The Hill News

Last week, as I prepared to join the throngs celebrating outside of the Egyptian embassy in Amman, Jordan, I was reminded of my 2003 visit there. President Bush had just launched the Iraq war.
 
There was widespread opposition to the U.S. attack and palpable anger among the Arab population across the region. People voiced frustration at every opportunity including Friday sermons in mosques, and television and radio call-in shows.
 
Frequently, I heard, “Does Bush think he can bring democracy through the barrel of a gun?” And as the images of thousands of Iraqi civilian deaths emerged, people asked, “Do you see what Bush’s democracy looks like?”
 
Bush had a simple message that had the potential to resonate powerfully. Democracy frees people, and free nations are more peaceful. The problem was not the message, but the actions of the messenger.

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