Democracy has taken root in every part of the world except the Arab world.
Now for the first time it really has a chance. I heard the same stuff about how the ruskies being culturally unsuited for democracy having never had experienced it ever in their long history. Russin democracy seems to be developing very well all things considered over the last dozen years.
I like the process the Iraqis are now starting. An interim government, caucases for delegates to a convention which will create a constitution for Iraq, and national elections and a new democratic government by early 2006. This could turn out to be pretty inspiring stuff. It will have a huge effect on the region over the next decade. I think the Middle East (especially Iran) is as ripe for democracy now as Eastern Europe was in the late '80s.