"The people of Qatar have no need of extremism" Sheikha Mozah

PM ??? How can u 100% agreement ? It's too goood to be true :) It's a 5-paragraphs post?? Didn't you find any controversial statement ??? That would be amazing ...

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise

"slavery conditions"

it happened, still happens, maybe will continue to happen in the next hundred years. clear cut examples

slavery in the americas then followed by slavery conditions of the chinese, newly immigrants, today mexicans and poor central americans. all rich countries take or took advantage of the poor at some point.

slavery conditions in china. we saw how these brick factories were operating in rural china for the olympics

50-60-70s slavery conditions for north african arabs in western europe, beside the direct racism they suffered.

the new area being investigated and watched is the gulf arab states...construction companies show no mercy because these construction workers could be replaced in a matter of a short time...but however, i believe the root of the problem is back in their native countries where devious middle men thrive on a poor person ambition of earning a few...

qatar is taking steps..not great ones...but things don't happen over night...

Yeah I see your point . I know France is facing many difficulties regarding ''social compensations'', but it has never stopped asking people to pay taxes as long as I know. The principle is quite simple: you pay taxes to the state , but the state takes care of those who are in need and provide minimal services ( nedical, eduational, employement..etc)

I told you not to compare because France was ranked first country on the level of Life Quality.

Here in Qatar you can just look through your car's window to see people working under ''slavery'' conditions, you find out then that you're very far from Europe :D

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise

One of The biggest challenges the French government is facing is the financial compensation/social & medical support it offers and how it's abused by certain immigrants (or even nationals from certain race).

I'm not comparing Qatar to France, the second one being more bureaucratic.

I know genesis that this is happening all over the world.However, In France ( because this is your example) even people who are unemployed are given some financial compensation while they're looking for a job. We just cannot compare France and Qatar, because this would be unfair towards the second one. France is an old republic with a heavy loaded history of fights for freedom and equality. Nothing is gained without pain . But as you know two falses does not make one right . It's unfair wherever it could take place. Even here in Qatar it's clear that Westeners are getting better jobs than other nationalities. Is it correct ?

Even me when I came here I found myself given more previliges ( a better flat, a better car...etc)than some Asian guys that were a long time before in the company. I really felt ashamed by such an attitude. I know I can do nothing about it, but I really don't see any reason why some workers are treated diferently because of their nationalities. I hope things will change soon.

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise

Giving privileges to nationals is not a unique Qatari case. Let's take France for instance, In Leading French companies (even the 1s that have offices in Qatar)you'll always find a white French project manager (some are even newly graduates with no experience & poor English!) leading a team of Asian, marrocon & eastern Europeans experts.can you clarify that?

Bajesus - One guy can not get NOC to change job, Other guy can not find a job even though he qualified from a top 5 universities in USA :)

Dear Bajesus,

First, thanks for your valuable contribution. I see you have taken the time to read others before rushing into posting your reply, which is not always the case with others.Second, I would like to comment on some of your statements:

1- ''both Asian and Western, who have been offered opportunities in this country that they could have only dreamed of back in theirs, but unfortunately, only a few acknowledge it and even fewer choose to express gratitude for it''

Do you really think workers have to express gratitude towards Qatar ? Why? are they getting salaries without working ? The opportunities you are talking about are also jobs Qatar is in need of. The country needs those workers and cannot really progress without their contributions. So who should express gratitude? Moreover, critisizing the country system does not mean being ungrateful. I personally love Qatar and have a lot of esteem for Qataris, but I would say what is wrong with the system whenever this is necessary.

2- that we're not the 'bad guys' that many here, either directly or not, make us out to be? ( and you think WHY there aren't many Qataris posting on this site?!)

We have never said you are '' bad guys''. Of course you're not perfect. None is so actually. However, I just coould not understand the link between that and the fact that few Qataris post here ????? Are they afraid of criticism or are they expecting people to post threads of non-stop gratitude towards them and the country of Qatar. My friend you really didn't make any sense.

