The United States and the Prospects for Democracy in Islamic Countries By Stephen Zunes,

The United States and the Prospects for Democracy in Islamic Countries

By Stephen Zunes,

The unarmed insurrection that overthrew the Ben Ali regime in Tunisia has opened up debate regarding prospects for democratization in Arab and other predominately Muslim countries.  Many in the West are familiar with the way unarmed pro-democracy insurrections have helped bring democracy to Eastern Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia and Africa. But they discount the chances of such movements in Islamic countries, despite Tunisia being far from the first. Meanwhile, the United States -- despite giving lip service in support for democracy – continues to actively support authoritarian governments in Islamic countries.