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I know that Russia never got very far with them, but would we have been able to convert them to democracy?


As an Afghan I can tell you that no, you would not have been able to convert them to Democracy. Afghans will never be able to convert to democracy. Not just Afghanistan, but pretty much all the countries in the middle east are NOT ready for democracy. From cultural mores and attitudes to logistical issues, democracy will just not work there. Especially in Afghanistan.

I don't understand this belief that democracy is the ULTIMATE form of government. Isn't it a little arrogant to think that the way YOU do things is the BEST way to do things. Sure it works for us, but it doesn't work for them. The administration is starting to see that now in Iraq. Guess what? Iraq needed a bastard like Saddam to keep things in line. Did some of the citizens get the shaft? Yes, but there wasn't wholesale slaughter like there is now.