Amid the current turmoil in the Middle East, "Understanding Tahrir Square" sounds a rare optimistic note. Surveying countries in other parts of the world during their transitions to democracy, author Stephen Grand argues that the long-term prospects in many parts of the Arab world are actually quite positive. If the current polarization and political violence in the region can be overcome, democracy will eventually take root. The key to this change will likely be ordinary citizens--foremost among them the young protestors of the Arab Spring who have filled the region's public spaces--most...