(Ha'aretz) Moshe Arens - In history there are no examples of instant establishment of true democracy in societies that don't have a tradition of democratic rule, democratic institutions, the rule of law, and respect for the individual and his rights. Evidently a transition period stretching over years, sometimes generations, often accompanied by violent convulsions, is required before societies that have been under autocratic rule for many years adapt to the political culture that characterizes modern-day democracies. Transitioning to democracy is particularly difficult in Islamic countries where Islamic political movements that are ideologically opposed to Western-style democracy enjoy massive support. Although prepared to come to power via elections, they intend to stay in power thereafter. The writer served as Israel's Minister of Defense three times and once as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2013-07-19 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive