Opinion | The Saudi Row

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

Have you ever had a conversation with your parents, and then after thought, wow what a great thought post. This is what I thought when I was offering my opinion about the Saudi row. While this is directly affecting Canada, the issues influence world reaction. The USA has said that it won't takes sides and interfere with Canada and Saudi Arabia relations. But what has happened does indirectly affect other nations, particularly those countries that are connected to both countries such as America, or investors, allies, partners, and so on. But we have to think why, and what did happen?  

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The expelling, withdrawals, was met with Trudeau escalating the matters, with a direct criticism of the kingdom's human rights violations. The human rights violation should not be ignored, but are complex, because we are dealing with customs, traditions, religion, mixed with Sharia Law. But if there was a rift or a row, rather than disrupting the lives of those who are sent from Saudi Arabia to study in Canada, I think that leaders should have tried to resolve conflicts with one another respectfully. Saudi Arabia is a very close ally to Canada, and Canada's response regardless of how it was justified was wrong. But why should relationships be dissolved that are good for the economy, foreign relations, and much more? Of course what I have to offer is an opinion. Now steering away, and thinking of this row from a human to human point of view. 

We can think about the idea of building trust. Trust takes years to build, and seconds to break. But when there are damages, or conflicts between relationships, how we choose to repair these matters. Everyone has boundaries, limits, and needs that vary. We only get to understand these when we begin to invest time, effort in these relationships. Relationships are effortful at the micro and macro level. If one thing happens that the other does not like, there becomes a decider. Are we going to choose to remain committed to our relationships, or is there a time to say enough is enough? There it all depends on what value we put upon relationships. Although relationships that are deeply cultivated relationships, become those of the priceless value.

We don't have to aim for perfection, sometimes just to know that someone is there is enough. In the same sense we can also think that the Kingdom should not waste relationships, or diplomatic efforts. Saudi Arabia's presence in the west also echoes a tone of friendship, and attempt to erase the radical views of Islam, and reducing / preventing Islamaphobia. This ultimately can begin with leadership, but also takes the investment of citizens that are engaged in soft power diplomacy. 

I think that the USA has offered a very smart response of not getting involved at the moment, because getting involved or taking advantage of the situation could turn around against the USA. While both decide to resolve or not to resolve the row, leaders or allies could offer mediation support.

​My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on August 9th, 2018.
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