3- Finally, why is it a problem if Qatari's are afforded certain privilges?

Well. I guess your eternal fear of becoming a minority in your own country is making you acting unreasonably. Giving priviliges to some rather than treating people the same has never been a good choice ( you can refer back to lots of cases along human histor). What if I apply for a job/ University seat/ ...etc, and I have the same qualifications as a Qatari. Do you think this would be fair to chose the Qatari just because he is so ? Equality of chances has always been the motor of any so-called progress.

Thanks for your time and please think twice. The Land is Allah's Land . It's neither to Qataris nor to non-Qataris.

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise

Dear Bajesus,

First, thanks for your valuable contribution. I see you have taken the time to read others before rushing into posting your reply, which is not always the case with others.Second, I would like to comment on some of your statements:

1- ''both Asian and Western, who have been offered opportunities in this country that they could have only dreamed of back in theirs, but unfortunately, only a few acknowledge it and even fewer choose to express gratitude for it''

Do you really think workers have to express gratitude towards Qatar ? Why, are they getting salaries without working ? The opportunities you are talking about are also jobs Qatar is in need of. The country needs those workers and cannot really progress without their contributions. So who should express gratitude? Moreover, critisizing the country system does not mean being ungrateful. I personally love Qatar and have a lot of esteem for Qataris, but I would say what is wrong with the system whenever this is necessary.

2- that we're not the 'bad guys' that many here, either directly or not, make us out to be? ( and you think WHY there aren't many Qataris posting on this site?!)

We have never said you are '' bad guys''. Of course you're not perfect. None is so in fact. However, I just coould not understand the link between that and the fact that few Qataris post here ????? Are they afraid of criticism or are they expecting people to post threads of non-stop gratitude towards them amd the country of Qatar. Here My friend you really didn't make any sense.

3- FInally, why is it a problem if Qatari's are afforded certain privilges?

Well. I guess your eternal fear of becoming a minority in your own country is making you doing unreasonable acts. Giving priviliges to some rather than treating people the same has never been acceptable. What if I apply for a job/ University seat/ ...etc, and I have the same qualification as a Qatari. Do you think this would be fair to choose the Qatari just because he is so ? Equality of chances has always been the motor of any sso called progress.

Thanks for reading me and please think twice. The Land isAllah's Land . It's neither to Qataris nor to non-Qataris.

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise

I'm glad to see that there are people who witness these atrocities and are helping to make it known...even if it's just a blog on the net.

My wife's mother has been a maid for 15 years in Hong Kong. She is treated fairly, has her own passport in possession, and made enought to put all of her children through college.

Qataries wouldn't have to worry about their maids deserting them if they paid better and treated them human.

Everyday in the newspaper we read about the runaway maids and maids taking shelter in the embassies. Embassies where the people from immigration Department cannot come and abduct them, Hope you know that what happened to the Nepalese shelter in Qatar

And even if some of us try to provide a shelter to these poor people we are committing an illegal act punishable by deportation.

When will the Government realize that there is a problem that needs to be solved. Why is it that always the rules change upon being subjected to the Mighty International Pressure

One thing I do appreciate about HH Sheikha Mozah is that she has done a lot for Qataris and for the women of Qatar. And whether she puts on makeup or not that none of my concerns. Even Mother Teresa didnt put any makeup but hey I still have lot of respect for Mother Teresa.

The main problem what I see is that HH Sheikha Mozah has been doing a lot with campaigns like ROTA Reach Out to Asia but why hasnt anything been done for the labourers in her own country called Qatar.

Lets be honest for a minute and suppose if Qataris had to take NOC's and they had to take their employer's approval to buy car, to get driving license, to open bank accounts, etc etc would it be fair.

