Is Islam holding Arab Nations back

Educationally, Arab nations rank extremely low in relation to the rest of the world.

Illiteracy rates in the beginning of the 21st century is well into 60 million adults with the majority being women.

expenditures in scientific research are among the lowest in the world. Arab nations lag behind technologically.

Books translated into Arabic is about 330 books annually, 1/5 of the number that greece translates.

In the digital divide, Arabs represent 5% of the world population yet only 0.5% of Internet users.

Political participation = less advanced in Arab world than other developing nations. Out of 7 world regions they had the lowest freedom score. Women's freedoms in this region equals the lowest evidenced by lack of women in govt and the work force in general.

Richer in natural resourses (oil) than any of the DEVELOPING nations, the Arab world is just as if not more underdeveloped. Clearly the Arab world exists only in development of the vast oil riches, and LESS in human development, as it is a region of the world that contributes little else to its people and globally...

WHY?.

Question:

1.Is Islam holding Arab Nations back, or is it something else entirely?

Ok i believe this post might be a bit controversial
If anyone feels insulted by this post please email me or the mods to delete but please state a reason.

No.Infact I'd say it's Islam that keeps than going, especially now that things aren't going so well for them these days. It's the faith that keeps them going...
Education wise, it IS NOT Islam's fault that they aren't educated.It's the governments!And they are all democracies mind you!They economies are low, not enough money to spend on educating the nations...it's all gone to provide the people with food and other neccesities.It's an ongoing cycle.And Islam is a religion that promotes education.Then agian there are so many sects of Islam that have been...let's say not 'proper' muslims in the sense that they do stuff the religion not neccesarily influences them too.
Women and Islam go hand in hand. The covering up is controversial,but most of the stuff against it are just predjudiced remarks.

In the middle ages Islam like the Bible to Europe caused education to skyrocket. Like punkey points out it doesn't have anything to do with their religion its the governments that do.

I think it is holding it back.

they have their self to blaim, too much religion and war...some of them aint interessted in letting the countries grow!

This isn't a philosophical topic, so the GDF is the appropriate place.

The topic can stay open as long as there aren't insulting or provocative posts.

RaventheOnly> In the middle-ages the Church and the Inquisition turned Europe to the dark MIDDLE-ages! Education did not skyrocket because of the church, but rather despite it. Scientists were burned and tortured if their discoveries didn’t fit the church.

So notice the difference between church and religion. A faith in itself can’t hold people back, unless it borders on fanaticism. We have people in the west who’re fanatical Christians that claim the Earth is 6000 years old and created by a divinity.
When the going gets tough, the not so tough go to church/temple/mosque. And power-mongers will abuse the situation to proclaim themselves leaders, and turn a conflict based on inequality, poverty, imperialism or what have you – into a Crusade or Holy War.

300 years ago women in Europe and the US “covered” themselves – or they were not godly women. And should – by the way – keep silent and other archaic nonsense.

Wahhabism is a dangerous-militant brand of Islam that preaches intolerance and violence towards those of different faiths. Wahhibism is mostly coming out of Saudi Arabia.

I think islam is holding the world back.

I hate to sound like I am bashing Islam, but the religion has become so radicalized it does not stick to its roots of peace.

I feel that religion is holding every nation back.

Originally posted by speiderman
Wahhabism is a dangerous-militant brand of Islam that preaches intolerance and violence towards those of different faiths. Wahhibism is mostly coming out of Saudi Arabia.

really?I don't think u know what u are talking about... 🙂

The distinction between religion and government needs to be clear for a country to be going forward.

As soon as you mix those to it begins holding any country back. As said before, every religious dominated country is held back by its apparent principles.

Religion should not have infulence in the governments leadership.

the religion is silly!! Anyone who believes you can blow yourself up with 100 innocent's, then nail 40 virgins in heaven is just asking for hard times!!!

And Christinanity isnt?

I don't think Islam itself is holding Arab nations back at all. It's the fundamentalists that get into power and warp the religion to suit their needs.

Originally posted by Tex
I feel that religion is holding every nation back.

The fact of the matter is...you dont see any christians hijacking plans or blowing themselves up..islamic people have just seemed to turn into phycos. There religion is ruining the world. Say im iggnorant say whatever you want, but deep down I know a lot of people feel the same way.

Lots of ignorant people in this world.
...to judge millions over the actions of a few.

islamic people have just seemed to turn into phycos

Say im iggnorant say whatever you want, but deep down I know a lot of people feel the same way.

Kid Rock, should we judge a nation over the action of those soldiers in the Iraqi prison?