cted legacy of political violence that has plagued Iraq since its inception as a state in 1921" will make the attainment of representative self-government and non-authoritarian political stability daunting tasks. He says, nevertheless that "it is not wholly inconceivable that, given the right guidance and support, Arab societies will indeed prove amenable to democracy" (22).
Islamic scholar Fouad Ajami foresees that a convincing American victory in Iraq followed by statesmanship during a transitional period will not only enhance the chances of positive political developments in Iraq but also in neighboring Arab countries which need to turn away from "the belligerence and self-pity in Arab life, . . . retreat from
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