I understand that she is helping out Qataris and she should be doing so but dont you think that foreigners should have atleast some basic human rights like changing their jobs when they a better offer. In which part of the world do you need NOC to change excluding the highly sensitive jobs. In which part of the world due to need employer's approval to get a car, to get a driving license, to open a bank account.

And everyday we see the maltreatment meted out to the maids, and the workers. Even if these people were earning less back home that does not gives us any right to abuse them or take away their basic rights or to put them into poultry farm types homes

And saying that these people should go back home so that new poor worker will come in to take their just to leave after some time.

You need to stay within the system to fight the system.

Isnt it ironic that the foreigners living in Qatar for the past 30 years are still foreigners and we justfy this by saying that if these people are given citizenships the qataris would become minorities in their own countries

One israeli minister when asked that why dont they allow the palestinians to return to their homeland now called israel. he said that firstly they left on their own and secondly if we allow them to come back they israelis would become minority in israel and this we cannot allow to happen

Moreover bajesus Charity begins at home. Qatar needs to acknolwedge that the human rights violations are happening to solve them.

ROTA is not a government organisation, it's a private organisation for Her Highness and she's funding it (I think). The people living here are under individual sponsorships and not under the government's or her Highness's care so they're getting paid by their companies and not the govt.

And I think she's doing what she can to help people here, not sure what though.

Am I making any sense ?

Just woke up *yawn yawn*...had a long night yesterday ;)

Shhhhh....

come up for air from studying?

I vouch for everything said by bj, it's true that many non-qatari students have recieved financial aid by her Highness, but this loan must be either payed by working in Qatar after graduation (with a salary ofcourse) for about 2-5 years or giving a percentange (15%) of one's salary if he/she chooses to leave. So it's a pretty good deal considering how expensive these colleges can be...especially Cornell!

EC is the key to Qatar's successful future, I think it's the best contribution anyone has made for this country and inshallah it will revolutionize the minds of the coming generations for a better future.

As for Reach out for Asia, I've been involved in quite a few events and it's AWESOME! They have several charity events throughout the year and even have trips to poor Asian countries such as Indonesia, India, and even Lebanon (after the war's destruction in summer) etc and students are chosen to go there and make a difference like building schools, houses, educating children, anything to help out. So that's been another great idea turned into reality thanks to her Highness.

Can't wait to see what's to come...

"if certain "students are richer than the professors" so what?? their parents worked hard and earned that money and, more importantly, it's THEIRS therefore it's noone's business how much money they have! Besides, how do you know how much the professors get paid? do you personally hand out their salaries??"

Umm...that's the case in a LOT of universities across the world..students have more money than the professors. Used to you could drive on a campus and most the nice cars belonged to the professors...NOW you drive on campus and the expensive and nice cars belong to the students and the junkers belong to the professors! ;)

the health issues the Emir has..wish him the best in dealing with it..can't be easy.

Sheika Mozah...good on her for taking care of how she wants to look..Had I the money..I'd be smiling out of my bellybutton, most likely.

very well written n so true too

If you can't change your fate, change your attitude.

A very good and informative post BJ. Cheers.

Haha Alexa had a great point, indeed the clothes Mozah wears are awesome, and probably way beyond our reach. Ugh.

Now regarding some other comments on the subject - I've seen her up close and she doesn't have 2 cm of makeup, although her makeup is Arabic style - lots of eyeliner and mascara. But she's had some work done on her face, a surgery or two.

And I wonder whether Hugh G. Rection here (haha love your nick!) knows that there could be other reasons for people to be large, and not just overeating and fat. The Emir has a very, very serious health condition, and believe me when I say that he's dealing with it very well, considering the circumstances.

i go to bed.. it's 1 am here.. have a good night... or morning?? lol....

ground running and about died...

I have only one option: NOT to get jet lagged..lol...

i don't do well with lag...

my pleasure...

I cannot affort to be lagged out.. i go to work on Sunday...lol...

thursday perhaps..maybe you can join if you aren't lagged out.

my flight is tomorrow.. had some short time off for Aid...

jet lag is just about over except I keep waking up at 4 am...you here too?

