http://www.prb.org/Publications/Reports/2001/PopulationTrendsandChallengesintheMiddleEastandNorthAfrica.aspx
Mr Red.
Not just an exploding population but imbalanced age structure, many teens and young adults. Lack of jobs. This is apart from all the other stresses-both internal and external.
political instability is inherent in a society as challenged as many of those in the article. Saudi would be a prime example. Pampered princes, huge immigrant population to make the wheels go around, and largely idle youth/young adults. An accident just waiting to happen.