When, during the first Iraq war, their soldiers were reported to be surrendering in large numbers it appeared to be the act of people living under the severest form of oppression and great fear, fleeing for their lives. And Saddam’s revealed policies seemed to back that up. But when the people didn’t move quickly toward self-governance, but were soon back to, seemingly, looking for another strong man, you had to look at the culture. Look at Afghanistan…numerous Western “rescuers” defeated; zero change in the culture in the countryside. Arab culture is tribal culture, not individualistic culture like the West. They appear to prefer it, and it is antithetical to democratic governance. No judgments intended here; just very broad observations.
When, during the first Iraq war, their soldiers were reported to be surrendering in large numbers it appeared to be the act of people living under the severest form of oppression and great fear, fleeing for their lives. And Saddam’s revealed policies seemed to back that up. But when the people didn’t move quickly toward self-governance, but were soon back to, seemingly, looking for another strong man, you had to look at the culture. Look at Afghanistan…numerous Western “rescuers” defeated; zero change in the culture in the countryside. Arab culture is tribal culture, not individualistic culture like the West. They appear to prefer it, and it is antithetical to democratic governance. No judgments intended here; just very broad observations.