The monarchs and presidential strongmen who have governed Arab lands since independence in the mid-20th century have been reluctant to share power, allow free elections or permit popular dissent. Following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, however, President Bush has vowed to establish a working democracy in Iraq - and to promote free elections throughout the region. But democratization faces daunting obstacles, including the Arab world's limited experience with self-rule, imbalanced economic development and the rise of radical Islamist movements. While some experts see encouraging signs in a few countries, prospects for democracy appear dim in many others, including two major U.S. Arab allies: Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Kenneth Jost is Supreme Court editor, CQ Press; associate editor, CQ Researcher; and author of The Supreme Court Yearbook since the 1992-1993 edition.