The trials of Egyptian opposition candidate Ayman Nour demonstrates the difficulty of achieving genuine democratic reform in the Middle East.

The year 2006 has reverberated with sobering reminders--Iraq, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority--that democracy's progress in the Middle Eastwill be no easy thing.

The Egyptian government has moved to shut down its opposition, and while there is no guarantee authorities will allowopposition candidateson the ballot, Washington does have leverage.

The Egyptian government has moved to shut down its opposition;while there is no guaranteeopposition candidates will be allowedon the ballot, Washington does have leverage.

As the Obama Administration's reaction to the protests have reached the streets of Egypt, the perception has taken hold that the United States is siding with Mubarak.

A Middle East policy resting on Egypt is a house built on sand.

Pro-democracy forces continue their struggle in Egypt.

The Bush administration's half-hearted response to democratic surges in Egypt is inexplicable.