Nic,

I wouldnt absolve people of any ethnicity of having a beast within them. We have had enough examples in our own backyard. But yes,the region (not just locals but quite a few expats too)could do with more respect for people irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, i guess. OR in other words respect for manual labor is not there. generally it seems to be looked down upon to clean up your own mess.

remember the outrage it caused when there was a move to allow Saudi women as maids?

As for relegions causing it, I guess its the other way round. The need for a clannish 'us v/s them' mentality to justify appropriation of power, is what cause religions, IMHO.

Natural resources and free lunches in general give people a false sense of entitlement, wherever it is.