[My2Cents]

You mean if people are truly given the right to vote in the Arab world, they would consistently vote in the most repressive governments possible? I know this is conventional wisdom, but I'd be willing to test the assumption.

[Guillermo]

Not only the Arab world, but the Muslim world.

In Bahrain they had a free election a few months ago, 70% of the seats (35 of 50) were won by the "hardline" Islamist party.

In Pakistan, the recent election brought to power the Pakistani version of the Taliban. Of course, Musharraf didn't give up much power, but we saw what the people want.

In Turkey, the Islamist party always wins a free election (thank God the secular Army steps in and squashes them).

In a free election in a Muslim country, the winner will be the one who offers the most blood and the most revenge.