Can action on health achieve political and social reform?

Arab countries face major challenges, including foreign occupations, deficient liberties, poor governance, squandering of resources, economic regression, inequities, and illiteracy. Arab reformists have advocated political, economic, and social change since the late 19th century. However, despite decades of local pressure for change, reforms remain elusive. We consider how action on health can contribute to realising these reforms using examples from Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria.