Over the past 100 years the Middle East has lost much of its diversity. A new generation finds itself mournful and nostalgic for our lost diversity
How did we lose our diversity? Two waves of populism in the name of identity. The first wave was in the name of Arab identity. The Arab nationalists wanted to Make Arabs Great Again. The second wave, in the name of Muslim identity. The Islamists wanted to Make Islam Great Again.
Both promised greatness. Both were OK with dictatorship so long it suited their purpose. Both prioritized identity rather than coexistence, equality, and individual freedom. Both delivered disasters.
You wanna see the consequences of populism? Look at the Middle East today.
