The Arab Spring is transforming into a "bloody summer," as dictatorial governments resort to increasingly violent means to crush popular rebellions. But democracy activists aren't the only ones facing an uncertain future. Autocratic regimes have collapsed, or are close to collapsing, in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and elsewhere, weakening or eliminating American allies in the fight against jihadists. The turmoil is also straining already struggling economies, increasing social tensions, and further threatening the region's stability. Will these pro-democracy uprisings wind up doing the U.S. more harm than good?
The revolts make fighting terrorism harder: Ultimately, "a freer, fairer, more equitable and stable Arab world" is a good thing, says Christopher Dickey at Newsweek. But the unrest might make American spies nostalgic for "the bad old days." The "thuggish tyrants" who are being tossed aside were ugly, but predictable. We might not want to admit it, but catching terrorists was easier when suspects could be "snatched off the streets" and interrogated without anybody batting an eye.
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