Both Germany and Japan declared war against the US FIRST.

Betcha didn't know that.

*** Well, by golly, I did know that! :) You would have lost that bet.

And both countries were cohesive societies and cultures, both had relatively high educational levels and a high literacy rate throughout.

Were "ripe" for democracy.

*** It proves that education/literacy alone doesn't bring about 'enlightenment'.

Not the same situation in Iraq.

*** Again, education alone won't bring about overall, positive change to a country... maybe to the individual. Especially when education may be sensored along with free speech and the right to assemble. So far, culture and religion play a major role in Iraq... above other facets of education.

Arf (try to "out-wiseass" me, will she??!!

*** It's worth a try.