I know I know, an argument like that is basically the very definition of non-sequiter most of the time.
However, I will say that taking away a freedom like this is a strong indicator they are pretty much not changing at all. It's not this runaway train to freedom. It will take constant, and I mean CONSTANT pressure from their own populace and the world at large.
"On two occasions, I have been asked [by members of Parliament], 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?' I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question." ~ Charles Babbage (1791-1871)