[lepton]

I actually believe in the argument that a free Iraq will have consequences for other totalitarian governments. I do believe in the domino effect of democracy. At least, I believe it is worth a try.

25 years ago, were there any predominately Catholic countries that were not ruled by dictators (Aside from Italy)? How many of the South and Central American dictatorships are still around - aside from the recent rise of one in Venezuela?

[Torie]

You forgot France. :) Austria and Ireland too. West Germany, Switzerland, and The Netherlands were 50-50. Some in Latin America were democratic then, off and on. Which ones exactly, I don't know. Chile was except for the Allende and Pinochet era. Costa Rica has always been.