Juan Cole has a well-reasoned historical summary debunking the notion that democracy (nice as it is) is the cure for terrorism. He argues that when imposed by force, it often actually causes terrorism.
You want to end terrorism? End unjust military occupations.
Then he reviews middle eastern history for us.
People need a sense of autonomy and dignity, and occupation produces helplessness and humiliation. Humiliation is what causes terrorism.
Cole has to be the best equipped observer of events there in recent years, and the most trenchant commentator. If you read his Informed Comment every day you will know more about what's actually happening in the region than you will ever learn from the mass media.
The piece is quoted more fully below the fold. But read it in its entirety.
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