Big-picture view of the mideast situation?

It seems to me that maybe the Arab nations of northern Africa may be heading into the formation of a unified Arab nation. Something like the Unified States Of Arabia.

Do you think this is possible? If so, what would it be like? Would it be friendly to the west?

It doesn't seem like "Islamism" is the driving force behind the movement. It seems, to me, that the forces behind the movement are based on true liberty and freedom.

But I have to admit that I'm a little bit worried by the idea of a Muslim superstate arising. And I also worry about religious extremists gaining power. The Iranian revolution seemed cool, until the Ayatollah grabbed the power.

I'm in favor of the Arabs throwing off their dictators, but the liberals must be certain to not let their right-wingers to gain control.

In the 50s there was the "Pan-Arab" movement led by Nasser who had hoped to create an Arab union or more specific his United Arab Republic (that at one time included Syria and Iraq)...but it didn't last. The power of nationalism along with the many different tribes and ethnic groups in that region carry centuries of annimosity and outright hatred.

Islam is a religion...it isn't a political movement any more or less than the Catholic Church. While a common religion it's not uniform just as the many sects of Christianity differ based on nationalities. It's a simplistic view to use Islam as some kind of one-size fits all for the Middle East without taking economic and social conditions into the situation.

Before you have a "Muslim Superstate"...you're gonna have to figure out a way for Shia and Sunni Moslems to decide on that missing Imam and then try to gap the differences between the Saudi Royal family and the Ayatollahs in Iran and the Alawhites in Syria and the Berbers of Libya. As for not lettng the right wingers gain control...that horse left the barn millenium ago. Here's hoping that we're seeing the first steps in some of these countries toward a more representative and open society but their development in this area will take years and lots of ups and downs...similar to the change in Europe throughout the 19th century.