In his book, “Social Glimpses from the History of Iraq,” Iraqi intellectual Ali Al-Wardi told a story about the affairs in the Arab world, not only Iraq, regarding loyalty and patriotism. Al-Wardi explains how, for many Arabs, money is more important than the homeland and even more precious than their own people.
Al-Wardi says that in 1917, British General Stanley Maude entered a region of Iraq where he encountered a shepherd. Stanley approached him and asked his translator to tell him, “The General will give you one pound sterling if you slaughter your shepherd dog.” It is well known that the dog is the most important element in a shepherd’s job, as it guides the flock and helps protect the sheep from predators. At that time, one pound sterling was enough to buy half a flock of sheep. The shepherd was delighted, his face beaming, and he brought the dog and slaughtered it at the General’s feet. Then the General said to the shepherd, “I will give you another pound if you skin it.” The shepherd promptly took the pound sterling and skinned the dog. Stanley said to the shepherd, “I will give you a third pound if you cut the dog into small pieces.” Immediately, the shepherd complied, took the pound, and left. Then, the shepherd ran after the General and his men, calling out, “Will you give me another pound if I eat the dog?” The English officer replied, “No, I only wanted to see the people’s character and understand your mentality. You slaughtered, skinned and butchered your companion and dearest friend for three pounds. Moreover, you offered to eat it for a fourth pound.” Then, the General turned to his soldiers and said, “As long as there are many people like this shepherd, you have nothing to fear.”
Hosni Mubarak and the Governor
One day, after the late Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak finished his appointments at the Presidential Palace, he returned to his home in Heliopolis and heard disturbing noises on the ground floor. When Mubarak went downstairs, he found laborers doing some maintenance works, along with an official in charge of the renovation of presidential palaces and villas.
Mubarak called him over and asked, “What is going on here? What is all the commotion about?” The official replied, “Mr. President, the First Lady wanted some renovations and a change of colors in the living room and the curtains.” President Mubarak, upset, said, “That means the house will be in chaos for two or three days.”
The presidential aide quickly responded, “No, Mr. President, it will only take two or three hours. Just relax a little while, and when you come back, everything will be fine.” Surprised, President Mubarak asked, “How can the work be done in two or three hours? I know very well that painting takes time – the plaster needs to dry, sanding, applying the first coat, applying the second coat, and so on. It is a long story.”
The presidential aide replied, “You are absolutely right, Mr. President. But this time we are using quick-drying paints, and I assure you it will not take much longer.” Mubarak asked, “Are these materials imported?” The presidential aide replied, “No, sir, it is an Egyptian product manufactured in a new factory in Borg El Arab. Only the raw materials are imported.” President Mubarak left him and went upstairs. After waking up from his nap, he went downstairs to the ground floor, where he found no workers and everything in order -- the walls were painted and new curtains were hanging. Mubarak instructed the aide, “Remind me where that factory is located.” The aide replied that the factory is in Borg El Arab and owned by an Egyptian citizen. Hosni Mubarak said, “Well, tell the factory owner I want to meet him, but do not tell anyone.” The aide contacted the factory owner and informed him of the President’s request to meet him.
The next day, the businessman arrived at the Presidential Palace and found an entry permit in his name at the gate. The factory owner entered to find the President waiting for him. The President asked him about the factory’s history and how the project began. The factory owner said, “I am hoping to bring the most advanced global technologies to Egypt.” Mubarak asked him if he was facing any problems. The businessman replied, “No, Mr. President. Thank Allah, everything is fine, except the factory has not received its official license yet. I need to wait until I get the license, so I can import new equipment.” At that point, the President instructed his secretary to contact the governor and gave directives for the procedures to be completed immediately. The meeting ended.
A few months later, President Mubarak remembered the businessman and told the official, “Call him and tell him the President wants to meet with him.” To everyone’s surprise, the businessman declined. The official asked, “Why are you refusing to meet with the President? Are you aware of what you are saying?” The businessman calmly replied, “I did not mean any offense. Frankly, after the President intervened, the governor revoked the temporary license and issued an order to evacuate the factory, otherwise, the equipment would be confiscated.” Upon learning of this, Mubarak was furious and ordered the governor’s dismissal. Mubarak sent a message to the governor: “Leave your office within a few minutes.” The factory resumed production efficiently, as if nothing happened.
