Kudos to the Gabfest team for illustrating that the spread of democracy isn't as simple as "Have an election and tada.. peace on Earth!"

The Iraq war, and the Palestinian situation both illustrate that Democracy has a few introductionary steps that need to be achieved first. Security, justice and stability being among them.

For an "informal and irreverant look at politics" you guys are quite profound.

Shhhhhh...

Don't tell.

I think Emily was right on with her observation that the present problems between Hamas and Fatah can be laid at the feet of the Bush Administration. The "hands off" policy undermined Fatah's ability to govern and opened the door for Hamas in the Palestinian elections. The neocons live in a dilusional world where everyone wants to be middle-class Americans. Thus, they are unable to deal with anyone with a different worldview. Can we get through the next 584 days without another catastrophe?