I think that the west has always played off different leaders of these countries for years. The very borders of these countries were set up by the western powers and they made bad choices.
We cannot blame Bush et al for all this trouble, much of it was inherited. Now we are reaping the whirlwind so to speak. My only concern is that the battle being joined, we have to win it. Restoring decent living standards in Iraq will stabilize some of the situation I just don't see it happening soon. Bush has become a legend in his own mind, and that is unfortunate fact. Lets hope sober minds and decent people of the world gain more control of international politics in the near future. I won't be holding my breath while waiting thought ;-)