I do not see why there is such a strong desire to install secular democracies willy-nilly all over the world. Yes, we know that it is the best form of government, but the people living in these countries on the ground do not. I just do not think the majority of people there are ready for it.<p>A secular democracy requires some kind of enlightenment on the part of the people, and usually this enlightenment happens after a great sacrifice has been made (something on the level of a war of independence) or through the slow and steady movement towards universal suffrage by way of representation.<p>All that ends up happening when you give democracy to a population that is not ready for it are strongmen who vote themselves additional executive power through legislative hook or crook leading all the problems that a secular democracy is supposed to prevent.<p>Whether or not the West gets involved, one side will win or lose guaranteed. Trying to pick the least evil from the outside is an exercise in gambler&#x27;s ruin.