LET US NOT DAMAGE OUR CULTURAL FABRIC

AS a Bahraini I have spent many decades here observing the changes in our
society.

From a once undeveloped Middle Eastern nation we have made great strides in
developing our economy and inclusion of minorities within our country. Yet
at the same time we have begun to lose our cultural and religious fabric -
which once bonded us all together so strongly.

We are becoming more and more Westernised and are moving towards
secularisation of mosque and state.

We can see the results of this all around us. Our once well-behaved children
are turning to drugs and violence; they commit crimes and they begin to
disrespect not only their parents but others.

What good does it do if you try and teach your children good values when
they are constantly bombarded with messages from the outside world that aim
to undermine these same values?

I can still remember a time when we once used to welcome strangers
regardless of their race or religion into our homes for meals, where we once
greeted strangers as if they were brothers or sisters. Sadly this time is
passing - let us not let it become extinct.

Is it really any surprise that the same "Hippies" that promoted free love,
amorality and drugs in the US are now the neo-cons that lead the Bush
administration.

I guess they finally realise the cost of what they wanted so dearly. That is
their price for not promoting religious values and encouraging
secularisation.

It is sad that an outsider such as Angry Expat - misguided as the person may
be has asked questions we Bahrainis should be asking ourselves. What is the
price of morality?

Thanks Angry Expat, for you finally made me think.

Ali Al Ahwad