Egypt and a Tabernacle in the Desert

When we think of our sacred structures, (synagogue, mosque, church) we often think of them as ends in and of themselves.  This week's Torah portion comes to remind us that religious structures are really vehicles for the greater connection to God we all strive to achieve.  That ability to connect to something greater seems to have been lost in the Middle East this week as we have seen a wave of riots and instability sweep across the region.  Why does God command that a Tabernacle be built so that God may dwell among the people...why do previously 'stable' governments find their people at odds or almost completely disconnected?  What might this mean for Israel and America?