The Middle East sheikhdoms awoke to the news of the killing of Osama bin Laden in the early hours of Monday, May 2, 2011. The general populace heading out of their homes to begin their days seemed already up-to-date on the very sensational piece via Twitter and other social media networks even as Al Jazeera English Television channel, which is considered to have a mild pro-Taliban stance, was relaying the images of the Taliban leader and the compound where he had taken refuge in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
The oil-rich region has rarely seen more than a decade of stability and peace and since the turn of this year has been experiencing more than its fair share of political upheaval. The disequilibrium was sparked by the Egyptian Revolution on January 25, 2011. Similar fights against existing governments fueled by social media networks spread like wildfire to Bahrain where many were killed in an uprising against the current Emir. What with the insurgence in Syria, the ongoing Palestine-Israel issue, the newly added Yemeni public resistance to their present administration, the Omani revolt, etc., the residents of the region are living in constant state of uncertainty about their future and are anxious to get on with the new reforms for a better life.
Though there has been no official response from the Middle East region heads yet, its residents are cautious and are wary of the fallouts of the killing in the land. The regimes and their public are not sure on how things will turn out in the weeks that follow. The public is left guessing on the continuance of America’s war on terror and the protective shield it offers the Gulf Cooperation Council states against terrorism and invasion from more powerful neighborhood nations.
On the streets, men and women are divided in their response to the death of the world’s most wanted terrorist. Khaleej Times, one of the leading English dailies from United Arab Emirates, published a Reuters report yesterday stating that public sentiment was divided.
“Those who revered him prayed the news was not true, but many in the Arab world felt the death of Osama bin Laden was long overdue.” (Source: Middle East Policy Council; Article Title: ‘The Region Reacts To Bin Laden’s Death’; Date: May 2nd 2011; URL: http://www.mepc.org/articles-commentary/commentary/region-reacts-news-bin-ladens-death)
Other residents of the region opined that bin Laden’s killing was only of a notional value and not as relevant because of the rise in secular uprisings that are toppling corrupt Arab administrations. Yet, in Saudi Arabia, bin Laden’s homeland, there was a general air of disbelief to the news of his killing and some even mourned his death.
The death of bin Laden has made one thing certain to those who live and work here and that is a change in the dynamics of living will be imminent if adverse and striking reactions to bin Laden’s killing will come from the supporters of bin Laden’s Taliban in the region.
The editorial message in a popular daily from Qatar is almost representative of the anxieties and apprehensions of the people in the region at the moment: “The killing of bin Laden is still only one step in the fight against terror. Bin Laden has had over 20 years to build a substantial international organisation, which is all the more dangerous as it is a loose alliance of like-minded people in many countries, ready to help and cooperate whenever needed, but without one central control.” (Source: Gulfnews.com; Article Title: Gulf News opinion: Osama dead, fight goes on ; Author: Francis Matthew, Editor-at-Large; URL: http://gulfnews.com/gulf-news-opinion-osama-dead-fight-goes-on-1.802080)
Clearly caution, fear, tension and much guessing is rife among those who live in the region. The salvaging stance comes from the mainstream educated who view bin Laden’s killing as a positive development for the world at large. Voices in cafes and public congregations support the continuance of the movement to root out dangerous terrorists and expose those who are trained by them for a safer world.
The views expressed in this article do not represent those of EmpowHER.com nor do they reflect the opinions of the author.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com