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Argues that the Arabic nations, particularly those of the Magreb, limited their modernization following liberation from European colonialism to science, technology, & economics. In an attempt to retain their non-Western identity, they embraced an ideological form of Islam that does not reflect the religion's humanism & tolerance. This has produced totalitarian, nonsecular states that suppress the social expression of tolerant forms of Islam by the majority of their citizens. This political phenomenon, combined with Western leaders' misrepresentation of Islam as an inherently fundamentalist & violent religion, eclipses the genuine Islamic religion defined by brotherhood, faith, & charity. The irony is that Islam, perhaps more than any other world religion, embraces democratic values. It is concluded that Arabic nations could politically modernize if they drew on the traditional Islamic values that revolve around tolerance & diversity. Adapted from the source document.