[Mr. Jeeves]

What are the reasons for backwardness and stagnation in this part of the world? The countries that have made economic progress — such as China and India, Korea and Taiwan, Malaysia and Turkey — did so without massive foreign help.

I suppose it's just possible that some cultures might be superior to others. ;)

[quant5]

These countires have rulers who want to improve their country in status, economic & technology advantages.

Despots like Saddam Hussein, Kim Jong Ill and Fidel Castro as examples are only interested in themselves.