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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001281.html
Support Freedom in the Arab World
[Washington Post] Radwan A. Masmoudi and Amr Hamzawy - As Arab and Muslim intellectuals and activists concerned about the promotion of democracy in our region, we call on America and its president to reaffirm - in words and actions - its commitment to sustained democratic reform in the Arab world. We know that some, worried by recent Islamist gains among voters in Palestine and Egypt, are having doubts about the wisdom of pushing for freedom and democracy in the Middle East. These worries are exploited by despots in the region to perpetuate the untenable status quo. Democratic participation is the only way to combat extremism and pressure all groups, including Islamists, to moderate their stance in order to maximize their share of the vote. From an open letter to President Bush signed by 103 other Arab and Muslim activists who have worked in support of democracy (see www.islam-democracy.org).