I think the USA putting a stamp on the ME was necessary. Either now, or in 10 years when more nuclear powers sprung up.
If Afghanistan and Iraq can continue progress, there will be at a minimum two muslim countries that actively fight terrorists, as opposed to coddle them. Hell, even Saudi Arabia is purging Al Quaeda types, and the future of Lebannon and Libya has already improved due to the Iraq invasion.
All huge victories for the human race that would have been at least as significant defeats if johnjohn esq. had taken the helm.
Just think how many more people would be alive today that needlessly died in the world's hotspots, and if the prophet of doom had been stopped from advancing during the mid/late 90's Toons.