The truth is that Kafirs, non Muslims, Infidels, are never the equal of Muslims.
That we Kafirs, et al, are fighting against a deeply held and deeply entrenched religious ideology, culture and tradition.
We would ONLY be able to assume that Middle Eastern Muslims would side with the West, the USA, the Coalition, the Kafirs and our abominable Western idea of Democracy (which doesn't exist in Islam**) through coercion, money and brute force.
And the minute that $, influence and military power was removed (even after 100 years...See the example of Turkey) the region would revert back to it's traditional Islamism.
In short, we could force our will on the people but if ever they were given the uninfluenced and free choice between freedom, Democracy and Liberty such as we know it and love it, vs the comforting restrictions of Islam, the people would overwhelmingly choose Islam.
Why do you think the Iraqi Army fled in the face of ISIS forces?
The Army soldiers KNEW they were fighting on the wrong side.
Just as crooks know they are in the wrong when they are fleeing the police. Just as the Soviets knew Ronald Reagan was right when he called the USSR the
"Evil Empire."
In their hearts they know which side is right.
And in the hearts of virtually ALL Middle Easterners they know in their hearts Islam is right and we are wrong.
And with that understanding I don't think we would have or should have invaded such as we did.
Other ways should have been employed.
**
Amir Taheri: "Islam Is Incompatible With Democracy"