George W Bush's victory for a second term and the Republican party's big gains in both Houses of Congress are clear indications that Americans perceive their country to be in great danger from global terrorism.

They want their president to have a strong mandate to fight the war. Bush has said he will fight the terrorists anywhere in the world.

America's main strategy is to force the ultra-conservative Muslim states in the Middle East to reform their societies and embrace democracy. The West believes that the Islamic regimes that exist today have provided a fertile ground for militant ideologies to recruit followers.

For the sake of the Muslim world and before the Americans start to use their military power to force through the democratic changes, Muslim countries should make the changes themselves.

Malaysia can play a constructive role by advising these countries to reform now before it is too late.