The Bush administrations active promotion of democracy and freedom in the Middle East reflects a core component of Washingtons new approach to the region. In the post-9/11 environment, domestic developments within Arab countries are a security concern for the United States. New awareness of the nexus between U.S. national security interests and the desire of many Arabs, if not their leaders, for political liberalization and economic reform has opened a window of opportunity for U.S. policy. While there is no doubt that internal political dynamics are creating pressure for change, the United...