I remain internally divided on question of whether to make a systematic and long term effort to transform Middle Eastern culture. In ordinary circumstances, I would stand with Theodore Dalrymple’s pessimism, and dismiss such a challenge as quixotic and implausible. Yet, given a world in which nuclear terror is a real and lasting threat, I am moved by the argument that the effort to bring liberal democracy to the Middle East must now be made. In any case, for the ultimate in pessimism, have a look at Dalrymple’s wonderful essay.