Democracy and Economic Freedom: An Unbeatable Combination for the Middle East

Terry Miller / February 04, 2011

Democracy is the best way we know to choose leaders. Where individuals offering alternative visions or policies compete fairly and honestly for leadership, governments are regularly refreshed and cleansed of corruption. And of course, true democracy is about much more than elections. It involves the rule of law, political pluralism, and respect for civil rights.

The lack of democracy in the Middle East, and the problems that causes, are well-documented. Hereditary monarchs and military dictators dominate governments throughout the region. Their non-democratic governments tend to abuse human rights and suppress fundamental freedoms that Americans regard as unalienable rights. In the Middle East, only Israel is a democracy in the way that word is understood and practiced in the West. (more…)