The most telling piece I have read on this "let's give'em democracy" gig is the one that contemplated the US's own transition from colony to democracy. The writer contemplated a situation where, aided by the French, the revolutionaries were engaged in battle with the 'homeland'. Along came a French politician and said to the Americans
"Don't worry my friends, we will come to your aid and set up a democracy for you here in ze Americas. We will 'elp you to rid your land of ze evil English and by-the-way, we have some experience with post-revolutionary constitutions so we can knock one out for you in no time".
What would the Americans have thought about the idea of having their democracy 'crafted' for them by the French. Probably not a long way from what many folk in the Middle East think about the concept of having the American version of democracy thrust upon an area that was the cradle of civilisation and as such has traditions and complexities aplenty.
Most of all I guess I cannot bear to think that I was lied to by politicians who did not believe that they would be found out. I will bear that scar forever, never again will I miss the opportunity to vote at a General Election.
G
