The Arab mind

Submitted by Ugri (Finland), Jul 24, 2008 at 03:16

As recently as July 14th 2008 reader Alvin Samuels wrote a comment "The Arab Mind" (Reader comment on:

"Conflict proneness "is in the Arab bloodstream". (Pg 218) according to Wilfred Cantwell Smith Arab and Egyptian societies have deteriorated to a point where violence is almost inevitable. This is to be understood in terms of a people who have lost their way, whose heritage has proven unequal to modernity, whose leaders have been dishonest, whose ideals have failed." (quotes from Rafael Patai's "The Arab Mind")

What inevitably comes into mind is of course the story of Hagar and Ishmael, Genesis 16:11,12.

Guy Livnat: "Thus- this is not a surprise. The underlying "core" issue in the Middle East is not religion or politics- "
At least I am surprised, greatly surprised. As I see it, the role of Islam is central in the dealings of Arabs.
"It's moral values- the basic codes that societies run by." Definitely, yes.

If Not [Arab-Israeli] Peace Now, What?)
An excerpt: "The Arab can obtain authority only by making use of some religious coloring…because of their savagery, the Arabs are least willing of nations to subordinate themselves to each other, as they are rude, proud, ambitious and eager to be the leader."

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