In other words, the bar should be maintained at the level of a pluralistic and participatory democracy.

Therefore, the question is not whether such democratization is possible, but instead how to meet the yearning of the masses in the Middle East for democracy; in other words, how to achieve democratization in the Middle East.

We know of the nature of the regime in Syria. We constantly try to inspire them toward more democracy, but playing with Syria would be dangerous and could prove to be a worse situation than Iraq.

In other words, Judaism is not Calvinism.

What should be targeted is a concept of organic, and not just mechanic, democracy that preserves the rule of law, separation of powers, and that is participatory and pluralistic.

But foremost, I do not subscribe to the view that Islamic culture and democracy cannot be reconciled.