US Government Shutdown Sparks Calls for Democracy from Middle East’s Federal Workers

The US government shutdown that is set to see hundreds of thousands of federal workers unable to report for work has sparked a yearning for democracy across the Middle East.

“I never understood the real beauty of democracy before, but watching both the Republicans and Democrats fail to agree an extension to federal funding has truly opened my eyes,” said Hamad Al Fernando, deputy office manager at the vehicle licensing division of Doha’s Ministry of Transport and Communications.

“Almost three thousand years after it was first devised under the shadow of the ancient Athens’ marbled columns, it’s now time we all get a taste of the democracy that today is enjoyed by so many around the world,” added Faisal Grant, HR assistant at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Social Security. “And if it means I can stay home tomorrow, then sign me right up.”