Scarlett.. are you in Doha yet?

her as the guest of honor, in Texas and she just "floats" into a room..Even without previously knowing she was royalty, you would know. She's lovely, gracious and extremely intelligent.

I admire Sheika Mozah...the way shee looks, the way she thinks, the way she acts...

a lot of time to adjust

I respect that on a woman, trying to lead her country in a prosperous manner with real civil rights, surely I got my hat off for her success. The question that merges is: Is the Qatar man are really willing to support that movement?

Religion and the State affairs should not be mix at all...

The Red Pope of Qatar Living

only thing I might add is that when you have to work to obtain a job position, you tend to truly appreciate it more. It also makes you a much prouder person for having "won" that interview on your merits as a scholar. I don't have anything against someone giving you a job if you are truly the best person FOR that job.

Sheika Mozah is a lovely woman...and for the record..she doesn't HAVE 2 cm of makeup on..she's just as beautiful up close as she is in photos, and quite dignified but approachable.

personally speaking..she's done more for Qatar and its freedoms and progression than anyone else. She's started EC, gotten women the ability to be more free with their choices and job opportunites, and she cares deeply about children. She's very publically visible and involved, which is a huge difference from most countries in this area.

Small steps have to be taken to improve things and she's taken huge strides.

Now, as far as Qataris given jobs when they graduate....they are working on that...as in they are attempting to change the process and get the students to work for what they want. That was brought up during the building dedication at EC back in March. They are trying to make Qatar youth more accountable and not just be handed their positions. Again..slow process but it is happening.

Kudos to Sheika Mozha..please keep up the wonderful work.

Contrary to your belief, I know a lot of foreign workers, both Asian and Western, who have been offered opportunities in this country that they could have only dreamed of back in theirs, but unfortunately, only a few acknowledge it and even fewer choose to express gratitude for it.

How many times do I or any other Qatari have to point out that Qatar is not perfect? we Qatari's aren't perfect? that this country is still a 'work in progress' like every other country in the world? that we acknowledge our faults, that we reflect on them and that we try to correct them to the best of our abilities? that we're not the 'bad guys' that many here, either directly or not, make us out to be? ( and you think WHY there aren't many Qataris posting on this site?!)

EVERY country has it's flaws and bad apples and ours is no exception.

Now on to Sheikha Moza. She's not perfect, she's criticised and only god knows her imperfections but SO WHAT??? what this woman alone has done for this tiny country, for the entire region, for the Arab world is PHENOMENAL and nothing short of that! and her help and generosity is not only extended to Arabs! for example, have you ever cosidered what she's done to help international youth? take Education City. I've lost count how many (NON)Qatari students Ive come accross who've been given grants by Qatar Founhdation, headed by Her Higness, to come to Qatar and study in these universities, and NO they are not an "elite" or "special" group of people- They come in all shapes and sizes and from different backgrounds/nationalities. If you don't believe me ask PM or Cornellian for that mstter.

Still not convinced? Have you ever heard of a major charity campaign called "Reach Out TO Asia" headed by Her Higness as well? If not, do a little background check on it and see how many millions of dollars Qataris shell out to help impoverished, poverty-stricken and war-torn countries. And there are also many more local charities that Qataris donate millions and millions to every year, including my family, for the needy. If you don't hear about it, it's because we don't brag about it!

FInally, why is it a problem if Qatari's are afforded certain privilges? if we get given jobs after we graduate then I say GREAT because I don't want to be unemployed in my own country! if they pay me to study then thats even better because it motivates me! if certain "students are richer than the professors" so what?? their parents worked hard and earned that money and, more importantly, it's THEIRS therefore it's noone's business how much money they have! Besides, how do you know how much the professors get paid? do you personally hand out their salaries??

If you think Qatari's are the only "privliged" citizens in the world then you are sadly mistaken.

