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.
By all means have Syria conduct an orderly withdrawal from Lebanon if that is what the Lebanese public wants. But Israel needs to withdraw from the Golan Heights, which belong to Syria, as well. The Israeli military occupation of Gaza and the West Bank must be ended. The Russian scorched earth policy in Chechnya needs to stop. Some just disposition of the Kashmir issue must be attained, and Indian enormities against Kashmiri Muslims must stop. The US needs to conduct an orderly and complete withdrawal from Iraq. And when all these military occupations end, there is some hope for a vast decrease in terrorism. People need a sense of autonomy and dignity, and occupation produces helplessness and humiliation. Humiliation is what causes terrorism.