Can the Arab world democratize?
Yes. There’s nothing in the Arab DNA that is anti-democratic. Do you see it making such a transformation? Possibly, but it will take a long time. A lot of things have to change. The basic problem is that the Arabic-speaking Muslims have had a great deal of difficulty in coping with modern life, and blame others for their problems. They’re not introspective and not productive and constructive in their self-criticism. A notable exception would be the UN’s Arab Human Development Report of 2002 – which made one take note. But it’s such a wisp in the overall conspiratorial mindset, which requires profound changes taking place. Profound changes in Islam, you mean? Like some kind of reformation? Religious reformation is certainly very important, but changes are also needed outside the religious sphere. A sense of taking responsibility for themselves. An attempt to be introspective, to figure out what the problems are. There are positive examples. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Rashed
