Everyone agrees there is something wrong in the Middle East. To western eyes it is a troubled region of dictators and extremists. Arabs, on the other hand, often blame centuries of western interference. To many - both east and west - the root problem is a lack of freedom, but what exactly does that mean? Is it just a matter of toppling autocratic regimes and holding free elections?

Looking beyond the turmoil reported on our TV screens, journalist Brian Whitaker examines the "freedom deficit" as it affects Arabs in their daily lives: their struggles against corruption, discrimination and bureaucracy, and the authoritarianism that pervades homes, schools and mosques - as well as presidential palaces - stifling fresh ideas and initiative.

Based on his experiences as Middle East Editor for the Guardian newspaper, together with new research conducted specially for this book, Whitaker argues that the solution lies mainly in the hands of Arabs themselves. Intervention by western governments brings limited benefits and can easily become counter-productive. In order to enjoy peace, prosperity and full participation in today’s global economy, Arabs must escape the prison of their own history and embrace not only political change but far-reaching social and cultural change too.

Brian Whitaker is the author of Unspeakable Love: Gay and Lesbian Life in the Middle East, (Saqi Books) and The Birth of Modern Yemen (an e-book available online). He is currently an editor on the Guardian’s Comment Is Free website.

"A passionate call for political and social change in Arab countries ... and a stern critique of the status quo."
Jeremy Bowen, BBC Middle East Editor

“Brian Whitaker knows the Arab world. At a time when various media are closing their bureaus in the region and resort to parachuting in journalists, his latest book comes as a welcome breath of fresh knowledge and insight. He doesn’t pontificate to Arabs but gives voice instead to the wide network of Arabs he knows well. The kaleidoscope of views and voices he’s gathered here disarms lazy generalisations about the 'Arab Street' and shows that for all its problems, the region has plenty of men and women who want to fix what’s really wrong with it.”
Mona Eltahawy, columnist and public speaker on Arab and Muslim issues. 

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