I think these facts are well known and have been recognized by enlightened Arab leaders for many years. The knowledge of the situation is vastly different from the development or implementation of a solution to change.
Although it is unknown or denied by many, there are many enlightened Arabs who have traveled extensively in the west, especially in America. They have actually lived here and gone to school. They know and understand the benefits of our society but they see and have great disdain for much as well. They have studied Phoenix and Tuscon and Palm Beach county and made their desert into cities very much like those here.
The crime, the destruction of families, the total absence of ethics and morals and honor are points of disgust. None of these traits of American society is acceptable. We conservatives disdain these traits as well, but we tolerate them even though they are detrimental to our personal lives.
To change, old men (and old Women) must die off. The sons and nephews and grand sons and great nephews are now becoming middle aged and are taking more and more responsibility and implementing the transition. It is of much importance that the CEO of the largest and extremely important Saudi trading company is a daughter, not a son. A very high placed executive in Saudi Aramco, an engineer I believe, is also a woman. She lives and works in Aramco Houston because the times are not yet right for living in Dhahran.
The unrest we see is manifestation of the change. It lacks focus and direction. Iran is the example to be avoided. No tyrannical mullahs will be accepted. Dubai is the shining beacon on the hill. Moderation, jobs and freedom...... that will be the way.
These enlightened young leaders will prevail.
” recognized by enlightened Arab leaders for many years. “
/// there is very little leeway to be enlightened about. their Quran is literally the words of their God, and CANNOT be changed. a “reformation” is impossible, as scholars like Robert Spencer have explained.
...and that is why many enlightened thinkers are killed, or declared apostate.
Wafa Sultan is one of the more wonderful enlightened voices from there. and they want to kill her.
meanwhile, Turkey, Indonesia, and other muslim country, are growing MORE fundamentalist, not more enlightened.
i grant you there are exceptions that should be applauded and encouraged. but, the trend is clear. if not, the “arab spring” will soon make it so. along with Iran making it’s first bomb in about 8 weeks...