for sure, are against pollution. Go and see the Arabic MUPIES in AL Shammal , Al khor, Al wakra highways, or anywhere which all says keep your city clean, clean your city, keep our environment clean…. etc. We do not pollute our environment … check this site and see how much we care about our environment http://www.qatarenv.org/portal/services/main.aspx

Most pollution comes from Arabic ppl and I myself see them in streets, deserts, beaches and that really make me sad.

Rami,

I absolutely agree with you.

And that pretty much means that things will go on as they are for many generations to come.

The only way to address problems is to recognize them. If their recognition is not allowed, the problems will remain to eventual catastrophic consequences.

I just wonder where are the few Qataris educated overseas? What are they doing to change this hidden intellect stagnation, disguised with an "amazing façade of development”?!

If they don’t have a voice, nobody else can have it!...

...unless the International Media Big Players start to be less “buyist”, by only promoting the facades and glamour and actually start to expose weaknesses.

At the moment, they are playing the same, not addressing the uncomfortable facts!

I know they are conditioned by local restrictions but I also believe they have an important role that is not currently being fulfilled. And this is, in my opinion, because this sort of information doesn’t sell as well as the glamour and grandiose façades.

Very few outside Qatar, care about what is happening in Qatar and inside Qatar is what you said, they are afraid of exposing their mess.

Nevertheless, I’ve come across with a few articles published in relatively small foreigner newspapers, covering accurately some society problems in today’s Qatar. Unfortunately they don’t have the same eco as a CNN or a BBC would have.

If ever these big shots would expose with more honesty, the problems Qatari society is facing, the Qatari Authorities (extremely worried about appearances) would definitely take the issues more seriously and would eventually come up with more adequate and effective improvement measures!

Just if...

Rami,

You touched a good point. The Education City, as most of the projects in this Nation, aim to display the greatest show case with the most impressive facade, all that without addressing the root and core problems.

It’s either a lack of understanding of the impact of neglecting them or a total ignorance of their existence.

On the long term, we'll have amazing infrastructures for higher education but with little qualified Qataris to attend them. Those who will benefit (I sure hope) will be the foreigner students. But this does not solve the education problem of Qatar.

It is a fact that there is very low motivation or incentive at local students' level. As you mentioned this is conditioned by poor government policies.

The Media does little or nothing to cover the issues with the seriousness that they deserve and there is literally no means to provide feedback or recommendations to the authorities.

They just don't want to see weaknesses exposed hoping that they will vanish if they are not brought up to the publics' eyes.

Nadt,

I agree with you, Qatar is still developing and they are trying hard to catch up, but I also think that they are not addressing the core of their problems, as I said, they focus only on what is visible.

A society that does not allow criticism and therefore limits the contribution of its citizens to improve itself, will have a very long way to go, before it reaches the beginning of a so needed process of continuous improvement.

At the moment, they are not even fire-fighting reacting to problems, as the "Officials" do not receive and treat feedback!

I just wished, for the sake of a sustainable Qatar, that the authorities would promote feedback and would take action upon.

Another problem that hinders rigorous intellectual debate about problems here is the undying love that locals have for the public service.

If you ever try to enter into serious discussion and debate about government policies here, you will be basically told that everything works and that the vision of the government is sound.

This is due to a variety of factors:

Ignorance of any problems even existing;

Fear of accepting that problems could exist;

Faith that situations that appear as problems are in fact en route to being solved by the ever so wise and forward looking leaders.

I think there is a sense of fear about speaking out about anything that seems not to be working.

To discuss and disect policy failings is part of western culture, and ultimately this is a sign of a robust democracy. As this country isn't democractic in any meaningful sense, it's no surprise that the nationals feel disengaged and do not enter debate about issues of public policy.

lusitano, i do think qatar is still developing and they are trying hard to changes things for the better, but as we know change takes time, dedication and awareness, and i beleive it will eventually happen.

