>
> I too am sorely disappointed by how poorly the administration has performed in the aftermath. In a way it's not surprising -- my biggest pre-war misgiving was our total failure in Afghanistan to set up a stable government -- but it's still saddening.
>
> It's lead me to question whether you can actually spread democracy by forcefully demolishing other regimes. There are some examples of it working out (mainly Japan) but by no means does it seem to be easy.
>
> Stephen

I'm afraid it's hopeless in that part of the world. The people there are descended from poor, nothing-to-lose, desert tribes who have been fighting and killing each other for centuries. In the 20th century, it was found that they were sitting on unlimited wealth in the form of petroleum. But nothing changed, except that they could afford better weapons. Money does not create civilation.

If there is any hope at all, it is probably a century or two down the road.

You mentioned Japan. I'm afraid that is an isolated success. We can't take all the credit for that. The Japanese learn from their mistakes. I don't thank that happens in the Middle East.
Howard