The imperial jigsaw

The details of contemporary Middle Eastern history must be placed in the context of "the American century" which Washington is determined will not end. Galal Nassar maps the regional dynamics of America's imperial order.

IMPERIAL DEMOCRACY: There remains the question as to the manner in which the US will avail itself of the "spread of democracy" as a means to contain the Arab and Islamic world, and Syria in particular. Certainly, many here would agree that democracy is not a gift which is in Bush's power to force down our throats, ostensibly to free us of decades of despotism and equip us for a new phase of political, economic and social development.