A chicken dying in a rice barn

A Chicken Dying in a Rice Barn”: An Arab Reflection on Growing Gulf Disappointment with Egypt

By:
MYR Agung Sidiyu
Yayasan pendidikan Indonesia
Special Consultative Status in ECOSOC
United Nations Economic

A recent episode of BBC Arabic’s program “In Egypt’s Time” stirred lively debate across the Arab world. Host Nesma al-Saeed posed a pointed question to prominent Kuwaiti writer and media figure Aaid al-Munai: “Has the Gulf’s perspective on Egypt changed?”

His reply was candid and sharp. He openly criticized President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s leadership, suggesting it had fallen short of the high expectations held by Gulf nations. “In the future,” he said, “we will have to seriously discuss our relationship with Egypt — whether it is truly worth it or not. If it’s only about reconciliation, visits, and financial support… then no, my dear, we too have our own interests to protect.”

This wasn’t simply one man’s opinion. It echoed a growing sense of disappointment that is now being voiced more openly by many Gulf intellectuals. Yet as an observer from Indonesia, I believe it would be too easy — and perhaps unfair — to place all the blame on one side. There are deeper lessons here for everyone involved.

First, Arab thinkers would do well to move beyond criticism and offer constructive guidance to their leaders. The message is straightforward but powerful: True strength comes from within. The Gulf countries are blessed with extraordinary oil wealth — wealth that has flowed generously, sometimes even more toward the United States than toward Egypt. If such vast resources are not used to build genuine independence and collective Arab strength, one must ask: what is their true purpose?

Second, the challenges run deeper than Egypt’s difficulties alone. This moment of reflection is unfolding against the backdrop of U.S. and Israeli actions toward Iran, which has shown remarkable resilience in the face of pressure. For years, many in the Arab world saw Iran as the primary adversary. Today, however, there is a growing perception that the real challenge may lie elsewhere — and a quiet question is emerging: Why do wealthy Gulf states still rely so heavily on outside powers, while their once-feared rival appears increasingly steadfast?

This brings to mind a vivid Indonesian proverb: “The chicken dies in the rice barn.” How can a chicken starve when surrounded by abundance? The image is striking — and uncomfortably relevant. The Arab world possesses immense wealth and rich natural resources, yet weak leadership and excessive dependence on foreign support continue to leave the region vulnerable.

A clear example is Egypt’s handling of the water dispute with Ethiopia. If President el-Sisi feels compelled to seek American assistance on such a vital national issue, it becomes difficult for Gulf countries to view Egypt as the strong Arab leader they once hoped for. This is far from the bold, confident Egypt of Gamal Abdel Nasser’s era — an Egypt many believe was deliberately weakened, including by American influence. Today’s leadership projects a different image: one of visible dependence.

Even so, there is reason for optimism. Reforming Egypt may actually be far more achievable than reforming deeply entrenched interests in the United States. What is needed now is courageous leadership across the Arab world — leaders willing to listen to thoughtful voices urging them to build strength from within, place the nation’s interests first, and gradually reduce humiliating dependence on others.

The Indonesian Educational Institution firmly believes this conversation between the Gulf and Egypt carries valuable lessons far beyond the Arab region. Any nation blessed with wealth that fails to secure genuine independence risks becoming like that unfortunate chicken in the rice barn. It is time for intellectuals and leaders — in the Arab world and here in Indonesia alike — to reflect together: Wealth without vision and self-reliance is ultimately an empty treasure.

Let us ponder this carefully. In the end, the future belongs not to those who are merely the richest, but to those who are the most independent, resilient, and courageous.