[Abcdxxxx]

"Doesnt that pretty much describe human nature? "

Of course. I wasn't suggesting this was a unique mindset, and it certainly isn't the substance of what I'm saying... BUT .... when speaking of Arabic culture exclusively, there is a unique mindset in regards to the perception of weakness, and respect along with honor. You see, worse then putting in a puppet government or occupying their land would be to do so and show weakness. Their concept of partnership is not a western one either.