President Bush has now concluded his whirlwind Middle Eastern tour during which 2 days were spent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The security prior to and during his visit was intense as was expected. Traffic patterns were diverted and the police and military security were out in full force. Although President Bush spent a large portion of his time outside of the city of Riyadh at King Abdullah’s farm, some activities brought him into the city itself.
News coverage of this visit was broad and covered by all networks. Viewers could see his arrival, portions of meetings, time at the King’s farm as well as touring the King Abdulaziz Museum and other historic sites in Riyadh city. Bush portrayed himself as a congenial, open, friendly and very natural world leader. He was not reserved in showing enthusiasm, expressing pleasure and asking questions and making comments on what he saw.
While at the King’s farm he was shown how Saudis hunt with the falcons, train and work with the Arabian horses, introduced to the Haroof Nejdi (indigenous sheep of Nej’d), participate in the traditional ardi dances of the Beudion, eat traditional food and of course be welcomed with Arabic kawa and dates. I enjoyed viewing the surprise on his face as he saw the haroof nejdi. In fact he had the vehicle stopped and exited from the vehicle to get a better look. My husband and I both smiled as he was presented with his Arabic coffee and before taking a sip raised the small cup as if to indicate “cheers” before taking a sip.
It should be noted that Bush is one of the very few if not the only one who had the honor during the traditional ardi dance to be placed not only beside the flag bearer but to help hold the flag. The flag that is displayed during these Royal performances is one of the original flags of the Kingdom. Usually a special guest is not given an honor to hold or touch the flag such as was done with Bush.
Footage was taken during evening hours when Bush and his entourage were at the King’s farm. They were in a traditional setting and with the weather being at its coldest were all presented with the traditional Beudion robes. At first glance it was unusual seeing these American dignitaries (to include Condoleeza Rice) being filmed while wearing robes because they do resemble an oversize bathrobe. However take my words for it, they are the ideal item to snuggle into on a chilly cold night.
For those who had the opportunity to view some of the various footage, what were your thoughts? Did Bush conduct himself in a manner appropriate of a world leader? Was his open and natural enthusiasm okay or was it undignified for a world leader? For example, when presented with the cup of Arabic coffee he then beckoned and insisted the man who was pouring the coffee join him and pose for a photo. Unlike other world leaders and dignitaries, Bush was also more friendly in the way he patted shoulders of Saudis or reached out to link hands with the King or other Royals. He interacted with young Saudi students with laughs, hugs and other gestures captured by the film. I point this out as most world leaders are usually more reserved in their actions while on camera.
I’m not going to go into any of the political ramifications of his visit as that is covered intensely by the media and other blogs. But I’d like to hear from readers in regards to the cultural perceptions of his actions. Did Bush conduct himself in an appropriate manner as a world leader to a conservative country like Saudi Arabia? What kind of an impression did he make on Saudis and others as well in regards to how he was seen on film?
Filed under: America, culture, horses, islam, politics, relationships, religion, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, terrorism, travel, Uncategorized
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I haven’t seen the footage you describe, but I’ve seen other footage of Bush patting Saudi shoulders. I wondered about that. Is that appropriate behaviour in KSA? It isn’t where I come from.
I don’t like my shoulder patted by anyone.
In my view at least patting the shoulder as he did is unusual in the Saudi culture unless one knows someone very well.
Im an american living in Riyadh and the pictures i saw of the president on arab news were not the same as those i saw on msnbc and cnn. I mean imagine what would the american public think seeing their president wearing a traditional beduin overcoat (a farwa) which if you ask me looks like a dead bear from a distance.
Bush looked like he was having fun when he was holding that sword and was linking his arm with the king
I very much enjoyed reading your post. It is very interesting reading of his visit from an “insider’s view”.
I am just curious-do you participate in US politics? Are you registered to vote? Do you vote absentee?
Again, these questions are asked sincerely.
arabicarabic – welcome to my blog! You’re so right – it was interesting watching how the different media portrayed the President’s visit and which footage was shown. Thanks also for providing the correct term (farwa) for the beduin overcat. It may look like a dead bear but you can’t beat it for warmth!
Safiyyah – I agree that Bush certainly looked like he was having fun and enjoying himself throughout all the footage that was shown.
mrsquigs – glad you enjoy the “insiders” perspective. I’m not sure what you mean by participate in US politics. I certainly follow them and enjoy discussing them with anyone! Yes; I am registered to vote and do vote absentee. I like to think that being away from the US my views have become more impartial. After all if one is not “inside the Beltway” it allows you to see US politics from a different perspective.
I was in Dubai while President Bush was visiting Saudi Arabia.
My husband and I were staying in a hotel that was adjacent to Burg Al Arab where he visited for a short time (from Riyadh I’m guessing). We were so close, that we could have walked over to visit him, if we had been allowed! Security was not more than usual…other than an extra few helicopters buzzing about. I had been on the beach the day before, picking up shells and taking pictures of the hotel to send to my family, and no one said ‘boo’ about it. I doubt I would have been given that much freedom if I had been in a similar situation anywhere else. I’m sure that there was plenty of security in the hotels also, but it was well out of sight.
For Bush’s arrival, the major streets of the tiny country were completely shut down and the town was thrown into ‘lockdown’ for 12 hours…the country declared a national holiday. I didn’t mind because I was in a resort hotel, but I felt sorry for the taxi drivers and restaurant workers who couldn’t earn their wages that day. The newspapers reported the following day that it would cost millions of dollars in lost wages. Many were upset that they didn’t have advance notice. But, I think that it was in Dubai’s best interest to take precautions and be sure that there were no problems during the visit….the first by any U.S. President, I think.
The press I witnessed on t.v. seemed to be mostly positive there…at least on the English channels. I noticed the ‘patting’ also….a bit no, no of touching in Saudi…but, I think that he meant well, and no one made a big deal about it.
More here:
http://acropolisreview.com/2008/01/george-w-bush-after-thought-middle-east.html
Carol,
I believe the visit must have been a good one as our gas prices here in Indiana went from $3.07 a gallon to $2.87 a gallon in less than one week! LOL! Maybe it was the shoulder patting?! LOL! Haven’t seen gas prices like these for about 6 months!
Peace & Blessings! : )
Tina,
That is indeed good news! Although as I understand the discussion in regards to the price of oil was that the price would continue to be set on market demand. Enjoy!
Best Regards,
Carol