Counselor Abdulrahman Al Atiqi: Arab World Fragmentation Scheme Real
This is an Interview with Advisor Abdul Rahman Salem Al-Ateeqi, published in *Al-Mujtama* magazine, Issue No. 896, 11 Jumada al-Awwal 1409 AH / December 20, 1988 AD, p. 10.
Introduction
Mr. Abdulrahman Al‑Ateeqi is one of Kuwait’s distinguished
personalities… He has great experience in the world of politics and economics…
not only at the level of Kuwait, but also at the Arab level in politics… and at
the international level in economics… His assumption of some leadership
positions in the country was not what shaped his experience and balanced views…
rather, his awareness and culture were the main factors in his distinction… Mr.
Al‑Ateeqi was Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a
period of time… then he assumed the Ministry of Finance and Oil for many years
and represented Kuwait in many international conferences… Today he is an
advisor in the Amiri Diwan…
Al-Mujtama opens a comprehensive dialogue with Advisor AbdulRahman Salem Al-Ateeqi on many issues, local, Arab, and international…
beginning with the following question:
The End of the Gulf War and Resolution 598
The sudden end of the Gulf War and
the slow negotiations between its two sides… and the stagnant peace in the
region… In your opinion, Mr. Counselor… what is the secret behind Iran’s
acceptance of Resolution 598? And do you see in the current negotiations a
genuine Iranian desire for peace? Or does the specter of war still hang over
the situation?
I believe that Iran has become fully aware… It will not win a
victory, and the continuation of the war is a grave loss for it in lives and
money. In the end, the first and last winners are the enemies of Islam, which
Iran’s politicians claim to defend. As for the Arabs, hostility toward them is
older and deeper, since they are the bearers of Islam’s message. Any harm to
the Arabs is indirect harm to Islam. I have great hope for the success of
negotiations between the two neighbors.
Foreign Military Presence
Despite the current atmosphere of
peace, foreign military presence is still evident in the region. Fleets from
major powers continue to ply the waters of the Gulf… What are the objectives of
this intensive military presence?
Major powers have interests, and our countries are among the
zones of influence they divide. Colonialism remains as long as there is
strong and weak, cowardly or submissive. But the forms of colonialism have
changed into new shapes. Until Arabs understand their true role and agree on a
minimum of cooperation and understanding, with its warp and woof being the
defense of God’s law as brought by our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him…
Arabs will not rise, no matter how many weapons they pile up or how much oil
money they gather… while they are divided in creed and principles.
Economic Outlook After the War
Local economic circles are
optimistic that the end of the war will revive the local market by supporting
Kuwait’s economy… Is this true, or is transit trade before the war not the same
as after?
Conditions have changed greatly, and Kuwait’s ports are no
longer the only competitors in re‑export. Nevertheless, Kuwait will retain a
role due to its proximity and the quick movement of the Kuwaiti merchant.
Oil Market Crisis
The global oil market has become a
market for consumers, not producers… The economic damage is that the price of a
barrel has reached $13… its price in 1974 approximately… How do you see the
near future of the global oil market? And how can the GCC contribute to saving
oil prices from this frightening decline?
My hope is weak unless there is complete control, and I mean
cooperation between non‑OPEC countries and OPEC members… Locally, the
Emirates cooperate with the official authority in the federation to commit to a
production ceiling that includes everyone. From our side in Kuwait, citizens
must cooperate with officials to curb extravagance, otherwise…
GCC Economic Integration
Economic cooperation is one of the
slogans of the GCC… Do you see that the similar economies of GCC states,
dependent on oil exports, are capable of achieving the concept of “economic
integration”?
Not capability, but honesty, integrity, and genuine desire for
cooperation. Opportunism, as practiced by some member states, will destroy
everyone and block the possibility of cooperation, perhaps even leading to
opposite reactions.
Kuwait’s Income Sources
It is said that oil wealth and
foreign investments will remain Kuwait’s only sources of income for many years…
Are there no other options?
If we can make the Kuwaiti person a creative human
being capable of production with an inner drive from himself. There are many
countries with no resources other than human creativity and dedication to
production, driven by love of country first and personal interest second.
