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Another reason: They are largely tribal and loyalties are to the tribe (and maybe Islam,) not exactly to the state or to the ruler. The same group of people tha

Another reason: They are largely tribal and loyalties are to the tribe (and maybe Islam,) not exactly to the state or to the ruler. The same group of people that will die to the last man if their cousins are attacked, might seek shelter when fighting against an enemy in war he is sent to fight. Another controversial possible reason, since we're stereotyping: They tend to marry cousins and have done that for generations. That isn't without consequences http://www.as.wvu.edu/~kgarbutt/QuantGen/Gen535Papers2/Inbreeding.htm http://www.as.wvu.edu/~kgarbutt/QuantGen/Gen535Papers2/Inbre...

cup 14y ago
I think all the arguments need to be viewed in a modern (within the last 300 years) light. I mean the Arab world had a fairly phenomenal military force up until the mongols really obliterated the region. More so than anything, I think Arab military faliures may have more do with socioeconomical conditions than genetics or tribal construct. Why are Arabs failing now when a few hundred years ago they were far more organised and structured. Can we blame colonialism? Are petrochemical dollars reducing the incentive to develop socially and intellectually?
- astine 14y ago
  These cultural traits are older than colonialism. Christian crusaders commented on them in the middle ages and they're the reason that Arabs have a reputation for dishonesty in the West. They're not incompatible with building a large empire if you're enemies are similarly disfunctional.
  - cup 14y ago
    >Arabs have a reputation for dishonesty... Thats a fairly significant comment to make. Considering the historic record generally portrays the Arabs more positively than the Crusaders I'm not sur ewhat point you're trying to make. People are making a lot of statements and arguments but there is little actual substance that can be debated, more conjecture.

cup 14y ago

I think all the arguments need to be viewed in a modern (within the last 300 years) light. I mean the Arab world had a fairly phenomenal military force up until the mongols really obliterated the region. More so than anything, I think Arab military faliures may have more do with socioeconomical conditions than genetics or tribal construct. Why are Arabs failing now when a few hundred years ago they were far more organised and structured. Can we blame colonialism? Are petrochemical dollars reducing the incentive to develop socially and intellectually?

astine 14y ago
These cultural traits are older than colonialism. Christian crusaders commented on them in the middle ages and they're the reason that Arabs have a reputation for dishonesty in the West. They're not incompatible with building a large empire if you're enemies are similarly disfunctional.
- cup 14y ago
  >Arabs have a reputation for dishonesty... Thats a fairly significant comment to make. Considering the historic record generally portrays the Arabs more positively than the Crusaders I'm not sur ewhat point you're trying to make. People are making a lot of statements and arguments but there is little actual substance that can be debated, more conjecture.