[NeoCaveman]

Capitalism is a good thing, but is doesn't always work where corruption is a societal norm.

The rule of law is indepensible when it comes to capitalism.

[FreedominJesusChrist]

"The rule of law is indepensible when it comes to capitalism."

This is true. Many philosophers such as de Toqueville and Burke have noted the positive and productive influence that morals and religion has on society.

I also think of the traditional Puritan work ethic as being a good example of this.

[FreedominJesusChrist]

I think it would be an interesting study to see how a lack of jobs and "stuff to do" affects the youth of the Middle East.

Besides the oil barons in the Middle East, there is a great lack of education and dependable jobs in numerous Middle Eastern countries. One might want to consider what kind of sociological and psycological impact this has on young males in the Middle East. Perhaps this frustrates them and leads them to all sorts of the worst kinds of religious and political extremism.

I do not say this as a point to exuse their ultimately unexusable actions, but perhaps as a prospect for future solutions to many of the social problems in the Middle East.