Strong versus Weak States

When it comes to the state in MENA, we hear many different things. Some say the states are 'strong,' because many states are heavily securitized and are capable of utilizing force to repress dissent, while others say the states are 'weak,' because they experience a lot of instability. But the notion of ‘strong’ states versus ‘weak’ states requires some elucidation. What would you say is the correct characterization of the typical MENA state? In the study of MENA political dynamics (or political dynamics anywhere for that matter) what are the implications of differing conceptualizations of ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ states?