Mind as well as regime change is needed.

In January 2002  I wrote an article which was published in the Jerusalem Post, which lay out the reasons for Arafats failures and why it was time for him to go.
Those underlying reasons are now why there has to be not only regime change but also mind change throughout not only the Middle East but where ever there is oppression and tyranny.
The traits of genuine leadership currently are neither present or apparent.
If a ruling regime decides to turn its guns on its own children then they have lost all legitimacy to rule, and by then hiding behind outdated constitutional laws and subverting them as a tool of self preservation they have effectively removed themselves from the the right to govern.
Historically the Arabian world has been one of monumental achievement ,scholarly study scientific advancement and rigorous debate.
Unfortunately that is not the case today. Today we are viewed at best as reliable allies or a hot bed of Islamic unrest where our women are producing terrorist babies at alarming rates.
These perceptions are wrong.
The Arabs are by nature a noble brave inquisitive people who are tolerant of other religions. During the days of the Arabian Empire and subsequently its successors it's citizens regardless of their religious leanings were allowed to thrive and prosper.
Religious divisions in Arab society is a relative new phenomena . One that has been utilized by those that wish to create mischief for their own agendas.
As a people we want what are universally agreed principles that of choice and of self determination.
We have for too long shut our eyes and remained silent. If we continue to do so then we are robbing ourselves and cheating our children.
We need to build nations founded firmly in the principles of law and democracy with equality and opportunity for all regardless of race or creed and without fear or trepidation.