This quote is taken from an Iranian, but I think the sentiment — and language — would be the same for many Arabs:
On July 4, Mahmoud Esmaeili, a 33-year-old software engineer, became an American citizen. Here’s why: “I like the system here. I like the rule of law. You know what to expect and what to not expect, so you can plan. That was the major part of why I wanted to be part of America.” — from the Washington Post.
In Arabic the word for ‘system’ is ‘nizam’. On one level it refers to the governing apparatus, as heard during the Arab revolts, “al-shaab yurid isqat al-nizam,” or “the people want the downfall of the regime.” Mubarak had his nizam, so did Morsi, and now Sisi bears the weight of the term.
But the term implies more. It is the way society operates. On this level Mubarak, Morsi, and Sisi are much the same. Regardless of their political orientation, most people I meet complain equally about the Egyptian nizam.
And they are equally jealous of the American nizam.
The Post article relates a fascinating survey that shows 93% of Americans believe that respecting American institutions and laws are very important to being American.
Read the article to discover other criteria that polled high or low, but take a minute to be thankful for the American nizam — regardless of who hold office.
And take a moment of reflection also about the foolishness of certain political trends that seek to undermine it.
We must jealously guard our constitution, laws, separation of powers, electoral system, and essential rights. The human tendency to power must be tamed by a social contract that agrees to play by the rules.
This contract, says the survey, suggests Americans are far more united than commonly thought. Both parties would do well to better esteem this consensus.
One Iranian, I trust, would heartily agree.
Can any Farsi speakers verify if ‘nizam’ would have been his word of choice?
Jayson Casper 