Barriers to Democracy are Difficult but not Insurmountable

Two obstacles stand in the way of democratic change. In the Middle East tribal affiliations remain of paramount
importance. As explained by Philip Carl Salzman in his recent book, Culture
and Conflict in the Middle East, these ties create a complex pattern of
tribal autonomy and tyrannical centralism that obstructs the development of
constitutionalism, the rule of law, citizenship, gender equality, and the other
prerequisites of a democratic state. Not until this archaic social system based
on the family is dispatched — as it has been in other regions — can democracy
make real headway.

Globally, the compelling and powerful Islamist movement
obstructs democracy. It seeks the opposite of reform and modernization —
namely, the reassertion of the Shari ‘a in its
entirety. Islamists respond two ways to democracy. Some denounce it as un-Islamic.
Others are eager to use elections to attain power, and have proven themselves
to be agile vote-getters; even a terrorist organization (Hamas) has won an
election. This record does not render the Islamists democratic but indicates
their tactical flexibility and their determination to gain power.