The government tried to address the problem by inviting world class universities to set up in Education City.

The policy has had some successes, but at the same time the quality of primary and secondary education was largely overlooked.

I recall reading in the Gulf Times not too long ago that the SEC and Rand Institute were reviewing the results of the nationwide standardised testing carried out in Qatari schools. The results were less than encouraging, with the results showing that over the period 2006 to the present students were receiving lower and lower grades. I would have thought that after the massive investment in higher education in the country, some thought would have been given to developing ways to create better educational outcomes earlier in life, since most would agree that having 90% of your population with a solid grasp of numeracy and literacy is much better than providing Ivy League education for 0.05% of the population.

The main problem, as I see it, is that when I went to school, the pressure to achieve academically was largely an extension of the pressure to achieve in life professionally. How can you expect to get a good job and enjoy a comfortable life, when you haven’t done well at school. This society has instead provided so many shortcuts and handouts to the Qataris that there is no imperative for them to excel at school. Regardless of their passing grade (if they graduate at school) they have an expectation that the government will still provide financial support.

Why then would they do the hard yards to succeed at school?

And if intellectual pursuits are of no importance in your formative years, why would you expect them to play a large part of your life as an adult?

Eagle,

In this case, writing for what?

As I previously said, the cycle:

create / promote /expose / influence / take action / improve...

is not activated here, and so we are just talking (writing) to the walls.

QTR1212,

Thanks but I have the impression I am just wasting my time and sharing my fruistrations with the QL readers. We can't really do much here, besides stating our views.

I never felt so frustrated (in silence, as we cannot even protest in groups and in public) to witness what this country is in reality, behind the facade it tries to display. I don't feel comfortable, co-existing in a society that has so many "legal" human abuses, and all we do is moving on with our lives as if it's all normal.

I wish I would have the chances (before I leave) to admire Qatar, as I had in all the previous countries I've lived in!

lusitano I’m a Qatari I really loved your topic keep writing, there are many Qatari’s read your posts,

Very interesting thread. Keep writing. I still do think that Qataris do read. Just that they don't contribute much and perhaps are more comfortable with the Arabic forums.

What about the Qatar National Vision 2030? Are they not looking into making corrective changes? The newspaper reports on 28.10.08 (I think) did say that this was properly researched and they are looking into those 5 major challenges. http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=

2&item_no=251067&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56

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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!

Nadt,

And here we are, a bunch of foreigners agreeing on issues that should be addressed in Qatar, even on corrective measures, but unfortunately there is (as usual) no or little participation of Qataris and those who actually have the power to change.

This country doesn't have any mechanism to open itself for improvement. The local authorities have no means to receive, interpret feedback or to react on it!

The Media won't publish anything that isn't political correct.

Living,

I certainly agree with you. After all Qatari History isn't that complicated!

What is happening here today, had little to do with a historical or cultural natural evolution!

It's more like a chaotic ambitious and unmanaged urge to show "My Material is greater than yours"

At the end, little - we foreigners - can do: it's either live with it, ignore it or leave it!

...or maybe, keep writing about it, maybe one day the right person will read it!

Thank you all for your participation!

The land has a history and one must try to learn history and culture of this part of the world, before we really try to transform QATAR into land of future,with massive changes.There is a word in Management called CHANGE MANAGEMENT.This should be practised before we change any thing.

Lusitano, i agree with you on that, defintely a combination of communtiy awareness and a fine system is the way to go.

In relation to your Airposrt experience, dont be shocked you can just experience your opinion on QL and you will get from some the same response. The "if you dont like it then you can leave" card is played a lot here.

Enthusiastic start to ‘Clean Up UAE’ campaign Consumer approach needs to change to avoid long term environmental damage, says minister

Dubai Attitudes and consumption behaviour have to change to combat long term environmental pollution and waste management, said the Minister of Environment and Water yesterday at the opening of the Clean Up UAE fourday campaign.

