Yemen

I recently visited Yemen on behalf of a European import/export company. This country is a microcosm of the endemic problems associated with pervasive poverty and a lack of upward modernity plaguing many ordinary citizens from countries in particular sectors of the world. This, despite being one of the many countries (regions) around the world older than many European and American ones. Much of the strife is a result of archaic governmental institutions intertwined with religious intra-control. It begs historical analysis and reflection on pre-democratic, church/state European times.

In any event, most villages still resemble ones in the time of Muhammad. Religious factions control regional pockets. Central governmental appertain has not gained full control. Thus, fanatical conditions, and hence instability for innovative business pervades these areas. As a result, the aforementioned improvement in economic conditions for the populace continues to suffer.

The reality is that societies that have separated religious institutions from governmental ones continue to progress and flourish, yet those that have not, do not.