The EU’s timid insistence on political reform in Morocco coupled with unrelenting financial and diplomatic support might have removed the incentive for reforms.

Turkey’s seemingly successful blend of Islam and democracy, as well as its steady economic growth, are very attractive points, but its human rights infractions are worrying.

Morocco's King Muhammad VI, who ascended the throne in 1999 following the death of his father, King Hassan II, is moving ahead with reforms in some areas such as women's rights. But he maintains an ambivalent, sometimes hostile attitude toward the country's new independent press.