The ministry is setting up new regulations to limit the extensive reach of plastic bags issued from shops, among other initiatives.

“We have to reduce waste from the source. The UAE has taken some initiatives and practical measures,” said Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd.

Nearly 20,000 volunteers joined in to drive the green message home.

A dhow also took divers to Deira creekside to take part in an underwater clean up session to collect wastematerials which have discarded into the ocean.

The campaign, which is observed under the banner “Start Today…Save Tomorrow,” is being held between November 18 and 21 at various sites across the emirate.

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10260900.html

Genesis,

by the looks, mistakes, demolitions and redo's, i can just imagine the factors that dictate urban planning here in Qatar.

How educated and experienced and those who have the power to change things here in Qatar? How hard they worked to achieve their lead position?

The answers to these questions - who no one dares to ask or answer - maybe be a great part of the problem!

Hu Wan,

my frustration is realizing that. even if you try to contribute to a better Qatar, you get nasty reactions like you mentioned. The other day i arrived at 1am at Doha Airport, with a line of hundred's of people waiting for passport control with only 3 emigration staff operating in a very slow motion. I suggested to an officer that they should have more people on duty when they know the amount of passengers that will arrive at a given time. The reply was extremely aggressive, out of proportion: "Do you have a problem? If you are not happy got back from where you came from"...

All this really discourages us to participate, to make the extra effort, because no body (who has power to change) listens or cares.

Nadt,

It’s about fines when societies are less educated (civilized), but I still think that besides fines to all (including The Family members); an Social Education Program should be put in place together with a strict surveillance and fine system.

Good topic lusitano, food for thought. I agree with genesis on this issue.

Genesis qoute: "Like i said earlier. For things to work in Qatar, they must introduce fines. The fine system must be applicable to all (No cousins or In-laws to be exempt). In one way or another, if the fines are enforced people will properly follow. The ministry council , MOI, Ministries do promote & conduct campaigns so is the media"

Genesis i think you hit the nail on the head. Qatar is developing slowly and attemting some change, even if its slow and hasnt caught up with other countries.

The problem is enforcement as Genesis pointed out. If you look at western countries, theres adds about safe driving, littering, recycling etc and the only reason they work ,most of the times is that the law enforces them and fines people for such acts regardless of who it is.

Ive seen many times dangerous driving on the roads while police are present and they dont bat an eye lid, same with littering etc etc. Unfortunately for most people, if theres no consequences theres no incentive to follow the law. Sad but true.

Another example most non locals will not contest rental increase(even though by law there shouldnt be one until 2010) because people beleive if you take it to court, you will lose against a Qatari landlord.

The rules have to apply to all for there to be some change alongside enforcing these laws.

At last a voice from the wilderness has spoken. lusitano, I understand from whence you speak. Been here for quiet a while, and me and my friends share your frustrations. We do keep our part- driving defensively, no littering, or the whole nine yards- but we see bad habits from the locals often, of which I read here in QL telling you to leave this place if you don't like what you see. We're not looking for perfection because that would be plain stupidity. There's no such place here on earth! Thing is, we want to give back something to the place which made our lives comfortable. Yes we walk the talk but we just don't advertise it! You don't have to be a journalist, a policy maker, or an influential person to become a catalyst for change. You already dropped a pebble...There are kindred spirits around. We will find the perfect time.

urban planning is controlled by other factors , that i can't share with you here ;)

To add to your list about west bay, the roads are still temporary & without services. Have you been to the pearl yet?

Well the only access to the island is a 2 lane road & a small roundabout that is shared with the Ritz, Lagoon plaza & Grand Hyatt. Can you image how crowdy it will be next years when most of those projects are finished & populated . Not to mention the flood of visitors from Doha…

Roadtripper,

The Metro system currently under study is just another superficial and thoughtless project. Just to say "we have this". It's not functional and not adequate for this region's weather and social habits.

