* His response is not merely a defence of the Arab people; it is an eloquent affirmation of historical truth, intellectual integrity and the universal dignity of humanity
By Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Rubaiey, English news anchor & reporter-Sultanate of Oman TV
My profound appreciation and admiration go to Ahmed Saif Al-Rawahi for his exceptionally thoughtful, courageous and dignified Open Letter to US Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Rubaiey
His response is not merely a defence of the Arab people; it is an eloquent affirmation of historical truth, intellectual integrity and the universal dignity of humanity.
Al-Rawahi has demonstrated that the most powerful response to prejudice is not anger, but knowledge; not hostility, but wisdom; and not confrontation for its own sake, but the courage to speak the truth with clarity, conviction and respect.
Indeed, the world must never forget the extraordinary contributions that Arab civilisation, together with scholars of diverse backgrounds working throughout the wider Islamic world, has made to humanity’s intellectual, scientific and cultural progress.
From the pioneering work of Ibn al-Haytham in optics and scientific investigation, to Ibn al-Nafis and his remarkable description of pulmonary circulation — and the achievements of scholars in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy and literature — this remarkable intellectual heritage helped shape the foundations upon which generations of scientists and thinkers continued to build.
The libraries, universities and centres of learning in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo and Córdoba were once flourishing crossroads of knowledge, where scholars preserved, translated, challenged and expanded the intellectual achievements of earlier civilisations.
Their contributions enriched humanity and helped transmit knowledge that would later influence Europe’s intellectual development.
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Nor are these achievements confined to distant history. Naguib Mahfouz, Nobel Laureate in Literature in 1988; Ahmed Zewail, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry in 1999; and Omar Yaghi, co-recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, stand among the many compelling examples of Arab intellectual excellence in the modern world.
These are not simply achievements to celebrate. They are historical and contemporary facts that deserve recognition, particularly when public discourse threatens to replace understanding with generalisation.
The international community must also remember that civilisation is humanity’s shared inheritance. No people possess a monopoly on wisdom, creativity or scientific achievement.
The progress we enjoy today is the cumulative contribution of countless generations, cultures and nations, each building upon the discoveries and experiences of others.
Al-Rawahi’s letter carries an important lesson for public figures everywhere: criticism of political movements, institutions or governments must never become a justification for diminishing the worth, capabilities or dignity of an entire people.
What makes his intervention particularly admirable is his refusal to abandon courtesy while challenging what he considers an injustice.
He has appealed to conscience rather than resentment, and to the noblest principles of American public life rather than allowing an unfortunate statement to define an entire nation.
A people’s dignity cannot be measured solely by international prizes, nor can centuries of achievement be erased by a moment of political rhetoric.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr
As an Omani, I take particular pride in seeing such a measured, principled and intellectually compelling contribution emerge from the Sultanate of Oman, a country that values dialogue, mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Al-Rawahi deserves sincere recognition for reminding us that defending the truth does not require raising one’s voice, but rather elevating the quality of the argument.
His words reflect not only a deep appreciation of history but also a profound understanding of the responsibilities that accompany freedom of expression and public discourse.
His letter is a defence not only of Arab civilisation, but of the fundamental principle that every nation and every people deserve to be judged with fairness, knowledge and respect.
May his thoughtful words reach beyond political boundaries and encourage greater understanding, mutual appreciation and respect among the peoples of the world.
Thank you, Mr Ahmed Saif Al-Rawahi, for demonstrating that wisdom, knowledge and dignity remain among the most powerful instruments in the defence of truth and humanity.
With sincere appreciation, admiration and respect.
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