Arab Honor Culture and Geopolitics

Honor culture is the single most underestimated geopolitical factor in the MENA region. On the one hand does “honor” require Arab governments to officially support the PA despite detesting it and Israel being the actual ally of most Arab governments. On the other hand, confidence in America is undermined whenever the US does not stand with Israel. Arab rulers think: “if Washington can subvert their most important ally, then they can subvert us as well just as they did with Mubarak”. Arab rulers are thus in a complex position: on the one hand do their citizens expect them to support the Palestinians; on the other hand is Washington perceived as dishonorable and potentially treacherous whenever it does not stand by Israel which protects the Arabs against Iran. Israel is in contrast trusted as honorable in many respects as a proven and reliable ally. Thus America strongly and consistently supporting Israel strengthens, repairs and reinforces relations with the Arab world.