Contrary to author's faulty inference, it is precisely due to armed American intervention that democracy is breaking out all over in the Middle East.

Free at last through an Arab-Western joint venture
Rami G. Khouri, The Daily star Original Article

The brisk pace of domestic political change towards more freedom and democracy in several parts of the Arab world this week has already triggered a passionate argument about whether this is the result of the American-led invasion of Iraq or is more of a home-grown, indigenous Arab phenomenon. This fascinating and emotional debate is something of a sideshow and a wasteful diversion of energy. We would all be better off to argue less about who is responsible for the fresh democratic impulses in the Arab world, and instead work together more diligently to keep the process moving forward.