The solution would have been an underground system linking the major commercial and office buildings; similar to what was done in Hong Kong. Instead they are just starting to think to plan one for the new projected city of Lusail (north of Doha). When asked how about an extension to the city center? The answer is yet to be given.

As Kee32 mentioned, the great problem of Qatar is the excessive amount of money combined with a very limited "know how" and education.

Most of the senior management positions (the deciders and the planners) are occupied by people with very little education, professional experience and exposure to the world. They lack of vision and they obviously do not hire the right people.

That is why we are building a brand new city (west Bay) with no underground transportation, insufficient car parks. If ever, these buildings will be entirely occupied, the west bay area would face a serious traffic jam chaos.

Planning here is replaced by the need to show-off a fake facade...

The problem is all the development going on is still fundamentally quite a new thing here in Doha, and whilst the wealth came very rapidly, the thought/intellect to do something constructive with it - unfortunately hasn't come so quickly... But its like most things, this will change. Just takes time.... and a lot of it...

I agree with a lot being said here. There really needs to be a campaign to promote sustainablity. Why are we planting grass and delicate flowers in a brutal desert? We need to be thinking about conservation of water, pollution and dust control, and a real recycling program. This city is also in dreadful need of public transportation. Imagine what the roads will look like once all these villas and skyscrapers are finished. There will be complete gridlock. I've heard talk of a monorail, which would be brilliant! I truly hope that those who are involved in urban planning in this city are forward looking and create a model city for the modern age, not another quagmire (which is the way things are going) With all the capital we have to work with, we could really do something progressive and fantastic here. It's not too late, but it's getting close.

Speaking about the "Drive Safe" campaign and how ineffective and boring it was.

Have a look to this post and see how it is perceived by many of us:

http://oliver.explore-qatar.com/note/79/enough-of-those-crap-boards-on.html

Thanks Kee32.

It's just so sad and frustrating to be here in this country and observe what is going on with no action from locals or authorities.

You can just see all around you including here in QL, how many locals are actively involved in the betterment of their own country!

On the other hand an enormous amount of energy is spent on lecturing, judging, and pin-pointing fingers on others in futile and trivial issues.

Really, I don't feel comfortable in witnessing all this here and I will do what I possibly can to expose this for the sake of a better Qatar.

Lusitano - Am very impressed and relieved to hear someone take up this issue and so eloquently. You're right - its not about winning a debate - but your points are truly valid in my opinion...

I am sorry to be so persistent, but it’s too obvious that whatever they are doing is not effective.

As an example, take the campaign of "Drive Safe", they launched last year. Do you thing that those small pictures they posted against the light poles were striking enough? The sizes are not appropriate, the graphics were not striking and the words were not big enough! Also the policing chasing and prosecuting those who drive aggressively and dangerously is practically non existent. Police are not aggressive fighting this trend. They are either not instructed, motivated, allowed or all of the above.

I am not trying to win any debate here, but we must understand that there is a major difference between doing something and doing something effectively. I suspect the Qatari authorities don't have the resources to assess the results of their campaigns and to launch assertive and effective ones. Maybe with time, maybe!

We can’t solve a problem if we don’t recognize it!

Like i said earlier. For things to work in Qatar, they must introduce fines. The fine system must be applicable to all (No cousins or In-laws to be exempt). In one way or another, if the fines are enforced people will properly follow. The ministry council , MOI, Ministries do promote & conduct campaigns so is the media.

The point isn’t to convince me. What I think is not important for the actual situation in Qatar.

It is obvious that whatever has been done in the Arabic Media and whatever campaigns have been introduce, they were NOT effective. They are not reaching the target. I suspect that they are probably not adequate and either there are no means/resources to assess their effectiveness and to improve them until the desired results are reached!

PS. Don't worry about what I think, I am not doing this for me, it's for Qatar!

Thanks eaglemmanuel, that is why I took the time to write this post.

