Reform means building, not destroying

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi pledged his allegiance to President Sheikh Khalifa against oppositional groups he claims are trying to "harm the nation." In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) Sheikh Saud stated "We as nationals of this country are united in one common goal which is defending this country and preserving its achievements. We can hardly believe it that a group of nationals have met to create an organization that seeks to ruin our country and to harm it, its leadership and its great national heritage." Contrary to the Sheikh's comments on unity, loyalty and faithfulness, Amnesty International describes the UAE royal family as enforcing a "crackdown on peaceful dissent." The state announced that those arrested confessed to planning crimes involving "jeopardising national security". Though in a country where political parties are not allowed and freedom of expression and association is limited, the definition of the crime remains unclear. Amnesty International also sites a "risk of torture or other ill-treatment as we have previously documented in the UAE." "We Emiratis are raised with certain noble values which require a full appreciation of the value of the home country and acceptance that one's home is as dear as one's mother and father. We also believe that reform means building the country and not destroying it." People here are well aware of the fact that their country keeps its doors wide open for them to nurture his or her work. People in this country know their rulers very well and know that there is this intimate unity of purpose between the leadership and the people." Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi dismissed criticisms of the government system stating "People here know that any ship needs a captain whose image should always be preserved." some of those arrested are said to be associated with the Reform and Social Guidance Association (al-Islah), a non-violent group who have engaged in peaceful political debate in the UAE for many years. The whereabouts of the 35 arrested remains unknown according to Amnesty International.