Wrong track

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We all agree that true democracy is the foundation of reform. But what does this mean in practice? Is it not true that the people are the ultimate vehicle of reform? We all seem to be in favour of reform, so long as it starts with others. Talk to anyone. Ask people what they think of reform. You'll discover that they think reform is laudable, so long as they don't have to change. We all think we're perfect. Well, are we?

The same goes for governments. Arab governments have been trying to scuttle reform efforts for years. They try to discredit reform by saying that anything coming from abroad must be bad for our "Arab identity" or our religion. Eventually, the public internalises this message.

All forms of despair and frustration have spread in our societies. Much of the extremism and violence we see is but a symptom of a deeper problem, of a nation deep in denial. So let's agree on one thing. Reform is much bigger than regime change, for unless we all change our ways there is little hope. What we see around us is bigotry masquerading as reform. We have people who want to exploit the suffering of their compatriots. We have people who scream rather than debate, and who call each other names.

Our so-called reformists have lost their way. Some exploit religion. Others embrace escapism. No wonder, then, that our governments are so stagnant. It is also no wonder that certain groups are lurking in the wings, waiting for their chance to grab power. Our people are clueless. They are caught up in a vicious cycle of fear and doubt. Our intellectual and religious leaders have built us a prison with high walls that the public has voluntarily entered. We're trapped, in body, mind and soul.

Our only hope is comprehensive human and social reform, a reform that has nothing to do with sects, ethnicities or religions. We need a reform that is based on inner transformation, and one that respects those who are different from us. But there is no sign that any of this is going to happen soon. Instead, we'll get endless conferences and seminars. Instead, we'll get people opining about reform and its pros and cons. But until the individual becomes the focus of reform, we're on the wrong track.