Washington - For North Africa, 2009 is a year of elections. Regrettably, these elections "“ this week's presidential elections in Algeria, Tunisia's presidential and legislative elections in October, and Morocco's local council elections in June "“ attest not to the vibrancy of democracy in the region, but rather to its lingering authoritarianism.

Although Washington has found solid counter terrorism partners in North Africa, a short-term focus on security is potentially harmful. These countries face myriad challenges which necessitate a broad, long-term focus on reform. Doing so will serve not only the people of North Africa, but also the strategic interests of the US and its allies.

This week,...