Alas, given their histories of autocratic rule, giant leaps forward to full-blown democracy are unlikely. Though steps toward democracy are possible, when the euphoria of the moment passes, political contenders will realize that, if only in self-defense, they must restrict their opponents’ freedoms.
如果这些陷入风暴中的阿拉伯社会能有民主的传统，他们将能通过开诚布公的辩论和平地达成妥协。但无奈的是，他们的独裁历史导致向成熟民主的大跨步迈进难上加难。虽然可能推动民主进程，但在革命的高潮过后，那些政治竞争者们将发现如果要自保的话就必须限制对手的自由。