Point on WP Online forum: Iran is a stronger democracy than Saudi Arabia

[BurtWorm]

http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/zforum/03/sp_politics_vondrehle110703.htm

Bush Speech: Global Democratic Revolution
David Von Drehle
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 07, 2003; Noon ET

President Bush on Thursday portrayed the war in Iraq as the latest front in the "global democratic revolution" led by the United States. Text: Bush on Democracy in the Middle East Bush said that the revolution under former President Reagan that freed the people of Soviet-dominated Europe is now destined to liberate the Middle East as well.

Washington Post staff writer David Von Drehle will be online Friday, Nov. 7 at Noon ET to discuss the president's speech and the direction of U.S. foreign policy.

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi David-

One thing I found interesting in Bush's speech is how he lashes Iran for denying its people their democratic wishes but then praises Saudi Arabia as headed in the correct direction with its town council initiative. Most Middle East analysts will tell you than Iran has the second-most thriving democracy in the region, just behind Israel. Sure, their national policy is directed by an appointed group of clerics, but on the local and regional level, there are vigorously contested elections for councils and mayors, all without clerical control, and the national Majlis while often overruled by the supreme leader maintains a constant drumbeat of criticism and protest to the unelected ruling councils. Seems to me that Egypt, Saudi, Syria and others could look to much of Iran as a model on how to have a democratic society with Islamic underpinnings.

David Von Drehle: Well argued. Thanks.