Cohen's basic message is simple: we shouldn't teach democracy; we should simply create forums for information exchange, expression, and free choice. While this idea sounds nice, it suffers from the same problem that plagues so many modern "analysts," reporters, and politicians. Democracy != voting. There's more to it than that. The things Cohen advocates (freedom of information, expression, association) are all fundamental tenets of democracy. You don't have a democracy without them.
While Cohen is correct that it's more important to create outlets for expression and idea exchange than to re-indoctrinate Muslim youth susceptible to the pull of extremist thought, he should be even broader. While I love Howcast.com (and I know one of the guys behind it), Howcast isn't the solution to violent global extremism. A comprehensive plan needs to be put in place to address the fundamental pillars that undergird democracy: the rule of law, freedom of information, freedom of association, and the protection of minority rights. The free press, free association, and information freedom, in general, can certainly be addressed, in part, over the internet.
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