One of the big problems about trying to defeat terrorism by "spreading democracy" is that, in the nations we'd like to democratize, terrorism is rather popular--terrorism against us, at any rate, which is the only kind we're really concerned with.
I mean, take Iraq. As of December, "Forty-five per cent of Iraqis believe attacks against British and American troops are justified - rising to 65 per cent in the British-controlled Maysan province".
Hezbollah is popular in Lebanon not only for its stance against Israel, but also as a charity that builds schools and hospitals. In 2005, Hezbollah won 23 seats in the Lebanese parliament and became part of the Lebanese government. Similarly, in the Palestinian Authority just this week, Hamas won 76 of the 132 seats in the Palestinian parliament. Fatah won 43.
Democracy doesn't magically change opinions that have been held for years and are disseminated throughout all forms of state-sponsored propoganda. Democracy just allows people to vote for what's popular--and if terrorism is popular, then that's what they'll vote for.
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