I’m not sure how we get to stop other countries from having “long term success”? Engaging other countries is a good idea. Communism did not die because because of anything we did, rather it is such a disastrous economic system that it was and is and will always be unsustainable without outside assistance. We assisted the Soviets all along (see: Kama River truck plant), just as we funded the database (aka al Qaeda), just as we supported Saddam etc etc. Some refer to it as “the best enemies money can buy”. Maybe a new plan could be to let other countries elect their own leaders, we obey and defend our own Constitution, we lead by example, and then let private organizations and charities change hearts and minds here and elsewhere.
It is silly to represent the Kamza River Truck plant issue as assisting the Soviets “all along”.
If by “funded the database” (aka Al Queda) you mean we stupidly let our “allies” in kicking the Soviets out of Afghanistan (Pakistan and the Saudis) guide where to our support in that effort went, you are correct. I see that as a consequence of our stupidity in not recognizing who the Pakis and Saudis had our support funneled to and how they had their own ideological agenda for Afghanistan, a Jihadist fundamentalist agenda. I have learned that our intelligence services have often been ignorant, or just stupidly heads in the sand, more than deviously traitorous to our interests. It began with a top down error beginning with Carter that thought ANYTHING replacing the Soviets in Afghanistan was “good”. That was just stupid, not intentionally traitorous.
“We ‘supported’ Saddam”. Well, that is really a yes but no story, and it cannot be discussed leaving out the war Saddam initiated against Iran. Saddam got some help from us, and Iran got some help from us as well. Our policy goal was that neither Saddam nor Iran be able to declare much of victory. Any help either side got was intended toward that end. Our team believed that any great land acquiring victory by either side would follow in time with another war to undo any losses. Stalemate is what our side thought best, and stalemate is what happened.
“Maybe a new plan could be to let other countries elect their own leaders”
The Afghans have elected their own leaders. The Taliban don’t like that. Why should we agree with the Taliban?
We'll be able to do that after the Second Coming; not likely before. Too rational and humane for today's hate-world.