Meaning: The quote "When we were making the law, when we were writing the literature and the mathematics the grandfathers of Blair and little Bush were scratching around in caves" by Mohammed al-Sahaf, a former Iraqi politician and diplomat, is a powerful statement that reflects a sense of pride and historical perspective. It was famously uttered during the Iraq War in 2003, when al-Sahaf served as the Minister of Information for Saddam Hussein's government. Despite the context of the quote being related to wartime propaganda, it encapsulates a broader sentiment about the historical and cultural achievements of a civilization.

In this quote, al-Sahaf contrasts the ancient and rich history of Iraq with the relatively recent emergence of the political leaders he mentions, Tony Blair and George W. Bush. By mentioning their grandfathers, he emphasizes the long-standing cultural and intellectual heritage of the region, suggesting that its contributions to law, literature, and mathematics predate the ancestors of these contemporary figures by millennia. The reference to "scratching around in caves" is a metaphorical way of portraying the primitive state of the ancestors of Blair and Bush in comparison to the advanced achievements of the society al-Sahaf represents.

The phrase "making the law" likely refers to the development of early legal codes and systems of governance in ancient Mesopotamia, which is often considered one of the cradles of civilization. The region gave birth to some of the earliest known legal texts, such as the Code of Hammurabi, which dates back to around 1754 BC. These legal systems laid the foundation for modern concepts of justice and governance.

The mention of "writing the literature" points to the rich literary tradition of Mesopotamia, which includes the ancient epic of Gilgamesh, widely regarded as one of the earliest surviving works of literature. Mesopotamian literature also includes hymns, prayers, and wisdom literature that provide insights into the beliefs, values, and daily life of ancient societies.

Additionally, the reference to "writing the mathematics" alludes to the significant contributions of Mesopotamian scholars to the development of mathematics. Ancient Mesopotamians made important advances in mathematics, including the development of a positional number system and the use of geometric principles in practical applications such as land surveying and construction.

Overall, al-Sahaf's quote serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient Mesopotamian civilization and its foundational contributions to human knowledge and culture. It conveys a sense of pride in the historical achievements of the region and challenges the notion of Western superiority by highlighting the advanced state of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia at a time when the ancestors of Western leaders were, metaphorically, still "scratching around in caves."

In conclusion, al-Sahaf's quote serves as a powerful assertion of the historical and cultural significance of Mesopotamia, emphasizing the enduring impact of its contributions to law, literature, and mathematics. It invites reflection on the rich heritage of the region and its role in shaping fundamental aspects of human civilization. Furthermore, the quote prompts consideration of the complex intersections of history, power, and cultural narratives, challenging us to reevaluate our perspectives on the achievements of ancient civilizations and their relevance to contemporary society.