A man, like many others, was killed for agendas that were not his own. The difference this time is that he was one of us. What happens now? I will not discuss how, why or by whom this man was taken from his loved ones so tragically. What worries me is some of the comments that ensued after the tragic news broke. "This just got personal." If the statement was taken on face value, it probably does not warrant much thought. Having said that, as I mulled it over and saw it repeated by various people, I came to the belief that this comment comes with devistating conotations. Why is it that things need to go this far for Libya's struggle - or anyone's for that matter - to become "personal"? What was it prior to Ali Hassan Al Jaber's death? Isn't the sheer virtue of being fellow human beings personal enough, or does the pain have to spread to our own backyard for us to start feeling? I have no doubt in my mind when it comes to the compassion and drive the Qatari people have and the charitable nature upon which this closely-knit community is built - which is perciesly why I find this whole thing disheartening. What I find most revolting is how Al Jaber's death is quickly morphing into a cherade glorifying Al-Jazeera and making this ordeal all about how this is a blow aimed at Al-Jazeera and one to which this fearless being will not succumb. I know to take everything with a grain of salt and, if you know me enough or ask those who do, I'm the person who's always defending people's actions and trying to find excuses for what may otherwise be construed as anything but bona fide. However, my eternal-sap nature makes me a person who has much resepct for the sanctity of the memories of those who are no longer with us. I can't begin to imagine how seeing this man's death being paraded to serve multiple, differing agendas must make his family. To them, and to those who mourn him even though they may not have heard of him prior to a few hours ago, I extend my deepest apologies. A man died. A man who had nothing to do with anything was killed and lost to his family and loved ones - a family that, judging by the immediate reactions, spans across continents. It is downright disgusting when the story gets spun and used into something other than that. When it gets weaved into a sob story that will be used and abused as a ploy on people's emotions. I'm not naive nor am I conspiracy theorist. I ramble a lot and, more often than not, fail to make sense to those other than myself. I, however, know that Al Jaber's death is not to be mourned for it will not be in vain; my prayers are with the people all around the world sharing the same pain Al Jaber's family is undergoing right now. I pray for them to be given the serinity not to overcome their loss, but to learn to live with it. My hope is for it to always remain personal because, for the people of this country, it has always been. We just keep neglecting how truly amazing we are. Yeah, I think I'm done.
To love your country is one of the noblest of feelings. It’s born out of respect, pride and gratitude for the land in which, and by which, you were loved and cared for. It grows and expands to fill every vein and vessel. This torrent of emotions often settles in the background, masked by the little worries and joys of daily life. It lingers quietly, in a dimly lit corner of our minds and hearts, but it’s always there. More often than not, this harbored dedication shows itself in brilliant outbursts of patriotism. These outbursts are most evident, in a peaceful context, on National Days.
On the 18th of December, Qatar turns 132 years of age. Quite young, compared to its peers, I think. This is a country that, up until recently, could not be identified by means other than geographical proximity to its famous, neighboring countries. In a number of years decidedly less than mine, it became one of the most influential figures on a global scale. This, in my opinion, is a direct result of a booming economy, splendid humanitarian efforts and a commitment to a better education and understanding of the world.
The most significant factor, however, is one of the most basic components of a country: the people. It’s us, with our small worries and busy lives. We made our country the young princess it is today. We went to school even though we didn’t want to (mommy made us even though we told her classes were off, really). We left our country, to bring back the wisdom of other cultures, but it never left us. We became lawyers and teachers and doctors and politicians and kept this fabulous machine well-oiled. Most importantly, we started our own families and made our kids go to school and taught them to be good and instilled the love of this great nation in their little hearts by being who it raised us to be. We are the investment that paid off, big time.
Mark Twain, one of my favorite people to have ever existed, once said that patriotism is supporting your country all the time. I wholeheartedly agree. As much as I resent the notion of attempting to cram all the feelings one has for someone, or something, into one measly day, I urge you to have fun this National Day. Sing and dance and feel proud to be part of this pretty, young thing. But don’t forget that your love for Qatar is not meant to be marked on a calendar; it is to be expressed in a lifetime of commitment to the betterment of your motherland. You put this country on the map and you’re the only one who can keep it there. Make every day a National Day.