Getting used to free speech is crucial in a new democracy emerging from the shadow of dictatorship.
It was also crucial for Iraqis to work on bringing together a community based on tribal allegiances. Allowing one tribe to dominate government is recipe for disaster – a return to dictatorship. It is far better to encourage tribal leaders to recognise mutual interests, and bring their collective influence to bear on the population.
Being aware of this point may help overcome some of the tribal rivalry problems Libyan leaders might face in the near future – which, if not properly addressed, could lead to civil strife.
And a real danger is posed by sectarianism.
So many Iraqis were affected by the internecine fighting that raged across the country in 2006 and 2007. But afterwards, they had to sit down and start a reconciliation process. People had to forgive each other.
If and when the Syrian regime does fall, it would be a big mistake for the protest movement to go after ordinary people who backed the regime. All should be included in the new political process.
Equally, you cannot build a democracy if you hunt down former elements of the regime and kill them, as reports suggest happened to some supporters of Gaddafi whose bodies were found in Sirte with their hands tied behind their backs.
This could lead to retaliatory attacks from remnants of the regime, just as we witnessed in Iraq.
Another challenge is to counter radicalism and protect minorities.
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