A SHIFT FOR THE BETTER

For the first time in a very long time the news coming from the Middle East are good news. It all started with the Iraqi elections, where 8 million Iraqis went out to vote despite the threats from terrorists. Then, following the successful Palestinian election, some progress in their conflict with Israel. Despite my doubts Mr Abbas has so far done pretty well. And now, a couple of days ago, following the murder of a former prime minister, the Lebanese has risen against the Syrian interference and forced their government to resign. This is a fantastic developement.

But of course, it didn't actually start with the Iraqi elections. It started with the fall of Saddam Hussein. Without the invasion we can be fairly sure that things wouldn't have developed like this. Is Bush's democratic domino effect working? It certainly looks like it, but there are some tough bricks to knock down. It is too early to celebrate yet, both in Iraq, in Palestine and in Lebanon, but things do look better than they have for a long time. There will be setbacks, of course. Terrorist groups and nearby dictators (like Mr Assad in Syria, and the mullahs in Iran) will do what they can to break this spiral of growing freedom. But it is also true that once people have had a taste of freedom they are very reluctant to give it up.

There will be tough times ahead, but hopefully - with resolve - this can turn out to be the 1989 of the Middle East. Who would've though, three and a half years ago, on that gloomy September 11th?

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