The difference being that we have no colonies. I mentioned that occupation is much different than waging war. I will be the first to admit that we will have problems if our stay in Iraq and Afghanistan starts to resemble colonialism (It is not fair to say that it already does.). The problem being that France, UK, USA are basically good (or more evolved)and not capable of crushing dissent like the Romans.

I don't think it is necessary to hurry out and leave the countries to stew in religious fanaticism or whatever oppressive government that comes to be. The world is too small to allow this to happen.