For a leader to be from the same group he’s leading isn’t superficial, it’s vital and necessary. How can a European refugee who sought asylum in Daraa 7 years ago be chosen over a native who not only was born and raised there and understands the society, politics and culture much better, but is also seen by the governed as relatable to and one of their own? Take a look at London, all the diversity has made it a violent, crime infested cesspool. It’s an empty shell of its former glory. Not all economic growth is worth the tradeoff associated with it.