Literacy the key to Middle East peace

[MODU]

There is some truth to his argument.  The more educated a populous is, the more likely it is stable and viable.  A good (short) read:

"Literacy 'is the key factor for genuine reform and peace'"

Literacy should be at the core of the Arab region's agenda for genuine reforms and peace, wife of the Emir of Qatar said yesterday.

In a statement issued on the occasion of a regional conference on literacy which opened here yesterday evening, Shaikha Mouza Bint Nasser Al Misnad, said literacy is an essential factor for the development of the Arab region where, according to data available with the United Nations' agencies, about 35 per cent of the population is still illiterate.

"Cultivating a literate environment in our region is central to progress. A literate culture feeds on knowledge and breeds self-confidence and prosperity. When a culture values literacy, the citizens are empowered to be active players in economic and political progress.

"They take pride in their achievements and so are open to the ideas and values of other people and other societies," she said.

(Cont...)

[Verily]

On the other hand, it's a gross oversimplification to say that increasing literacy solves most of the problems of a society. Not, of course, that it wouldn't help; it would. We must simply be careful not to fall into the trap of presuming quick-fix solutions exist.

[MODU]

On the other hand, it's a gross oversimplification to say that increasing literacy solves most of the problems of a society. Not, of course, that it wouldn't help; it would. We must simply be careful not to fall into the trap of presuming quick-fix solutions exist.

Yup, that's true.  Much like a lot of other quick-fix concepts, a single action doesn't resolve a complex issue.  It is good to see people in the Middle East are calling for improving the human condition, which is one of the keys to bringing forth peace, but literacy by itself is not the whole answer.  Literacy does lead to technological and economic development however, so it is a good start.