ISLAMIC FUNDAMENTALISM 59 The possibilities of their taking some path other than capitalism arc opened up by the existence of the socialist system in the world today. Socialist construction in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) which in a few decades transformed the country from an agrarian into a mighty industrial state and the experience of other socialist countries have convinced the newly independent countries that socialism offers them the best chance of eradicating their social and economic retardation. The governments of the developing countries are no doubt giving thought to the experience of the socialist countries, not only in deference to the anti-imperialist and pro-communist temper of the masses, but also on their own initiative and desire to apply that experience, as they see the great advantages of economic planning and cooperative farming. For the ruling classes of these countries there is this dilema: while they realize that the capitalist road is far from being perfect and is hardly the best alternative for them, neither can they, nor do they want to, take the socialist road for fear of losing their class privileges. Instead, they look for a way out in compromise, in the "reconciliation" of capitalism and socialism, often termed the "middle road" of deve-lopment. The ^Middle Road" Concept Other important factors have contributed to the emergence of the concept of the "middle road". One that has certainly played an enormous role is the feeling against capitalism common to all segments of society in the young sovereign states. Centuries of exploitation by the imperialist powers naturally generated a deep hatred in the minds of the oppressed peoples for the system that countenanced such plunder and violence. That is why national liberation movements have so often mounted slogans of struggle against both particular capitalist countries and the imperialists as a whole. It is indicative, moreover, that the idea of consolidating their economic and political independence is dominated by the ideal of a "welfare state" which will not be like the states of the capitalist west. Anti-capitalist tendencies are however not equally pronounced or consistent among all social classes. Only the most class conscious people are completely opposed to the capitalist system.. The bulk of the population (the peasants and petty-bourgeoisie), while sharing the prevailing hatred of capitalism, cling to the dream of evolving a scheme of private enterprise of their own; would like to find a road to prosperity that promises personal en-