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From Pakistan to Libya, Northern Ireland to Syria, governments are renouncing support for terrorist groups. They are expelling or arresting their leaders and negotiating their ways out of longstanding conflicts and international sanctions.
Just this week, Pakistan extradited a Jordanian suspected of leading a group planning attacks against U.S. targets and tourist sites in Jordan. The return to Jordan of Khalil Deek, who is said to be an associate of terrorism financier Osama bin Laden, came days after Jordan arrested 13 others in the alleged network. Last month, Jordan deported four leaders of the militant Palestinian group Hamas to Qatar.
Analysts are especially encouraged by events in the Middle East. Israel's Arab neighbors now recognize its right to exist and seek a comprehensive peace. Lackluster economies across the region are forcing once radical nations to adapt to international standards. So are continuing talks between Israel and its Arab neighbors. If Syria and Israel reach a peace agreement, the future of Syrian-supported militant groups like Hezbollah seems bleak.