There is a rather significant flip side to that. Tribalism is also fairly common in cities. I recall attempting to get gas station attendants in Baghdad to maintain order without a platoon of infantrymen doing it for them. Even when we armed them, they were still afraid to impose any type of order because they feared starting a tribal war. That was almost universal throughout much of the city.
While cities have been magnets for educated people (and/or perhaps creating educated people) they are also, as of late, losing educated people due to the fear of violence, since the educated folk are the most able to leave and resettle in a safer locale (like Kurdistan).
As for embracing capitalism and disdaining capitalists, how do we measure this or at least infer that it is happening? I thought capitalism was being embraced pretty well in 2003 when the streets were gridlocked with vendors, but this hasn't quite panned out the way that we were hoping. It's not a rhetorical question, as I openly admit that I don't know the answer - can we measure/infer this right now? If so, how?
Things have actually changed a lot in the last couple of years. I got here in January '04 and have watched the Iraqis grow in learing how to do business on a global scale. Of course, after years of isloation due to the sanctions, we've had to teach them, but they're eager learners. In my capcity of managing subcontracts and purchases, I deal with local merchants and contracting companies every day. They have really come a long way.
I haven't met an Iraqi yet who disdains capitalism. In fact, I have to tone them down sometimes and cheerfully remind them that we are the world's capitalists and don't try to pull any funny stuff on us. ;-)
A journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step and they've taken many steps in the nearly three years I've been here.
I see progress.
The media and the liberals see quagmire.