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All of the wealth in these country is concentrated in the hands of a very few.

Islamic is not a synonym for Arab. Some of the most predominantly Muslim-majority countries in the world have an almost nonexistent Arab population, and many countries with large Arab populations have very few Muslims. There are Jewish Arabs in Israel, for instance. I feel like they're being equated, and it's a problem.

I also read an intro book last year on Islamic finance. From my rudimentary understanding, it seemed to me that Sharia finance is very capitalist friendly and can be compatible with western finance. Would that help the region develop strong financial institutions and capital markets, which would help in their development?

Who has the most advanced education levels? I read a book about Arab development by the Petersen Institute last year that said that the resource poor countries like Egypt and Jordan had the highest levels of educational attainment. However, they normally leave the country to go and work in resource rich Arab countries.

Brian is perfect for this segment.

Gotta see how many times Brian can weave the 9/11 attacks into a conversation on the dysfunctional Arab Islamic world.

Here's a nugget Brian:
Lebanon security forces recently arrested Ali Al Jarrah for spying for Israel for the past 25 years.A Mossad operative he was.This fellas' cousin's name is Ziad Al Jarrah.
If that name does not sound familiar it should.
He was one of 19 hijackers on September 11th.