The position of leader in the Arab world

In contrast with many Western nations where the political party plays a primary role in determining a nation's policies, in many Middle Eastern countries the personality of the leader is of over-riding importance. There are several reasons for the dominating role played by one individual, including the absence in the Middle East of a popular consensus on the nature of political processes, the close relationship between the ruler and the means of coercion, and the absence of a historical tradition of popular participation in political life. Historically, traditional Arab society has always reserved a place for a single dominating figure in social, political and religious affairs. Sharabi points out that the Arab world's tribal pattern of strong civil or political leadership was in existence before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in the seventh century A.D. The establishment of Islam strengthened this tradition through the institution of the Caliphate. The Caliph is the supreme leader of the Muslim umma or nation and combines in his person religious and political leadership. Even though the Caliphate died with the Ottoman Empire, the tradition of reverence surrounding the position of leader is still strong at every level of contemporary Arab society.

The assumption that there should be a leading figure in religious, civil and political affairs remains implicit in many Arab communities. In many countries of the Fertile Crescent, including Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, the mukhtar (village head) and tribal leader have positions of considerable authority.

This pattern of according a prominent role to religious and other leaders is not necessarily conducive to the development of nations.