The Algerian military's decision to overthrow the 1992 parliamentary elections posed the first major challenge to President George H.W. Bush's commitment to a post-communist "new world order" based upon consistent support for democracy, pluralism, and freedom around the world. The Bush administration had to choose whether to denounce the actions of the Algerian generals, or defend it by declaring that the fundamentalists' victory would represent the last election Algeria was likely to have. This case study explores some major problems facing U.S. foreign policy: the balance between democracy, authoritarianism, and fundamentalism in the Middle East; the battle for the "hearts and minds" of Muslims; and U.S. support for unpopular regimes. The study is well suited for any class in U.S. foreign policy, national security, comparative politics, or Middle Eastern studies