Western governments see the Middle East only in terms of its impact on the West. But how do people in the Middle East view their own countries, governments and institutions? Few would argue that the Middle East is thriving, but what do those living in the region identify as their greatest obstacles to peace, prosperity and full participation in today`s global economy? Using his time as Middle East Editor for ”The Guardian”, as well as new research he has conducted for this book, Brian Whitaker analyses the views of Arabs living in the region and articulates the opportunities and challenges facing ordinary men and women.