Democracy in the Middle East addresses the issues at stake in the development of democratic political systems in the Arab Middle East. The first of three sections considers the prospects for the successful introduction of democratic ideas and institutions into the Middle East: Can democracy be established in a region that has been traditionally associated with political systems that are resolutely hostile to liberal democratic forms? The second section questions conventional assumptions of conflict between Islam and democracy, noting the intersections between the two ideologies as well as...

People around the globe live in fear of terrorism. After the attacks that brought down the World Trade Center buildings in 2001 and the bombings in Madrid and London in 2004 and 2005, no one feels completely safe. Terror groups, such as Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda, have proven their ability to strike when and where they choose, often with devastating results. Never has a clear understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism been more important, and yet never has one seemed so elusive. What is terrorism? Who are the terrorists? Why do they do what they do? These and other questions must be...

The World in Focus set consists of anthologies of articles and essays selected from respected sources such as Current History and Foreign Affairs. Each title is organized around a theme relevant to contemporary political affairs, providing readers with sophisticated yet accessible tools for investigating these timely topics. Introductions from set editor John C. Davenport frame the debates and assist students in connecting their studies with these real-world issues.