I came here to share what I know and what might be useful for the country, but unfortunately I am not neither a policy maker, an educator nor a journalist and I don't have enough time to do it in an effective way. But I am not giving up, I keep sharing my experience and knowledge with those I work and socialize with (unfortunately very very very few Qataris).

I am only trying to get the attention of Qataris. Wake them up from their long passive sleep, before their dream will be recovered by the desert sands, again.

Not only newspaper. There have been campaigns & awareness programs. Like is said earlier, off course this is not enough. Things must be enforced , for things to work here.

It seems Lusitano that you have an idea already in your mind and I dont think we can change it...((predetermination))

As far as desert polution goes...well the environment authority caught a number of waste dumping cases and they issue big fines...this is in Arabic newspapers

As far as recycling I agree people here including myself dont care...but I care so much about conserving resources (power, water...etc)

Like in the previous post what you see in Arabic newspapers is different from the english ones...

I believe you that "they" discuss a lot of things, but the actions and the impact of those discussions in the actual problems are yet to be seen.

There seems to be little acknowledgement of the problems, especially in public.

I haven't seen any Media article or government policy addressing at least the desert pollution, recycling programs and danger driving (not to mention all the other urgent issues).

These issues are simply not addressed because people don't care or don’t have a clue of their existent or their consequences in their lives... maybe they are not educated, but that's why the government is there for, to educate citizens and to implement policies (sometimes so simple) to tackle big problems... the rest would follow with time, as you say!

I still believe this society is founding themselves with the wrong values and Government plays an important role to change this... if they just knew it!

Lusitano - "KAIZEN is an unknown philosophy (among many others) in this country!"

Yes, but that's why they need to educate their people. So write about KAIZEN and other stuff. Talk so others can learn from you. The rest will contribute and add on and we will all learn from each other.

/Btw, good that you still do press on, even if you feel like you're talking to the air and hitting your head against the wall. Keep it up. The possibility that you make only a small ripple in the pond, still reaches the rest of the pond eventually. You may not see it but you never know...

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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!

I agree with you, but Governments have the power to create the conditions and educate their citizens and what I see here in Qatar, appears that a lot of negligence and/or denial take place instead.

I can retrieve( and will post the link here) an article from a French journalist (unfortunately it’s in French), that came to Qatar and actually was able to publish in France an accurate and genuine article about issues that Qatari Media, Government or even locals tend to hide and/or show no interest.

How many Qataris you see here in this forum acknowledging that they do have a problem with the desert pollution, drop-off school rates, sub-human labor conditions, danger driving, etc, etc…

In some other countries, if these issues were taking place, you would have the media, the people, the politicians, the comedians, the thinkers, the teachers, etc, etc, etc, talking, writing and debating about these issues. As for here, it’s all about the car I drive that cost me nothing to get it! What kind of society this behavior will generate in the future? Will it be sustainable, once the country is built and the labors and send back? Will it be sustainable once the world becomes a better and more fare place and workers that come here in semi-slave status will no longer need to migrate here?

Who will actually tolerate a society like this, if the financial need will no longer be there?

These are the issues that Qataris and Qatari Authorities should be addressing today, if they want to survive in the long term.

Are there any journalists here? Who can write about these issues in the media? What about the reporters without borders or something that was set up a month or so ago?

Qatar's stand is to focus on more transparency and as such, things should improve. Intellectuals like you just have to keep raising issues and bringing it to the fore.

And anyway, so what if there is an intellectual desert here. Water always finds its own level. Get together with others on the same wave length as you. And there is also the internet. You are a netizen and can communicate with the rest of the world. Do you think that people don't notice? Like I said before somewhere else, it's not that easy to crank up and move a massive organization like the govt. Information gleaned or received is discussed and acted upon if considered necessary. It doesn't happen overnight. So it seems as it the powers that be are not doing anything but they are acting on the information that they have. They most probably have more information than we do, or maybe not. Can't really say unless you are there itself. Just have to press on. The Govt machinery needs some push - more effectively, internally but even external sources (eg. outsiders) will also make a difference. The thing is not to give up.

