THIS IS HOW POLITICAL CRISES ARE MANAGED The protagonist of this story is Juha. Juha, the “wise fool” of Arabic folklore, offers a playful escape from reality, while also communicating societal values. Juha is revered throughout the Middle East and North Africa. A man went to seek advice from Juha. "Hey Juha," he said, "I live with my wife, six children my mother and my sister - in - law in one room. What should I do?" Juha told him to buy a donkey and let it live together with him and his family. The man would then come back to Juha with feedback after two days. After two days, it was revealed that the situation had become worse. Juha told the man to buy a sheep and let it live with them. Yet again, the man was required to return with feedback after two days. The man returned pale-faced claiming the situation was awful. Juha told him to buy a chicken and let it leave with them. Again, he was to meet with Juha after two days. So depressed was the man when he returned, that he contemplated suicide. Juha advised him to sell the donkey. Upon returning after two days, the man confirmed that the situation was getting a little better. Juha then told him to sell the sheep. The man confessed after two days that things were getting much better. "Go and sell the chicken now," said Juha. After two days, the man was happy and expressed his deep gratitude to Juha. This is how political crises are managed. New problems are created so that you long for the previous misery you were in. When the new problems are solved, you are grateful even though you are back to square one.