Clinton: Middle East Faces Disaster Without Reform

As the forces of anti-modernity and religious repression continue to hold sway across the Middle East, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has issued a frank and all too accurate assessment of where the Islamic nations are headed without reform, and an end to corrupt and repressive regimes, and a religious elite who are are determined to stamp out opportunities for a more democratic and progressive future. Worse yet, given the constraints on outlets for advancement and opportunity for the exploding number of young citizens, all too many may opt for radicalism that could topple the existing regimes and spread instability across the globe. Insisting on an adherence to knowledge a millennium out of date is a disaster waiting to happen - both in the Middle East and in pockets of religious extremists across the world, including the Christo-fascist elements in the USA. These forces base their politics on religious derived hate and division rather than cooperation and mutual advancement. It's yet another example of religion being a great force for evil in the world. Here are highlights from Huffington Post on Clinton's analysis:
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Wrapping up a four-nation tour of U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf with unusually blunt remarks to a regional development conference in the Qatari capital of Doha, Clinton said economic and political space must be opened up for the Arab world's exploding youth population, women and minorities.
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Without that, respect for human rights, improved business climates and an end to pervasive corruption, she said young people and others will increasingly turn to radicalism and violence that will bleed outside the region, threatening not only Middle Eastern stability and security but the rest of the world.
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Those who cling to the status quo may be able to hold back the full impact of their countries' problems for a little while, but not forever," Clinton said. "If leaders don't offer a positive vision and give young people meaningful ways to contribute, others will fill the vacuum." "Extremist elements, terrorist groups and others who would prey on desperation and poverty are already out there appealing for allegiance and competing for influence," she said. "This is a critical moment and this is a test of leadership for all of us."

But the limits of Clinton's message were clear in Yemen, a fragile, politically closed and impoverished nation that is a critical U.S. ally in the war on terrorism. She said civil society in Yemen is viewed with deep suspicion by the government.
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"There is not the level of cooperation that there needs to be to improve the lives of the Yemeni people and put Yemen on a firmer foundation going forward," she said.
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Developments in Yemen appeared to underscore that concern. A day after Clinton met Yemeni opposition leaders at the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa, authorities in Yemen announced Wednesday that citizens must get prior approval before entering a foreign embassy. Yemen's official news agency Saba said the conditions were security precautions and part of efforts to fight terrorism and to preserve the embassies' security.
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It is sad to see backward monarchies and religious zealots continue to put power and control over the true well being of their people. Sooner or later, the lid will blow off and violence will sweep away these forces of reactionary thought and culture. Unfortunately, many innocent people will die in the conflagration. History has shown us this model time and time again, be it the Ancien Regime in France, Tsarist Russia and other nations.