Natan Sharansky writes in today’s Wall Street Journal, that President Bush is indeed a dissident that is fired by a deep belief in the universal appeal of freedom, its transformative power, and its critical connection to international peace and stability. However, he also believes that the President has missed some of the other important elements of instilling liberty…
“I agree with the president that promoting democracy is critical for international security. But I believe that too much focus has been placed on holding quick elections, while too little attention has been paid to help build free societies by protecting those freedoms–of conscience, speech, press, religion, etc.–that lie at democracy’s core. I believe that such a mistaken approach is one of the reasons why a terrorist organization such as Hamas could come to power through ostensibly democratic means in a Palestinian society long ruled by fear and intimidation.”