But there is no doubt that the figure of Zabiba represents and symbolizes the Iraqi people itself. That a female figure may represent nation and nationalism in Arab culture is nothing new. The very term umma, nation, is derived from umm, mother (in contrast to the French patrie, which comes from father). Arabic nationalist discourse in general puts great emphasis on the woman as a symbol of love, loyalty, and sacrifice to the nation. Zabiba, as well as other positive female figures in the story (such as the woman who loses five of her sons in battle), symbolize the people, as well as the loyalty and love of the people for the king—read, Saddam.