In the Arab world, military rule is the negation of democratic rule, says H.A. Hellyer.
He argues that no country can succeed in establishing a democratic system without the military leaving politics. Heller: The chances of building democratic armies are subject to a complex process of negotiations and bargaining that may succeed or fail depending on the circumstances of each country. He says there must be a "formative moment" with which new institutions can be established in the state, including the military.