It has been over four years since the beginning of President Bush's "generational challenge" to bring democracy to the Arab world. The administration believes that as democracy spreads in the Middle East, countries will be less likely to produce terrorists. However, the reality of the situation is that democracy in the Middle East will leave our country in a more dangerous situation than before.

The landslide victory of Hamas in Palestinian elections last week is only a portion of the problem. Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmedinajad (whose country is currently researching nuclear technology) was elected democratically. The terrorist group Hezbollah is now participating in Lebanon's government. It can only be a matter of time before al-Qaida in Iraq legally obtains power in an election.

It is quite ironic that what the Bush administration is promoting now gives terrorist groups a platform to form policies that will not serve our immediate and long-term interests. The administration is painting itself into a corner in so far as they will not be able to deny the legitimacy of these governments, and it will therefore have to negotiate with the terrorists. Instead of using bullets and bombs to win hearts and minds, the administration should focus on promoting secular and nationalist organizations in the region. Then when elections do occur, they will be more likely to yield outcomes favorable to the U.S.

Please don't respond to this by reminding me that President Bush only advocated the "self-evident" truths that our country was founded on to rid the world of an "evil-doer." I fully understand that. But in doing so, Bush has failed to serve the interests of the U.S., therefore leaving us more vulnerable to terrorist attacks at home and abroad.