re: Enlightenment comes with a price.
Your post showed the dichotomy of those that honor civilization and those who don't, depending on where you are on the ladder of convenient spirituality/militarism....or not. Perhaps this is aided by education and understanding.
However, your line:
>"If the USA and western civilization prevail in reforming some of the more backward, violent cultures then perhaps all the swords will be destroyed. "
Not if they do it under false pretences, or against international law.
Tanks, drones, armed soldiers shaking down their populace and 500 lb bombs don't do much to further our grand form of "democracy", either.
Neither does torture.
There's the real dichotomy.