[ninenot]

It served their interests to assist the American rebels, just as it serves our interests to pacify the Middle East

The French did not remain for several years to "install democracy."

So what they really obtained was a military defeat of the English, resulting in partial French control of Canada.

But not a several-year engagement in "nation-building."

As to Germany and Japan: the analogy does not hold. This war, as it was originally sold, is a war on terrorism, not on Iraq. Iraq managed to become a part of it, and now GWB wants to impose democracy--an extremely long-term project which has nothing, zip, zero, NADA to do with "terrorism."

[general_re]

The French did not remain for several years to "install democracy."

The tactics were different because the situation was different, but the long-term goals were the same - to advance the interests of one's own nation by acting within the wider world.

Iraq managed to become a part of it, and now GWB wants to impose democracy--an extremely long-term project which has nothing, zip, zero, NADA to do with "terrorism."

Really? "Nothing"? How many democratic societies are currently engaging in terroristic campaigns against others? Take as much time as you need to compile a list.