Because of Islam's unique tradition as a political and social system as well as an individual faith, I have expressed [1] doubts about the [2] viability of democracy in countries where there is significant attachment to the Sharia. But at [3] AEI (thanks to EPG) Charles Krauthammer makes the best possible case for going forward:

Yes, as in Germany and Japan, the undertaking is enormous, ambitious and arrogant. It may yet fail. But we cannot afford not to try. There is not a single, remotely plausible, alternative strategy for attacking the monster behind 9/11. It's not Osama bin Laden; it is the cauldron of political oppression, religious intolerance, and social ruin in the Arab-Islamic world--oppression transmuted and deflected by regimes with no legitimacy into virulent, murderous anti-Americanism. It's not one man; it is a condition. It will be nice to find that man and hang him, but that's the cops-and-robbers law-enforcement model of fighting terrorism that we tried for twenty years and that gave us 9/11. This is war, and in war arresting murderers is nice. But you win by taking territory--and leaving something behind.

Krauthammer's entire analysis is lengthy but well worth reading.

Also worth reading is this [4] piece by David Brooks explaining the importance of working to establish democracy in the Middle East. (Thanks to Fanabba.)