Good points Don T
I guess these observations would have steered the debate better if posted nearer the top.

In the book "Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream, I recall the author stating that this persident could not understand why the Vietnamese would not want a USA style of democracy/capitalism like Americans (and other Western countries) enjoy. His pushing of this war seemed to be based on this belief.

Maybe this is still the root of the problem with many foreign USA milatery (and other) interventions today? Can one realistically expect that all nations wish (or are prepared for) the same type of democracy and society as those in the USA (or other western countries)?

Why does the USA feel it must go it alone in the world spreading principles of western democracy and capitalism? It took alot out of the USA in the 60's and 70's. I suggest it is doing a similar job today.

IMO, many people outside of te USA see this as arrogence. Especially since some of these interventions (right or wrong) are seem to be based on promoting USA corporate interests.