The idea that the west set out to bring stability to the middle east is heart-warming but the accumulated evidence seems to suggest the exact opposite.  To a neutral observer, the evidence rather suggests that the west is actively trying to destabilize the region.  Consistent with that narrative, one of the most stable countries (Iran) makes the US most uncomfortable.  However, even if we take a more charitable view of the west&#x27;s intentions, we&#x27;d have to conclude that the west&#x27;s agenda is based on the fundamentally flawed assumption that the middle east lingers in a pre-modern state that is bound to be eventually replaced by western-style modernity.