Otherwise, our situation will remain like a leech sucking our resources until
the source dries up and we perish, as long as we are accustomed to luxury,
comfort, and easy abundant income.
Demographic Structure
There is consensus on the danger of
Kuwait’s demographic composition… What is the way out of this problem in your
opinion?
If we put our plans into strict execution and reformed the
citizen’s condition, we would not have a crisis of expatriates… Yet the
presence of expatriates, who came to build and develop the country, has had
positive returns. No country in the world is without foreigners, few or many.
The important thing is how to benefit from them according to need, after
employing all the capacities of citizens. Do you not see the early retirements
and their dire consequences, and the weak productivity of citizens in general,
while our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, urged continuous work, saying: “If the Hour comes and in the hand of one of you is a
sapling, and he can plant it before it comes, let him plant it.” (Reported by al‑Bukhari in al‑Adab al‑Mufrad:
479).
The “Bedoon” Issue
The “stateless” category remains one
of the dilemmas facing Kuwaiti decision‑makers, given their presence in many
sensitive sectors of the state… How do you view this matter?
The responsible authorities have good visions in this regard.
I hope they will come into effect quickly.
Unified Gulf Passport
Some have proposed the idea of a
unified Gulf passport… Do you see a trend in this regard? Are there obstacles
preventing it?
Let us first resolve our internal problems regarding those
among us whom we do not recognize, before considering the unified Gulf
passport… because the matter is not one of color or size.
Administrative Reform
Administrative development has been
raised many times, and the government apparatus urgently needs reform… In your
opinion, what are the obstacles to reform in Kuwait? Do you sense enthusiasm
among senior leadership to implement this idea?
All this talk will not reach a result… until the day comes
when an employee passes a special exam before entering the job, then continuous
training courses, and promotion only after passing certain tests. Thus, only
those who prove competence reach leadership positions.
Resistance to Reform
There is a pessimistic view about
the government’s ability to reform, and about a wide layer of middle management
resisting this trend… What is your opinion?
I do not believe that… Throwing words carelessly is dangerous.
The matter is not about “love and say, hate and say.” It is not personal mood
in choosing subordinates. The individual passes, the position remains. Random
accusations are many, but the criterion is actual performance and opportunities
given to show activity and competence, so that fair judgment is passed. If we
have criminal investigations for criminals, why not administrative
investigations for employees who deviate from the right path, so that the
wrongdoer is held accountable and the good rewarded? Otherwise, matters will
continue without control, and “administrative reform” will become a trivial
phrase misused by those who do not understand it. Reform is not appointing whom
we like and dismissing whom we dislike, but a judicial act judging human
competence and integrity, issuing fair rulings on whether he deserves the
position, especially in senior leadership.
Higher Education
How do you see the course of higher
education in Kuwait… There is wide debate about its level and the state’s
ability to develop it and solve its problems?
May God help the Minister of Higher Education. The
matter is more serious than can be answered in a few lines. The state alone is
not responsible, but also parents and the learners themselves. If we can be
convinced why we learn, what we learn, and how we learn, we will be close to
clarifying the goal to pursue. But if the goal is, as now, a certificate then a
job, a university degree even if obtained by cheating, we will not reach the
desired goal. “See what al‑Qabas writes these days.”
The Palestinian Issue
The Palestinian cause… There are
continuous moves to liquidate it and confine it to the idea of a Palestinian
state in the West Bank and Gaza… How do you see the near future of this cause?
Will the PLO recognize “Israel”? Will Arabs then recognize it? What is your
personal opinion?
“Israel” is a reality whether we like it or not. Recognition
by the PLO or not will not change this. On the contrary, the Palestinian state
idea will not succeed except with Israel’s recognition. What truly
disturbs Israel’s politicians and citizens are the rebels of the occupied
lands, whose weapon is faith in God and stones. We are with them only in
prayers and radio noise about casualties. There is a Kuwaiti proverb: “They
beat us plenty, we cursed them plenty.” There is no power nor strength
except with God.
Read also:
6 Pillars for Education Reform in Kuwait
