"How many pyramids have gotten built since the Egyptians adopted an Islamic work ethic?

Seriously, can you not see that Islamic values have contributed to the lack of productivity, which in turn contributes so much to the poverty level of the region.

Democracy isn't going to fix that problem." (RT's comment)

Well first of all, the Romans and the Greeks didn't built any either. And second, I think the Muslim didn't exactly pray inside Pyramids nor temples so they have little use for them.

But they do built pretty majestic and amazing Mosques here. If you come to Cairo, don't forget to  visit those 1000-900 year old Mosques that still pronounce their glorious past.

About the Islamic values contributing to the lack of productivity, I would not count that as much.  Dubai and Qatar are doing really really well - without much dependency of oil. Malaysia is doing good as well.

In the same vein, the heavily Catholic Latin America  and much the rest of Christian Africa are also in the same shit hole in terms of productivity in general.

No, democracy aint' going to fix Egypt. It takes more than that. It needs a few good leaders.

After hearing again on how Muslims describe Islam, I think it's a good bet that Muslim communities would actually progress so much faster if they actually follow the values of Islam.

Take a look at the issue of corruption. Fuckin' a. Stop doing that and you will see a different Middle East.

Take a look at the issue of cleanlines. They have to clean before they pray, which is five times a day. Imagine being reminded to be clean five times a day. And yet a lot of Muslim majority cities are dirty.

What the Egyptian accomplish in Cairo is actually creating a safe large city. Man, this is the safest big city I have been. You can go to poor areas at night and you will feel safe. Try that in South Chicago.

What Egypt needs is not necessarily democracy. It needs less selfishness and more patriots -  people that care for the good of the country, instead of its own limited self interest. More patriots - like wht USA has plenty of.