about that "freedom agenda"....

"Jackson Diehl argues today that the Obama administration should back Arab democracy activists and not abandon the 'freedom agenda'. I fully agree with Diehl's sentiments. Twice in September, at a Congressional panel discussion and at a GWU event with Saad Eddin Ibrahim, I argued that Democrats should not abandon their long-standing commitment to democracy and human rights just because that agenda had become associated with the Bush administration. I think that support for Arab popular democratic aspirations is key both to restoring America's image in the region and to pursuing America's long-term interests in the region."
Abu Aardvark