A“sin” is a crime committed by an individual, group or country with premeditated intention, which hurts others in the process. A “mistake”, on the other hand, is often unintentional. Political crimes are the most horrible and horrendous crimes because thousands, and sometimes millions, of people get hurt. Political sins are the most terrible and grave sins because the harm they do can last for decades and even centuries. The current presidents of dictatorial Arab republics have committed many sins and crimes and their people and the Arab nation are paying the price. It can be said that most of these sins and crimes are committed in cold blood because these dictators abuse their power and use it for their own interests with the intention of remaining in power as long as they can. They spare no effort in repressing anyone who opposes them. The four destructive sins these presidents commit are: 1. They come to power using dishonest and illegitimate methods such as coups, conspiracies and rigged elections. This is a grave sin because it deprives people of their right to choose their president and it harms the interests of the country. A dictator only cares about his own interests and how to remain in power, come what may. 2. Many lives have to be lost before a dictatorial president steps down. When a president rules an Arab republic, he usually refuses to step down when his term of office ends according to the constitution. He fights tooth and nail to stay in power as long as he can. Some presidents work hard to have their sons inherit their posts. To achieve this evil goal, the dictatorial Arab regime exerts great efforts. It mobilizes the country's resources and capabilities for this goal and does not hesitate to use all types of repression and terrorism to enslave people. That is why the general public pays a high price and thousands of lives are lost in overthrowing a dictatorial regime. Once dictatorial Arab leaders commit the first sin, they follow it with the second. 3. People can put up with the bitterness and harm caused by a dictator, but not forever. They are bound to rise up and revolt against the dictator even if it takes years or decades for this to happen, and Gaddafi is a good example. People will sacrifice their lives and money to get rid of the dictator and put an end to his regime. However, once the president is overthrown, people will have to deal with the fourth sin. 4. People have to set up an alternative regime and end the nightmare they have been living in so that they are able to lead an honorable life. Most often a dictatorial president does not set up institutions to help the public lead an honorable life. His only motto is: “After me, the flood”; to overthrow him, the general public will have to pay a very high price. People will be fortunate if they are able to end the dictatorial regime without bringing about turbulence, war and national instability. The last sin does not usually end when the president leaves. Its ramifications continue to exist for a period of time and the despot is responsible for this outcome. (Dr. Sadaka Y. Fadhel is a Member of the Shoura Council and Professor of Political Science) __
