Democracy before stability

Story.

CAIRO (Reuters) - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has alarmed many reformist Arabs with comments suggesting a new U.S. approach that promotes rapid political change without regard for internal stability.

Rice said in an interview with the Washington Post last week the Middle East status quo was not stable and she doubted it would be stable soon. Washington would speak out for "freedom" without offering a model or knowing what the outcome would be.

There are obvious risks if this becomes the policy of the United States. But Reuters really goes overboard in reporting this story. Other than Dr. Rice, the Reuters' article quotes six "experts," every single one of whom is critical of the idea of promoting democracy before stability and at least one of whom suggests that the U.S. is taking its cues from Israel.

UPDATE: Thanks for the link Mr. Simon.