A Crack in the Wall

Iraq’s election deals a blow to absolutism; there will be others

THE delight and the dignity of Iraqis with stained fingers proving they had just participated in choosing their leaders has been a memorable spectacle of hope. Like the peoples of the old Soviet empire, the Arabs are beginning to democratize. Decent governance in Baghdad is the immediate issue, but in due course democracy—and democracy alone—may place the Arab and Muslim world and the West on an equal footing. Huge historic forces are in play.

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David Pryce-Jones

David Pryce-Jones (1936–2025) was a British author and commentator and served as a senior editor of National Review.

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Iraq’s election deals a blow to absolutism; there will be others

THE delight and the dignity of Iraqis with stained fingers proving they had just participated in choosing their leaders has been a memorable spectacle of hope. Like the peoples of the old Soviet empire, the Arabs are beginning to democratize. Decent governance in Baghdad is the immediate issue, but in due course democracy—and democracy alone—may place the Arab and Muslim world and the West on an equal footing. Huge historic forces are in play.