U.S. State Dept.: Democracy is no guarantee of freedom

George W. Bush continues to insiste that spreading democracy in the Middle East, by way of Iraq, is worth the cost in blood and treasure that the U.S. has endured. His own State Department says that while democracy benefits citizens generally, it is not by itself a guarantor of freedom and human rights.

Human rights are linked closely to democracies that provide long-term stability and security, said Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Barry Lowenkron, who oversaw the report's compilation.

But, he said, "Some states still have weak institutions of democratic government and continue to struggle; others have yet to commit fully to the democratic process."

The report cited Venezuela and Russia as democratically elected governments that do not always adhere to democratic principles.

A congressionally-mandated State Dept. report cites Pakistan, which Bush lauds as an ally in the war against terrorists, as an example of a nation failing to live up to its commitment to freedom and human rights.

Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, came under sharp criticism.

"Despite President Musharraf's stated commitment to democratic transition and 'enlightened moderation,' restrictions remained on freedom of movement, expression, association and religion," the report said.

Israel, too, was faulted.

Though the government "generally respected" its citizens' human rights, there were "serious abuses by some members of the security forces against Palestinian detainees," the report said.