Freedom's Unsteady March: America's Role in Building Arab Democracy

By Tamara Cofman Wittes

President Bush promised to democratize the Middle East, but the results so far have dispirited democracy advocates and brought their project into disrepute. After the debacle in Iraq and the electoral success of Hamas, the pursuit of Arab democracy seems to many observers a fool's errand, an unfortunate combination of ideology and wishful thinking. In F reedom's Unsteady March , Tamara Cofman Wittes dissects the Bush administration's failure to advance freedom in the Middle East and lays out a better strategy for future efforts to promote democracy. Wittes argues that only the development of a more liberal and democratic politics in the Arab world will secure America's long-term goals in the region and that America must continue trying to foster progress in that direction. To do so, however, it must confront more honestly the risks of change and act more effectively to contain them. A dangerous combination of growing populations, economic stagnation, and political alienation poses the primary threat to Middle East stability today, severely testing the legitimacy and governability of key states such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. If Arab governments cannot sustain the support of their citizens, they will find it difficult to work with America on issues of common concern such as stabilizing Iraq, confronting Iran on nuclear weapons, and promoting Arab-Israeli peace. Despite President Bush's failures, Wittes argues, the United States cannot afford to ignore the momentous social, economic, and political changes already taking place in Arab states. Wittes' detailed analysis of Arab politics and American policy presents an alternative--in her view, the only alternative: overcoming America's deep ambivalence about Arab democracy to support positive, liberal change in the region that will create a firmer foundation for Arab-American ties.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815794940
• ISBN13: 9780815794943
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Democracy in the Middle East is a difficult goal; some view it as not possible.

Democracy in the Middle East is a difficult goal; some view it as not possible. "Freedom's Unsteady March: America's Role in Building Arab Democracy" takes the stance that America's involvement, while condemned by some, is wholly necessary in order to bring democracy and freedom to this tumultuous region. Also explaining why American apathy would be disastrous to the world as a whole, the message of "Freedom's Unsteady March" is clear, concise, and well-argued. "Freedom's Unsteady March" is highly recommended for community library political collections and for anyone studying the United States' involvement in the middle east. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch