Fluglehrer

There are a number of us on this board who have lived in the region for a portion of our lives, "participating in the political process" you could say. I haven't been there since the '90's (Saudi, Kuwait, and Turkey).

There's a lot of history there, so focusing on the last 25 years is myopic. Go back at least a half-century to Sayid Quttib, but preferably go way back to pre-muslim times, and for Islam it is important to understand the early schisms/differences in succession that divide the Sunni and Shia to this day. The history of the Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire is compelling, and will help one understand the motivation driving ISIS, and why they are finding so many willing accomplices across the globe.

Bring some empathy.