Quote Originally Posted by Ragatino View Post
In the Middle East things are considerably more traditional. Dignity, respect and decency are still integral to society. in 8 yrs I've only seen 1 or 2 people screaming, shouting and arguing in public. Surprise, Surprise those people were drunk Europeans, Dutch & a English... doing us proud! So embarrassing!

They have a concept called 'Wasta' - it means 'Clout / Who you know'. Western media like to report it as Nepotism, a negative thing. When in fact, its the complete opposite. People who do a good job and show loyalty, respect and deliver on their word and promise are rewarded with more work, promotions, responsibility and all the benefits that go with those advantages.

Relationships are more important simple monetary profits. The culture here is still very much based on the tribal ethos of respecting elders, doing your bit as part of a collective group of men, not letting the rest of the tribe down and being able to look a man in the eye, shake the hand and know that means something.

All virtues which have sadly been eroded from our own culture with the rise of greed, vanity, pride and selfishness.
I agree, we have been conditioned to believe that the old "Nepotism" ways are evil, its how it used to be here and still goes on make no mistake, especially in some professions. It is not always negative but can be if the unwritten rules are not followed properly.