Surrounding Islamic countries might foster unrest if nothing else to demoralize the West and decrease this influence. Since most of these countries are kingdoms or ruled by despots, these nations have a hidden agenda to create unrest and present the U.S.-led invasion and its aftermath as a failure.
Having been identified a failure in the eyes of the world would prevent any possible invasion of the other Islamic kingdoms or fiefdoms.
Another cause of a possible long-term failure of U.S. attempts at bringing democracy to Iraq would be because of the Islamic mindset. There are two primary sects within Islam (among others): Sunni and Shiite. Mr. Hussein was a Sunni. Sunnis in the country were preferentially treated. The Sunnis would therefore not want the removal of Saddam Hussein because of the fear of transfer (or sharing) of power with the Shiites. Many have averred that centuries of generations of having lived under the rule of a despot have made Islamic society unable to consider a government of for and by its people.
Culture and religion aside, one of the biggest affront to any nation and its people is another nation invading it causing a blemish on its integrity and national pride. This is no matter how developed and democratic the invading...
Objective observers not affiliated with either nation will also support the sovereignty of each nation against aggression from another.
What gives one nation the moral authority to be the aggressor against another? It helps if the aggressor nation is a democracy. Democracy within the rules of a constitutional republic allows a system of checks and balances that ensure that any aggressive move is taken on with due consideration. Perhaps unfairly, any problems stemming from Iraq have been placed squarely at the feet of former President George W. Bush. But one must remember that whether emotionally driven or not, the declaration of war came from the U.S. Congress which is a representative body.
In conclusion therefore, is the sowing of the seeds of democracy possible through aggression. Yes, but the effects cannot be gauged in the short-term. But before such an undertaking the invading nation must weigh the short- and long-term consequences.
Reference
Copson, Raymond W. "Iraq War: Background and Issues Overview." Report for Congress, 2003.
Toland, John. But Not in Shame; the Six Months after Pearl Harbor. New York,: Random House, 1961.
