I can see the Arabic-coding. Either way, though, there's the problem of Harry and Aerin both being "whiter" than the civilization(s) they're "saving."

As I said, I liked Harry and Aerin as feminist icons (though I feel compelled to point out that Aerin does pass on the crown, and I believe allows whatshisname to take credit for killing the dragon, so the patriarchy still ends up preserved that way). Their cool factor as such, however, doesn't negate the racial issues.