How can the middle east be made less backwards?
 

They've got to figure that out themselves. Whatever the solution is, it won't be imposed by us.

-Arrian

But surely we can encourage. Reducing our imports of oil by using alternative energy sources (nuclear power, ethanol, etc) and by improving efficiency (higher fuel economy standards, more light rail in metro areas, better designed houses, more efficient electronics, etc) would remove a major crutch which many of these dictatorships depend upon. Undermining their funding may just force them to liberalize their economies.

Appeals to liberalize trade via a free trade zone could also help make it a reality. Plus it would appeal to Arab nationalism and solidarity so it might actually come about.

While I agree with LotM that state nationalism across the Arab world would be much better than pan-Arabism, ultimately I'm in the camp that believes that they've got to work it out for themselves.

Flip the map over and start worrying about the midwest.

I have always been keen on freedom rights and democracy for the middle east countries. But I'm beyond caring by now.

Some of them clearly don't want to be helped, and until the majority that are reasonable people can find a way to deal with the minorities that run the show down there currently, I say let them run their own shops. Then call us when they are ready to listen.

Asmodean

Well, why don't you simply forbid cars going less that f.ex. 12 km/l for a starter. I know that it will kill most of current american car builders, but it's pretty common for the rest of the world.

The middle east needs a big religious war between sunnis and shias, very bloody, like the one europeans had between catholics and protestants, that will make them less religious, make them discover that religion is not something worth fighting over

Originally posted by Arrian
They've got to figure that out themselves. Whatever the solution is, it won't be imposed by us.

-Arrian QFT. I might add that it could take a while. They have to decide for themselves that they're sick of being led by crazy SOBs. I suppose we could accelerate it somewhat by staying out of it and letting them see for themselves who's causing all the misery...hmm, Asmodean beat me to the first part. Oh well. Consider that QFT'd too, I'm lazy.

letting them figure it out is pathetic. incentives towards working with us isnt.

tldr

Dubai is awesome, but twenty miles away they are still living in mud brick hovels. Seen with my own eyes http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ilies/wink.gif

That is something they must figure out on thier own. IMO any attempt to try to impose Western values on the Islamic Civilization by force or otherwise on our part will only lead to a more backward-looking backlash. My hope is that the emerging middle classes start forcing Atatürk-clones into power.

Is Pakistan still the number one location for just about every google search involving sex? Animal sex, child sex, you name it and Pakistan was the King of that search.

Nope, I wanted to remind you what a real thread looked like so you'd stop producing such crap. http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ies/tongue.gif