The Struggle of Symbols and Emotions
April 14, 2025, 12:40 pm

Dr. Ameera Habareer

"My uncle returned empty-handed," carrying his inevitable end after the Oval Office meeting, marked by a series of striking transformations that raised contradictory questions within Israeli political circles regarding the implications of Tel Aviv's loss of its ability to influence American decisions.

This is particularly significant as the Arab world sees such visits as a form of complicity against the Palestinian cause, which is known in collective psychology as "wounded memory." In contrast to their previous meeting in early February, where Netanyahu enjoyed Trump’s absolute support on various issues, this time, Netanyahu aimed to strengthen his legitimacy and internal support in light of Israeli criticisms and accusations of corruption against him. Thus, this visit served to provide him

with the psychological and popular internal boost known as the motivation to reinforce the "threatened self." Meanwhile, we find the affirmation of influence and power in his narcissistic personality with aggressive behavior as a psychological defense mechanism known as compensation, where the leader compensates for internal rejection with external acceptance, especially with an administration that openly sympathized with him and moved the embassy to Jerusalem—a step that carries deep symbolism. This made Netanyahu utilize the visit as a symbolic psychological tool, employing Trump as a "validator of legitimacy," a "mirror of greatness," and a "fatherly ally" that satisfies psychological needs of the public.

The scene is filled with unconscious indications, in a dramatic moment inside the Oval Office; "Netanyahu appeared to be taken aback. He swallowed hard, glanced quickly to the right and left, his eyes moved anxiously, then he frowned and lowered his head." In that moment, Trump publicly announced that "the United States is engaged in direct talks with Iran." This is not just a political meeting but a psychological display of authority, legitimacy, and identity aimed at gaining the support of the Jewish lobby in America and appeasing evangelical Christians supportive of Israel.

While Trump is concerned with the media and symbolic image, and meetings with global leaders enhance his image as a strong president, this time he approaches politics as a game or a deal, always seeking "the picture that screams victory," feeding a narcissistic impulse resonating with a psychological concept known as "exhibitionist narcissism," using relationships not as human connections but as "decorative elements" that embellish his image. Even with his Israeli ally who received hints to cease attempts to escalate tensions in Gaza and the Iranian file, focusing instead on broader security coordination with Washington.

However, in the collective identity, which psychology calls "identity fragmentation," we find a reactivation of feelings of historical injustice, causing collective psychological stress in Arab societies, especially with the subsequent rapprochement of some Arab countries with Israel (such as the Abraham Accords). This evokes a sense of betrayal of the cause for some populations, creating a psychological and political division in Arab public opinion that may lead to the radicalization of certain trends or the withdrawal of others from public action. Some view the relationship as a "peace alliance," while others consider it "normalization at the expense of justice." Thus, peoples translate these symbols into strong emotions of anger, pride, frustration, or support, depending on their political and cultural positioning, while also considering another visit at the same time that overshadowed the first, particularly the Egyptian political message embodied by Macron's visit, which created a psychological impression of "wise and realistic leadership" attempting to maintain balance amid global turmoil, as if it were a relationship based on diplomatic coolness and regulated parity. Macron does not display emotional impulsiveness, and Sisi often speaks from the standpoint of Egyptian sovereignty. This reflects psychologically on the Arab citizen with a relative sense of dignity and discipline, but it does not generate significant excitement or public pride.

Meetings are often technocratic, addressing the elite more than the masses, and thus do not stimulate feelings of victory or enthusiasm; rather, they reinforce feelings of stability and order among certain groups.

Dr. Ameera Habareer

In Memory of Poet Muhammad Della Standard Chartered Bahrain, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay, Announce the Sixth Cohort of Women in Tech Bahrain Incubation Programme

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.