This title addresses a number of key issues determining the success or failure of sustainable democratization in the region. With the exception of Israel, the constituent states cannot yet guarantee a path toward sustainable democracy. Movement toward political, economic and cultural liberalization has thus far brought instability and violence to the region, as traditional and religious values conflict with secular ethics, norms and practices. Drawing on analyses of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria - as well as the North African nations of Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia - this book examines patterns of democratization, and political and economic transition. The contributors conclude that in order to advance democratization processes, reforms must be gradual and organized and monitored from the top, while supplemented by a gradual process toward the establishment of a broad-based and broadly supported civil society.