Many sceptics are ready to argue that – however genuine and eloquently expressed United States President Barack Obama’s commitment – the ‘democracy’ agenda has run out of steam.
Democracy: Dicing With Democracy
President Barack Obama’s Cairo speech has been hailed around the world. It struck just the positive tone needed to embark on a ‘new beginning’. And against the predictions of many commentators he did not duck the ‘democracy’ issue. Of course, the president said little about how the United States will endeavour to support democratic reform in the Middle East. Having raised expectations, he will be conscious that failure to deliver will engender huge disappointment in the region. Nevertheless, the speech has put the issue of international democracy back on the agenda.
