AMERICA'S NAPOLEONIC FOLLY What will be the ultimate outcome of America's attempt to bring democracy to the Middle East? This comparative analysis suggests an answer by illustrating the striking parallels between Napoleon III's intervention in Mexico 1862-67 and Iraqi regime change initiated by President Bush in 2003. Both interventions were high risk gambles from the outset, as significant differences in political culture divided the occupier from the occupied. Upon the fall of Mexico City and Baghdad, short but crucial windows of opportunity were missed to build political support...