There is not a single nation in the Middle East with democratic process, independent judiciary, freedom of speech, free press nor rule of law. A misguided few might want to emulate the Arabs, and their political systems. But I would like to think that most right-thinking Malaysians want nothing to do with such appalling parameters of backwardness.

A few might see the Middle East as a region to be emulated or modelled upon, but most Malaysians want to live in a free, peaceful and prosperous nation with a functioning democracy, meritocracy, and independent judiciary.

The Arabs and their tribal leaders might want to blame somebody else for their woes to preserve honour and face. Humiliation brings anger, and anger leads to violence. The killing of innocents makes no demands on consciences in a region known for honour killings, political assassinations, and blood feud.

That this rationale and ideology that so easily justifies violence has spread to the rest of the world is regrettable. I never thought Malaysia could produce terrorists like Azahari Husin and Nordin Top who could kill civilians and innocents on such a large scale, and as a primary objective. Not merely collateral damage as some apologists might like to think.

Unless the Arabs can change their culture and mindsets, the prospects for peace in the Middle East are not very bright. And unless all Malaysians make a stand together against violence, and stop trying to emulate the Arabs in everything that they do, the prospects here in our own country may not be looking too bright either.