To what extent can we analyze the current rising conflicts...? Economics and sociology are merely tools to help us analyze and understand the relationships between different sections of society - to examine the symptoms of the problem (and possibly provide limited, patchwork solutions). The politicaI machinery acts as a governor or regulator of the sociological and economic aspects of a society. In order to bring about change and rectify imbalances, change at a fundamental level is required. This change is a change in the core philosophy which underlies the whole system. Once the philosophy changes, the political structure (and those within it) must change in order to implement a new balance in society. And of course, the change must ripple down into the economic and social structures as well. So to some extent changes must be effected throughout every aspect of society.

Ironically, there has been a shift away from movements which had their roots in a nationalistic (and secular) philosophy. The long term and repeated failure of such movements to achieve justice, to implement justice, or to redress wrongs has resulted in their total rejection by the majority of the people. Each secular failure has led to a corresponding success for those who espouse Islam as a solution. Where once secularism was the driving force in Arab nations, gradually the balance has tilted in favour of Islam.