An official Facebook page announced the appointment of Basel al-Suwaidan as minister of agriculture, replacing Amjad Badr. One follower commented, in essence: “Thank God — finally a minister who specializes in agriculture and understands its affairs.” A journalist replied: “The former minister, Amjad Badr, held a doctorate in agriculture.” The journalist may not have intended sarcasm, but the exchange carried an unmistakable irony. Replacing a m…