In the long run, nations which restrict freedom fail. Competitive necessity forces them to open up personal and economic liberties.
That is encouraging in a way, but also dangerous. The forces of globalism can be said to have brought the Islamic world to this violent point. The Islamic nations have been resisting modernism tooth and nail. A free Iraq ups the stakes tremendously.
Eventually they do. But until then, they can cause great harm, and in the end the cost is higher than if we confront the issue at an early stage. I see no value in selling out the country to those who do not support our interests or have no good will for us. I see no value for our fellow citizens to suffer harm at the hands of those who wish us ill.