Faiz Lalani – Published on March 7, 2011
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Whether these movements ultimately overthrow the Arab world’s autocrats remains an open-ended question. An ancillary question is whether repressive, illiberal democracies-in-name will replace them. Detractors will likely point out that 84 per cent of Egyptians favour the death penalty for apostates – a sign that illiberal democracy will follow. Yet, 90 per cent of Egyptians also believe in freedom of religion. The contradictory responses reveal still unformed views about what their democracy will look like.
But whatever the outcome, what is clear is that – by risking their lives for the simple idea that people should govern themselves and be free – millions of souls across the Arab world have cried out for freedom. History may not yet have come to a halt, but the potent appeal of liberal democracy pushes it ever closer.
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Faiz Lalani is a first-year Law student. Source: http://www.mcgilldaily.com
Ismailimail 
Faiz; Well put and articulated.
I feel democracy (like pluralism) is a never ending process. Is is and will remain dynamic with differences, in different cultures, civil societies and nations.
The critical challenge for the next decade and generation is to understand each other with respect for our differences.
Most imporant I think is for people to see our differences as a force for good, and to use our diversity for the good for each other in their dailiy lives.
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