A second school of thought advocates opening the political door to mainstream but not extremist Islamic groups. Political participation, in this view, will compel movements to become more pragmatic, and will tend to separate moderates from militants. Such an approach requires a conducive political environment and shrewd handling. Jordan, where Islamic forces received 42 percent of the vote in 1989 and three cabinet seats, has tried this strategy, thus far successfully. The Egyptian government, under enormous pressure from Islamic groups, is at a crossroads, but is wary of making Algeria's mistake of opening the system too widely and too quickly.
Policy analysts are at odds over the utility of a dialogue with Islamic movements.
Algeria is on the cutting edge of this policy debate. The U.S. has favored a political solution and a dialogue with FIS elements that favor peaceful change. The French, on the other hand, have been more reluctant to talk to Islamic activists. However, the Algerian and French governments have been moving toward a more flexible position on dealing with moderates in the FIS, while still steering clear of terrorists who target foreigners. Instead, the U.S., with help from its European allies, will strive to prevent either from achieving Gulf hegemony or attacking its neighbors.