As far as I know the reason for poverty is because the people refuse to incorporate democratic values in their culture, such as free speech or equality(and many other values).
It is often criticized that western development aid tries to "force" western values (or democratic values for that matter) into the population even though they have their own culture that is different. Subsequently their culture has to be respected.
But I noticed that their culture in general (this is simplified!) revolves around Islam. In a way maybe, such as our western culture revolves around Christianity.
The problem I think there is, that this culture, influenced by Islam (but it could be any religion, think of the dark ages in Europe because of Christianity) is incompatible with Economic wealth.
I think this also connects to questions of terrorism. Islam (Religion) can be instrumentalized to control/influence especially poor people. In the case of the middle east people in power can use religion (Islam) to spread hatred and by that secure their power and gain from war.
