Mr. Minister you have disappointed the city of Jeddah by imposing rigid rules to marginalize the women elected to the Municipal Council by demanding that they use separate entrances and isolated quarters. How can you allow the extremists to dictate their intolerant attitude over a progressive society like Jeddah? The culture of the people of Jeddah holds women in high regard and treats them with great respect. Jeddah is recognized as being different from other cities in the Kingdom. The city is labelled "Jeddah Ghair" or "different" by the majority of Saudis because it is perceived to be the most open city in Saudi Arabia and has been promoted because of that to attract regional and domestic tourism. Jeddah is the home of a highly cultured business community of both genders, and promising progressive young men and women who do not conform to extremist practices that are not relevant to modern times. Jeddah is a cosmopolitan city with a global outlook and an international reach. It is the gateway to Makkah and Madinah, Islam's two holiest cities, where Muslims of all cultures come for Haj and Umrah. The city of the Hijaz region is on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is the largest city in Makkah province, the largest seaport on the Red Sea and is one of Saudi Arabia's primary resort cities. It is the second-largest city in Saudi Arabia and is an important commercial center. Historically, Jeddah was well known for its legendary money changers and it is where eventually Saudi Arabia's first bank, the National Commercial Bank, was founded. Economically, Jeddah is focused on developing capital investment in scientific and engineering leadership within Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. It was independently ranked fourth in the Africa-Mideast region in terms of innovation in 2009 in the Innovation Cities Global Index. Historians and travelers have written about its culture and character. Unfortunately, this historical, cultural and economic center continues to be denied all attempts to allow it to prosper and modernize. The gradual influx of people from rural areas who came to work in the city created a demographic change that was very detrimental to the development of the urbanized center. Traditional rural customs were imposed on the once more-open, cultured city with those who held hardline positions refusing to change or modernize. The original culture of the city was compromised mainly because of the rigid policies that were imposed depriving the whole of society of equal rights and respect. Today, extreme rural community values continue to dominant the social environment of the city. An extremist ideology took over and to this day remains resistant to any change. Thus the struggle between the two cultures continues. It is a struggle between the moderates who advocate progress and change and the hardliners who perceive any change as a threat that could undermine their authority and control. How long do we have to put up with these extremists who remain in control of the courts and the education system and continue to indoctrinate the whole of society with their intolerant views and very rigid interpretation of Islam? Their main target is women and they insist on exerting control over their lives, resisting government initiatives to recognize the achievements and contributions of highly qualified women to the nation's development. Educated and professional women are given a hard time if they attempt to participate in public life, conduct business, attend international conferences or assume leadership positions. Our youth are also victims of extremists who pollute their minds with hate against anyone who does not adhere to their intolerant, extremist ideology. The Saudi government has pushed for modernizing the Kingdom since the 1950s; however, religious extremists have always slowed progress with their intolerant ideology that continues to obstruct the path of progress in this country. Years of national campaigns and government programs to advocate moderate Islam have passed in vain. We cannot remain silent bystanders any longer; we must take a strong stand against these obstructionists. It is the duty of every educated and progressive citizen to support government reforms that marginalize the role of the extremists among us. Moderate voices must not be denied official support. Extremism is a threat that has initiated terrorism and the rise of Islamophobia. Saudi Arabia today is a victim of terrorists and the target of a Western media campaign to demonize Saudis and Islam. King Abdullah's initiatives to empower women and King Salman's efforts to promote moderation and progress need more support from progressive officials and educated citizens so that they can make a difference. Mr. Minister you cannot allow extremists to dictate; the city of Jeddah expects you to take a stand. Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
