There are some Muslims, often well-educated, who react to any criticism of Muslim societies by putting all blame on colonialism, even accusing the critics for "Orientalism."

I am sure they have the best intentions. (I myself have been there, done that.) But they aren't helping.

It is true that Western (or Russian/Soviet) colonialism greatly harmed Muslim societies in the past 2 centuries.

But we have inherent problems with authoritarianism that both preceded colonialism, and still keeps most Muslim societies unfree & underdeveloped.

Refraining from an honest discussion of these problems prevents us from taking any step forward.

Meanwhile, the obsession with the West disallows a fair criticism of the West (which would be helpful), and also learning from the experience of the West (which is necessary.)

As an example of an honest discussion (which is both objectively critical & proudly Muslim, too) I would recommend one of the best books of 2019:

"Islam, Authoritarianism, and Underdevelopment: A Global and Historical Comparison," by @prof_ahmetkuru: https://www.amazon.com/Islam-Authoritarianism-Underdevelopment-Historical-Comparison/dp/1108419097

And, by the way, while the liberal-democratic accomplishment of "the West" is valuable (no wonder many Muslims have migrated to it), there is now a serious "crisis" there, too, as we are seeing in real time.

So, the West, too, needs what we Muslims need: looking in the mirror.