One of my university lecturers recommended that we watch a BBC documentary called 'Bitter Lake'. I just remembered noting it down, wondering what it has to in relation with the topic of contemporary media practices and colonialism as a sub topic, but making a mental note to go home and find out for myself.
'Bitter Lake', by Adam Curtis, is far from bitter, but an eye-opening film that made me feel mad at myself for my previous ignorance of the corruption between such influential countries in the world. What was particularly striking for me, is the fact that Britain and Saudi Arabia had agreed and signed off one of the biggest arms deal in the world. As a young Muslim woman who looks up to Saudi Arabia, as being such a beautiful and awe-inspiring country which hosts the annual Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj, this was a fact which was hard to sallow for me. How could such a holy city engage in buying and selling weaponry? How could Britain, a country that boasts peace and harmony want to tarnish its reputation by opting in for military items?
I guess the underlining similarities between both bureaucracies in Britain and Saudi Arabia, is the simple fact that both desire power and both desire wealth, and masses of it. This explains why Roosevelt, former 32nd president of the United States formed an alliance with former King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz, which consisted of the United States offering Saudi Arabia, wealth and security, in exchange for oil. In this instance, Saudi Arabia as a Muslim country seemed to be more interested in investing for a lively economy, rather than confront the United States for its misrepresentation of Muslims as terrorists, blaming the religion of Islam for the horrific and petty actions of a few individuals, who they themselves, have misinterpreted religion! And not only that, the US actively bombed an Afghanistanian hospital, as a result of false information, which is now being judged as whether or not it was a war crime by an international panel.
Around the world, it seems to me, we have lost ethics and morality at the sight of worldly pleasures and power. If we draw a parallel to documents being revealed this summer which portray Thatcher's conversation of Saudi Arabia's King Fahd, it is apparent how heartless one can be when it comes to building and maintaining commercial and political relationships. So heartless that Britain has been alleged to supplying £5.9 million in prison training contracts with the Saudi government, according to The Evening Standard .
To those in democratic power and positions, whom give highly motivational and philanthropic lectures and speeches, should stop and practice what they actually preach. Because you can only pretend and lie for so long, till you reap the consequences. Britain I know you want to grow rich, excessively rich and shine with prosperity. But trade with clean-hearted intentions and see the benefits yourself!
I guess the underlining similarities between both bureaucracies in Britain and Saudi Arabia, is the simple fact that both desire power and both desire wealth, and masses of it. This explains why Roosevelt, former 32nd president of the United States formed an alliance with former King of Saudi Arabia, King Abdul Aziz, which consisted of the United States offering Saudi Arabia, wealth and security, in exchange for oil. In this instance, Saudi Arabia as a Muslim country seemed to be more interested in investing for a lively economy, rather than confront the United States for its misrepresentation of Muslims as terrorists, blaming the religion of Islam for the horrific and petty actions of a few individuals, who they themselves, have misinterpreted religion! And not only that, the US actively bombed an Afghanistanian hospital, as a result of false information, which is now being judged as whether or not it was a war crime by an international panel.
Around the world, it seems to me, we have lost ethics and morality at the sight of worldly pleasures and power. If we draw a parallel to documents being revealed this summer which portray Thatcher's conversation of Saudi Arabia's King Fahd, it is apparent how heartless one can be when it comes to building and maintaining commercial and political relationships. So heartless that Britain has been alleged to supplying £5.9 million in prison training contracts with the Saudi government, according to The Evening Standard .
To those in democratic power and positions, whom give highly motivational and philanthropic lectures and speeches, should stop and practice what they actually preach. Because you can only pretend and lie for so long, till you reap the consequences. Britain I know you want to grow rich, excessively rich and shine with prosperity. But trade with clean-hearted intentions and see the benefits yourself!