C-SPAN2 airing of book discussion "'Seven Pillars' edited by Michael Rubin et al"

The airing took place the night of 3/31/20; and the event was at the American Enterprise Institute. 

Several points were raised by panel members, some of whom were both contributors and editors, I surmised.  The points are interesting, to say the least, though perhaps not made before by observers to the Middle-East chaos.

1.  The real winner from the Arab Spring awakening was Tunisia.  It seemed to become stable and more democratic.  In sum, the country seems to be doing well, internally.  No dissent among the group.

2.  But the region is plagued with countries with internal strife, all admitted.  And one wonders why the US appears so quick to heed the demand from Iraq to get out entirely--both from presence in its country and in the region!  Personally, I think the continued presence of US military can only help create a stable environment that is in dire throughout. 

    Several of the participants observed that religion, viz., Muslim, is appealed  to by governmental leaders to as to make it seem they are themselves have legitimacy to rule as if ordained by on high.  And, one or two of the participants pointed out that the Middle East is not benefiting from the wave of populism sweeping across its sands, because the people are not fooled: they, particularly the youth, want an end to corruption in government and call for institutional structures that foster stability--primarily, jobs.  One panelist even characterized most of the governments there as part of a caretaker government, bound to be replaced by true leaders, not simply those now holding government posts.

3.  Complaint was lodged by this or that participant over US diplomacy that hasn't brought about reforms to economic and financial institutions, despite the obvious widespread grab for oil among the powerful.  How can these fanatical power-hungry leaders be brought under rein for the sake of a stable, peaceful land?  It seems the world has unleashed a bevy of radicals, e.g., Isis, to fight it out on the public streets and by-ways.

4.  There is urgent need for Muslim reform similar to what Christians experienced during the Reformation, several speakers agreed.  But they cautioned, don't mention it in any event there, where you would be heard: the subject is taboo!

5.  But what came across to me was how the area has been bombarded with so much yelling and shouting that the people's response to it all is consternation; sheer panic.  Where can they turn?  How have the people benefited over the past 40 years of so much rancor and terror?
What is left of their tradition and cultural ways?

6.  There is a rise of nationalism in the area simply because Ma and Pa are tired of foreign people invading their mosques and stores with new wonders to cure their ailing societies, that have are marked with the signs of psychological confusion and disorientation.

P.S. I am not sure how the title "Seven Pillars" crystallizes the points that emerged from discussion by a very weary band of panelist-travelers!