The people in Iraq think so. Most Americans think so. The leaders in the Middle East thought so (they said something about cutting the head off of the serpent), and I think so. Some say that Bush's idealism sparked all the tyrants being overthrown in the Middle East as we speak. If that is truth, then you would have to say Iraq had a very positive effect on the Middle East, if of course you believe it is better to be free. It just seems that it is impossible to educate the people with mass communication of freedom and prevent the march of freedom.
If this is true, Iraq may prove to be the most positive historical event of all times. That would make GWB one of the world's greatest leaders of all time. He is already one of America's greatest presidents, although Ronald Reagan is considered America's greatest president at the present time. But, in the future, after the liberal press vanishes from the face of modern politics, GWB's achievements in Iraq may match Reagan's achievements against the USSR. Aren't you just proud to have two great world heroes in America like Reagan and Bush in one decade?
One thing for sure, the war in Iraq and the the victory in the cold war that Reagan and GWB pulled off will set the standard for American presidents that want to keep America out in front of world leadership in defense of democracy. With that example it will be easy to see any American leader that would hold back their support of a people seeking freedom. like in Iran.
We have learned from history, it is not a safe and secure position to wait on our European allies to lead. Traditionally they have always been too late. We just hope Obama will learn something from the good example that GWB left him in Iraq. Do you think Obama has learned anything from Reagan and Bush that will help him defend Americans from Muslim terrorism or piracy on the high seas? As to date, he still cowers in the corner with the absent patriots.