5 ms·
While inequality may be ONE factor, it is definitely not THE factor. Much more important are the factors of American imperialism, Islamic extremist ideology, de
by littletimmy 11y ago
While inequality may be ONE factor, it is definitely not THE factor. Much more important are the factors of American imperialism, Islamic extremist ideology, destabilization of Iraq, and so on.
What Piketty is right about, however, is that it is the policies of the West is in part to blame for the extreme rise of inequality in the Arab world. That said, I am not too certain Arabs would have fared better on their own.
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- cmg 11y agoIt has everything to do with it. Imperialism destabilized the region, led to the removal of the stable and sovereign Iraqi government and the fomenting of the Syrian civil war (to the point of funding elements that became ISIS) with the aim of removing that government as well. The results of all of this created the conditions for extremism in general and ISIS in particular to arise and build.
- beat 11y agoI don't think the idea that US intervention in Iraq is to blame for the Syrian civil war holds true, considering that revolution swept across huge swaths of the Arab world with Arab Spring. Syria was as ripe for revolution as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Yemen. If we hadn't invaded Iraq, it'd just be Saddam Hussein dealing with rebels instead. Baathism is a dead end government style, out of touch with today's world. Only the rich oil kingdoms have been able to avoid Arab Spring, and not by a whole lot.
- nickpsecurity 11y agoAmerican Imperalism has a long history of provoking and/or arming people in the area to prompt regime change. They also support Saudi Arabia who export radical Islam to the area and fund terrorism (including 9/11 per Commission Report). Assad regime was one of America's opponents. And, of course, the group hitting him happens to form out of the remnants of and with weapons from the American imperialism in Iraq. Surprise, surprise...
- Daishiman 11y agoNo reasonable person would expect there to be a single factor. But some straw did break the camel's back.
- thinkingkong 11y agoWe need to start realizing that reality isnt a great headline. Making bold or absolute claims is a good way. Once we keep that in mind it makes these conversations easier.