Why do countries in the middle east allow religion to have such an influence?

[GrandizerII]

Yes, I understand this is the case here in the U.S. However, it is not extreme, we are at least a secular society. Now why is it those nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and many others allow Islam to have such a heavy influence and basically control their government and everyone that lives within it. Essentially, why is it hundreds of nations all over the world have become more secular, meanwhile the majority of the Middle East hangs on to Islam. Same with parts of Africa as well, however I am more interested in the middle east when it comes to this topic.

Many others, like? Lebanon? Syria? Iraq? Jordan? Emirates?

I'll grant that Saudi Arabia and Iran are extreme, but perhaps you should reconsider your evaluation of the severity of religious (particularly, Christian) influence in your country of residence (in some of the states at least), because it's almost as bad as the countries I've listed here.