Erich Fromm comments in The Forgotten Language: An Introduction to the Understanding of Dreams, Fairy Tales and Myths, the psychological and sociological reasons the Jews of Exodus were not allowed to enter the Promise Land was they would be unable to adapt to the new freedoms; they were slaves, not only because they were under the rule of others, but because they also had learned to think of themselves as slaves. The Exodus generation had no way to expunge from themselves what they were existentially. This held true for the Moses and his generation and it holds true for many citizens of emerging democracies.

Many of the people who made for peaceful and semi-peaceful revolutions in East Europe (a.k.a. Soviet satellites) have allowed or called for less than democratic leadership for which they strove. Russia hoisted Boris Yeltsin onto their shoulders and demanded freedom for all, but without any leaders who truly understood freedom and democracy, the people and the nation stumbled. Now they have a rather strong (dictatorial?) leader in President Puttin, and while they have lost much freedom, they seem more contented than when they were freer. Muslim countries will have to go through the same apoplexy; the current generation that has known nothing but strong and unyielding authoritarianism will have to die away before a new generation will be able to bring freedom and democracy to fruition.

Morocco is one of these countries. The current administration is correct in supporting King Mohammed VI gradual transition to democracy. No party, not the people, the government, nor the monarchy are ready to make a clean break from the past, but with guidance, they can move closer to the ideals of freedom and true democracy. In time, with great efforts and expenses, monetary and moral, the seeds of justice, freedom, capitalism and democracy can be spread throughout the Muslim and Arab territories. We cannot, as seen in Iraq, simply free a people and expect them to find their way without a strong (but temporary) hand to guide them. If we fight for freedom, we must be prepared to nurture that freedom. Once we win the war, logic and experience demand that we are prepared to maintain the peace. Before we press fresh wine, we must clear the vineyard of old grapes. The process is not an easy one, but once it is brought to fruition, all are better for the effort.