[GonzoGOP]

One thing that has always amazed me about the Arab/Muslim world is that they have to import almost all their major weapons systems. You would think that being in a part of the world that has been continuously at war for several thousand years would at least give you a booming armaments industry. Sort of a a conciliation prize. But instead they have to import everything from AK-47s to SAM missiles, to fighter planes and tanks.

Pakistan builds some missiles, but still has to import the high end stuff. Iran trys to build knock off weapon systems, but they usually end up promoting laugh fests here on FR.

[sniper63]

With zero advances in science and technology over those same 2000 years of fighting, bear skins and stone knives seem to work just fine, I guess.

Old adage, why use a hammer when the rock fits my hand so well.........

[Gomer1066]

Why can’t the Muslims build a modern weapon system?

Because of totalitarian Islam.

Modern weapon systems like everything else hi-tech in the world depends on free minds and free markets.

The Muslims have neither, which means the West has military superiority.

[central_va]

I beleive most can make their own ammo.

[Leisler]

UN Arab Development Report( it’s on line, pdf, somewhere)

Anyway, there are about 600 million ‘Arabs’, in about 20 countries, from the Alantic to Iraq. 1-2 dollars per day per person. Half or more illiterate. Half of the countries reporting no social statistics. Total GDP for all, less then Finland, or Norway. Not one world class manufactured product or service or university.

Supposedly there is no word for ‘work’ in Arabic. Arab culture looks down on workmen, skilled trades, technicians. I knew a American tec that installed million dollar equipment in plants in the ME. The owners would never come to the floor to inspect thier capital purchase, unlike a US or EU buisness owner who would crowd around the new, expensive, productive tool.