*Sorry for the lengthy post people. Hope I gave at least some of you something to think about before somneone else on here decides to post generlizing accusations.

Wow! With all due respect: Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Misnad of Qatar is fine as hell. Well she could scrape about 2cm of make-up off her face first. There is no way in hell she has a physical relationship with the Sheikh! With all that money, he doesnt' get gastric bypass, tummy tuck, lypo? He better never let her out of his site. If she wants to do something for women equality, she'd leave him. I didn't know Qatar had sumo wrestling.

"Milk and Cookies go together like Champagne and Doggie-Style."

when will she realize that there are other people living in Qatar other than the "People of Qatar"

All the Qatari students studying in Education City already have jobs, their tution is paid and on top of their tution they are getting salaries as well. these students are richer than the professors. sometomes i feel like.......

QUOTING FROG__

"Sometimes I feel like we have two or three QatarS. One for Qatari which is quite invisible for those people who have low incomes. A second Qatar for expatriates that are more or less getting reasonable salaries and a third one for people working in the middle of the desert under an extremely hot sun.

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise"

with thanx to Mr. Frog__

to help East meet West without losing their National Identity.

Read the article please, then you will see whe is referring to how she was concerned the young Qataris may lose their culture whilst not benefiting from what the west can offer.

"The difficulty for Qatar ... has been to advance socially without being swept away on the homogenising tide of global change.

"We were confused. Our youth were very close to losing their identity," she says. "We needed something that could be acceptable to young minds and also be part of our heritage and culture."

"The physical landscape has changed but the real difference is in people's minds, in their style of thinking," says Sheikha Mozah. "Pride and confidence allow them to be open to the rest of the world without hesitation. Now they feel they are part of this process [of change], and they feel responsibility. If you want to achieve a prosperous society, you need that. And I like to think we have achieved that."

The sheikha's proudest achievement has been her sponsorship of Education City, an initiative to attract top-notch American universities to set up "centres of excellence" in Qatar. The idea was born partly of her experience with her own seven children (including the heir to the throne), who she felt were in danger of becoming alienated from their roots but could benefit from the best western education had to offer."

I can't paraphrase it without reading it all again, I'm sorry, so please go look at it if you haven't already. I've pulled out a few paragraphs.

''Satisfaction is the ideal immunisation against terrorism."

She 's certainly not talking about Expatriates. Sometimes I feel like we have two or three QatarS. One for Qatari which is quite invisible for those people who have low incomes. A second Qatar for expatriates that are more or less getting reasonable salaries and a third one for people working in the middle of the desert under an extremely hot sun.

Some are Wise ... Some are ...Otherwise

I have contacted Admin, but hope they see this post because I tried to upload it again and only the text appears :(

No other Qatar women has done as much for Qatar to elevate the position of women and education in the MiddleEast, we need more women like her. She may not be perfect but none of us are, but she is doing more to help the society than most priveldged women in this society. We need more women like her.

I wish before they inanct some dress code rid Qatar of the prostitutes that will help with the dress code.

She is right if only we consider Qataris as the people of Qatar. We all know that Qataris have lots of opportunities and freedoms not like the foreigners in Qatar.

So long People of Qatar. We foreigners living in Qatar for the past 20-30 years are not even people of Qatar. serves us right. Atleast she should have said people in Qatar

Another 'snippet' to whet your appetite to read the entire article :D

"The sheikha's most trenchant comments are reserved for the so-called clash of civilisations, a concept that has become dangerously fashionable since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US.

"Islam has been used as banner to mask political agendas," she says. "We didn't do enough to combat this. It is the responsibility of all of us to deconstruct this narrative that tries to build division and dichotomy between Islam and the west, which does not exist."

..

Oh, and doesn't she look smart! Now what is so bad, ladies, about her clothes (in the picture) as a 'dress code' for Qatari ex-pats, hmm? :P