In a symbolic story written by Aziz Nesin, a group of mice was trapped inside cages, left to eat each other until only the strongest remained, and then released to eliminate the rest.

The story may seem fictional, but it is inspiring and unfortunately reflects the fates of some societies when values collapse, leaving internal conflicts to tear apart their unity.

And this is what we witness, in many cases, within some Arab communities in exile.

Unjustified fragmentation, and unlimited feuds

In environments of exile, where communities are supposed to be a unified block working together to protect their identity and interests, patterns of fragmentation and division recur.

• Groups disputing over "representation."

• Initiatives met with skepticism.

• Voices being marginalized or sidelined because they chose a different path.

Every serious project may be attacked not because of its weakness, but because it does not satisfy narrow calculations or threatens positions that some have grown accustomed to.

Influence granted... without accountability

In some contexts, it is observed that influence within the community is sometimes granted to individuals or entities not based on achievement or competence, but according to personal relationships or rhetoric that aligns with certain orientations.

And "symbolic" legitimacies are granted that may not reflect real representation, while those with expertise or who have attempted to build independent initiatives serving the public good are ignored.

Serious impacts on collective trust

These practices gradually lead to a state of lost trust within the community:

• Competencies are marginalized.

• Civic engagement declines.

• Suspicion arises regarding collective work.

• And the cycle of exclusion and accusation begins, even among those who are supposed to be on the same side.

Worse still, those who raise questions may be stigmatized as "troublemakers" or "uncooperative," and may be accused of allegiance or conspiracy, in an atmosphere dominated by ambiguity and suspicion.

When dialogue is replaced by whispering, and initiative by suspicion

Natural disagreements turn into personal battles.

Public discussion is replaced by innuendo and insinuation, and indirect campaigns are waged against anyone who does not flow along with the prevailing current.

Thus, principles are lost, replaced by alignments, and everyone loses.

Critique of phenomena does not mean accusing anyone

It is important to emphasize that this article does not target specific individuals or entities, but discusses a recurring societal phenomenon, observed by many in various cities and countries, deserving to be opened for discussion.

Because silence about these practices does not protect anyone, but leaves the community exposed to further erosion.

Transparency, dialogue, and acknowledgment of diversity

If we want to escape this "symbolic cage," what is required is not battles or accusations, but:

• Activating accountability within our institutions.

• Creating genuine non-monopolistic dialogue platforms.

• Respecting plurality and diversity instead of attempting to contain or suppress it.

The voice of the community should be built, not bought.

Let us break the cage before we lock ourselves inside it

When positions mix, and the honest and the corrupt are redefined based on mood, the foundations of any collective work collapse.

But there is still a chance: to review ourselves, to listen to each other, and to believe that strength does not come from control, but from mutual trust.

Either we break the cage, or we will be buried together inside it.