[Slightofhand]

I'm from an arab country and half of my family studied Math/Physics in university. My aunts (3 of them) either teach physics or have a phd in Maths. Same on my father's side.

In fact, you would be considered a loser if you didn't have a degree or knew maths really well in my family. Which I don't agree with.

The problem in the arab world is more political, with a bunch of people staying in power and using media and force to stay in power. It also doesn't help that the west cry for more democracy but propels and supports those same dictators to stay in power to help their interests.