Compassion and the Softening of Mores

An “Islamic Reformation” is not a necessary condition for the emergence of democracy in the Muslim world; what is most needed is a political reformation.

The electoral triumph of Islamist parties has dampened the enthusiasm of democrats for the “Arab Spring.”

Massive protest by indigenous groups in both 2000 and 2001 have overthrown one president and weakened another. Though such conflict poses a short-term threat, it may ultimately contribute to democratic…