I did a search on this and didn't find this question (maybe I worded it wrong).

In Muslim countries it is accepted that alcohol is illegal. Yes foreigners drink (and I'm sure some Muslims sneak), but for the most part it seems to have been a success to remove alcohol from their lives.

• Why did they accept it?
• Are they just more understanding? Is it because they could die for drinking?
• Wouldn't that mean harsher penalties is a successful deterrent?
• If it is more successful why do people deny the death penalty works?

We know it was a huge failure in America and Canada.

• Are Europeans just not willing to listen to reason?
• Are we just naturally aching to break the law or maybe to rebel?
• When they realized it was a failure, why did it take so long to repeal the law?

I know that is a lot of questions wrapped into one, but I feel they all lead back to the root question. (Yes, I watched an episode of "The Making of the Mob" tonight).