January 12, 2008	Saturday	Muharram 02,1429

For a nation with a largely agrarian economy, food shortages just don’t add up, especially when the powers that be proudly proclaim a bumper wheat crop. Where did it all go?

With law and order crumbling and gas and power shortages a stark reality, the scarcity of essential kitchen items is the proverbial straw that is breaking the camel’s back.

Citizens suffer long waits in never-ending, serpentine lines, with unparalleled joy writ large on the faces of those who manage to secure a bag of wheat flour, a packet of sugar or some other essential food item at prices that won’t burn a hole in their constantly shrinking pockets.

Others — including the elderly — return home empty-handed despite having spent nearly the whole day in line, only to be ultimately told that the required item is sold out.

In the meantime, hoarders have a field day and make hay while the sun shines, as those in power tell us all will be well … soon.