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Originally Posted by aberkok
*snip* As far as "rattling the bars" of theor governments, I have a sneaking suspicion that it's not so simple as that. You would very likely be killed. I don't really know exactly how difficult it is to protest against those in power in, say Saudi Arabia, but I'm guessing it's not that easy (to put it lightly).
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I understand that it would never be easy. But it's either the locals (of any country) prevent and/or take care of their problems, or at some point someone else is going to feel constrained to do it *for* them (and of course it's not *for* the locals, but the outsiders' interests in the region).
The thing is many of the people agree with and support the local governments. One think I've been struck by in the Lebanon/Hezzbollah (sp, I know) problem is that many of the people (that I've seen/read interviewed, allowing for potential journalistic bias/motivation) felt that their lives were much better under Hezzbollah than under the local government. People feel the same way about Drug Lords of Mexico--they're the ones providing healthcare, road maintenance, and food supplies to the underprivileged. Which is why they (some, anyways) are considered local heros, Robin Hood if you will, and are protected and supported.
Governments have to provide for their people if they want the hearts of the people. And I think many governments with majority Muslim populations have failed their people miserably.