In the midst of a heated transatlantic debate over Iraq, one crucial question is on everyone’s mind : how best to catalyze the implementation of an environment of trust, democratic legitimacy and accountability, as the minimal requirements for a functional region fit for the 21st century and global stability. The region in question is the Middle East. Second only to sub-Saharan Africa, despite its vast riches of fossil energy reserves and many other assets, the Middle East lags behind all other regions in all areas, from economic development to social well fare, individual liberties and democratic legitimacy (1). A pillar...