Reflection of Consequences of Despotism in the Poetry of Ahmad Matar

Arabic countries such as Iraq, for their possession of petroleum, natural gas and other natural resources are, undoubtedly, among rich countries. However, as far as industry, technology, and culture are concerned, they are lagging behind. This has given rise to uprisings and the continuous collapses of regimes in such countries. Recognizing cultural and political factors behind such backwardness, which is rooted in the monarchial structure of these countries, can lead to new illuminating experiences useful for those interested in political discourse. Among famous poets whose poetry might yield such knowledge is the Iraqi poet, Ahmad Matar. Studying his collection of poems reveals that, probably more than any other political poet, he has been able both to familiarize the addressee with the undemocratic political structure in Arabic countries and warn the reader of the consequences of such a structure for the individual and the community – consequences such as normalizing fear and sadness among the community, passivity and disappointment, spreading hypocrisy and insincerity, bringing about identity crisis and social and economic corruption.