Do oil, religion hinder Arab revival? - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East:
"The Arab Spring has made prominent a number of phenomena that find their roots in the distinguishing features of the region, especially the Arab Levant. These features are religion (and, more precisely, sect) and oil. Analysis of these two features may help clarify the current situation and the growing chaos.
Steadfastness of oil-monarchic states
Phenomenon One: Some states have been steadfast in the face of the region’s uprisings, which broke out three and a half years ago. Except for Algeria, whose civil war is still grinding in the minds and imaginations of its sons, it seems as though the states that have not been affected by the storm that has shaken the region apply Sharia and are based on a monarchical political system. With the exception of Jordan, which was able to stem the beginnings of the popular movement within its borders with relative ease, all of these states have rentier economies based on oil and gas. It seems at first glance that the “backbone” of the Arab world is based on religion and oil. Supposedly, religion provides coherence and oil secures abundance. This is the best that a ruler can hope for to guarantee his authority and power over his territory."
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