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Life is short. Live it to the fullest!

Well believe me they discuss alot of things...they discuss corruption...polution... just switch on the radio and you will see for your self..

but the issue is time...5 years ago this country was literally NOTHING !...no laws no policies...no even human rights... I think it is a matter of time..

talk to a yougnster from the new schools and you will see how education changed...I am sure the new generation will carry development even further...

It is obvious that the efforts were not adequate.

Do they actually study the impact of those efforts, identify the reasons they were not effective and re-launch improved measures based on their conclusions???!!!

I don't think so; KAIZEN is an unknown philosophy (among many others) in this country!

baldrick2dogs,

It’s our planet and we all have the obligation to respect and preserve it!

My post calls for the promotion of your piece of advice.

There have been attempts in the past few years by Qatar Friends of the environment centre (http://myqatar.org/) to raise awareness. Not to mention all the board signs on the street commissioned by Municipality council & ministry of environment .

Unfortunately, awareness never works here

unless a strict decree is enforced, I don’t think there will be any improvement

Thanks Kiwis.

It's really sad to face this reality and even more sad when people are unable to see it or keep on living on denial. Particularly when we have lived in societies that do care and take action towards the preservation of our world, just like New Zealand and other countries do!

As we all know, the first step to solve a problem is to recognize it and here recognition of weaknesses seem not to exist.

Lusitano, I'm sure the locals will tell you ... "It's our desert to polute". We are merley guests in their country. There's a saying you might be aware of: "don't sh!t on your own doorstep". apparantly they haven't heard it!

Did you Google it first?

lusitano I applaud you for voicing your opinions - I too agree with alot of what you have said. My husband and I often discuss all of these issues and wonder when the people of this country will wake up......before its too late.

All that is good, but unfortunately is restricted to a minority and the practical results are none!

Nobody cares, for example (another one), that youth in Qatar are not respectful towards the environment? That there are no recycle programs in Qatar? That every day tons of plastic containers are thrown away together with organic rubbish? That people throw rubbish out of their cars as if it’s a natural gesture?!

Issues like this when exposed properly, are embarrassing, and that embarrassment will eventually educate and cause people and authorities to react towards improvement!

There is a public radio show everymorning, there is doha debate TV show and not to mention the newspapers... all of what you mentioned is debated daily...

In DOHA DEBATE,a group of young qataris debated Qatar's ties with Israel with the Prime minister and it was a big debate!!! It did not even seem staged or anything...it looked real...

It’s great that something is happening, but obviously it’s not visible enough and the impact on society/authorities isn’t noticeable either!

People keep complaining about how some Qataris pollute the desert with rubbish all over, the aggressive way they drive and their drop-off school rates… but where is the authorities’ reactions/corrective measures?!

Written articles and art (for example)would have, in my opinion, a greater impact, as they would reach a wider audience and would remain as historical documents of the times we are living!

Thanks Britexpat for clarifying that those issues are daily discussed & debated at our dailies, radio & TV. off COURSE, it is in ARABIC.

http://lakomalkarar.com/.... A program that gets High government officials in a debate with QF students

o www.qatarradio.net/body.html “My beloved Country, Good morning“, a daily radio talk show that takes calls from both locals & expatriates”

No britexpat, I have not been in many countries, only 49 up to now.

I guess I've been lucky with the choices until now.

:)

I was referring to a cycle, something like this:

create / promote /expose / influence / take action / improve...

I am guessing you haven't been to many countries then..

Also, how do you know that these things are not debated/discussed? We as expats usually read/partake the "english language" media. This has stories/articles for our consumption. I am sure the Arabic medi has a lot more debate/interaction/feedback and criticism.