HUFFINGTON POST
R.W. Sanders
One hundred years ago, when I was in college, I had two pretty good friends of the Islamic faith. One, Abdul was from Yemen, the other Shaqib, from Fez, Morocco. Now, one might wonder how a hillbilly in Springfield, Missouri ran into two such distinct persons. Well, it was only 40 years ago (see how much younger that makes me), and these two were accompanied by two of the most beautiful women I’d ever seen. When they began to belly dance at this party, I was deeply in lust. As at 18, I was pretty normal in that regard. These were Abdul’s sisters, Samiah and Suate (sam eye ah and sue aat) and both my best friend and I sidled right on up to the boys, to get to the girls. And though we both liked the girls very much, the boys became our friends.
These Guys Were Lots of Fun!
Abdul’s father was the Yemeni ambassador to Ethiopia in those days, so he was somewhat of the upper crust in his home country, though I often wonder what became of him and if he is safe. He was very intelligent and one of the most personable people I have encountered. In fact, my favorite anecdote on Abdul involves the summer he spent in North Carolina selling Bible reference books door to door. He led the company in sales, even introducing himself with his Arab name. That is the power of his personality.
Shaqib, from Morocco, was more salt of the earth type. Perhaps it was only the culture difference between their two countries, but Shaq had a great personality. His favorite line was “you can find me at the party cause I’ll be the only guy from Fez wearing one.” A truly great guy. I am less worried about him.
What Has Happened in Yemen?
Perhaps the Arab spring will succeed, though right now it looks in danger. Why do an entire people or culture group get so upset over the film of one crackpot? This I’ll never understand. Perhaps if I understood Islam a little better, I would. But it just seems very, very strange that a people could get upset enough to kill over such a trivial thing as that film. Or a cartoon, for that matter. What is up with this?
We did not raise the Saudi Arabian embassy, even after 3,000 died on 9/11. We did not burn the Japanese embassy after Pearl Harbor. We simply do not react in such a very radical manner. Not to say we are better, but we are much safer when pissed off. We’re more likely to write a letter to the editor than send a letter bomb to an ambassador. What is this difference in the two peoples?
Shouldn’t We Have More in Common Than Not?
When I see demonstrations and killings like happened in Libya and perhaps to a slightly lesser degree in Yemen, Abdul”s home, I flash to those two guys, and I sincerely hope they are safe, particularly Abdul. How someone as good as he can exist with those as bad as the radicals, is intriguing to say the least. Does he knuckle under to peer pressure, or does he speak his very progressive mind and face down the rebels? I wish I knew, but don’t look forward to my traveling there anytime soon.
I suppose I could possibly find all of them on the internet, but isn’t that the way these things go? One finds oneself wondering and curious, just not curious enough to do the research. I think I have the curiosity factor. What I am scared of is the Grim Reaper. I do hope Abdul and his family are safe, as they are Yemenis who could fit right in to mainstream America, as they have proven. A family of beautiful, intelligent people trapped in a country out of control.
It is my sincere hope that Abdul did not write his president’s statement, which was a placating mass of quivering ooze. No wonder. I bet he has a lot of trouble sleeping at night. My hope is that Abdul did not follow his father into public service, as I am unsure if many Yemenis appreciate anything. This newest conflict is simply beyond my knowledge base, as I’m sure it is with others. But, having known personally several from Yemen, and of course Shaq, it keeps me from flying off the handle and immediately declaring all Yemenis bad people. I personally know there are very good people there. It is my sincere hope they will prevail in their civil struggle, and quit worrying about some apparent lunatic who made a picture. After all, we didn’t attack our own embassy after Oliver Stone made “JFK.”
