The concept of progress and backwardness isn’t something that dates back to ancient times. It’s not a matter of sheer naturalness either. Progress and backwardness cannot be measured solely by economic growth. It’s absurd to consider some nations to be more advanced in terms of “human development” than others. Moreover, it’s an unacceptable accusation to label Arabs as “backward” in this regard. It’s also not easy to assume that some nations enjoy more “freedom” than others. Democracy, as is often believed, doesn’t exist in times of prosperity, nor does it exist in countries that are labeled as “democratic”. What constitutes “human rights” varies from one culture to another.