ISSUE ESSAY
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29 Apr 2018, 01:24
It took me more than an hour to write this essay:(
“The perceived greatness of any political leader has more to do with the challenges faced by that leader than with any of his or her inherent skills and abilities.”
I’m of the proponents of the idea that great leader must be qualified enough to lead an entire nation. A leader is required to have both the potential and expertise needed for such an important position, adding to that innate skills and talents would be a plus. History can reveal many prominent examples fro us: Abraham Lincoln, Anwar El-Sadat, Nilson Mandela, Martin Luther King and many others...
Let us consider at the beginning the most wonderful story of the American statesman, Abraham Lincoln, who faced grueling challenges at his period like the Civil War in the 1860s and his opposition to the Slavery’s extension. However, he proved to be a shrewd and savvy leader. I do believe that if Lincoln didn’t have these natural skills combined with the profound experience acquired throughout his life journey, he couldn’t be able to achieve this outstanding success of Union victory and Human equality.
The second great example is the Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Egyptian president, Anwar El-Sadat. He faced significant events early in his life ranging from being arrested and jailed, escaping the prison, being a member of the Free Officers who overthrew the Egyptian King and other substantial events that shaped his way of thinking and handling different situations. In 1973 he led a great victory to reclaim the occupied peninsula of Siani after the failure of the Egyptian peace initiative from Israel. After retrieving the territory of Sinai and ending the war, he signed a peace treaty and was dubbed as the “founding father of peace and stability in the region”. No doubt that, without the challenges of War and great decisions Sadat made, he won’t be that great remembered president. Not to mention his astuteness and eloquent soft speech would be remiss.
Another Nobel Peace Prize winner is Dr. Nelson Mnadela who served as the first black president for South Africa after more than three decades incarcerated for holding thoughts against governmental racial segregation and human inequalities. Spending more than twenty-seven years in jail didn’t break his spirit or change his beliefs that people are born to live a life full of harmony and equality. He was a powerful example of redemption not only for his nation but for the entire world.
On the other hand, there are many leaders who are renowned for having surpassing skills but, eventually didn’t manage to benefit their societies. The current Egyptian president is a compelling example of that, he couldn’t reach an agreement to the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam which threatens water supply to the Egyptian people. what may you expect from such a leader who failed to tackle a serious issue like this?
Finally, while it may now be clear that great leaders are those who can handle difficult circumstances efficiently and effectively based on cumulative expertise, it should also be apparent that innate skills are a great influence for helping them accomplishing that greatness. the historical examples of Lincoln, Sadat, and Mandela bear this out.