Rise of Islamism

The so-called Arab Spring has not brought freedom but a different sort of tyranny. Instead of being ruled by greed-driven autocrats, the newly "liberated" Arab nations are lining up as Islamist states. Instead of prosecuting political dissent, the emerging regimes will not countenance any practice not in conformity with Islamic Law. In Tunisia and probably Libya as well, the West has assisted in the creation of two more Sharia states that ultimately will be antithetical to Western norms. Do not for one moment surmise that warmth and gratitude will be the reward for our backing democracy, because democratic institutions will never take hold under a theo-political system that disdains the freedoms we hold most dear. Islam literally means "submission" and the Islamic regimes that are being born are inherently adverse to our concept of liberal democracy and individual rights.