"An occupying power has no right to make significant alterations in the character of the occupied society, to change the laws all around, without a strong security reason and so forth"

In this quote, Juan Cole is talking about the actions of an inhabiting power in a society that they have actually taken control of. He argues that such a power does not deserve to make significant modifications to the society, including changing its laws, unless there is a strong security reason for doing so. This suggests that Cole thinks that an inhabiting power ought to not use their control to impose their own beliefs and values onto the occupied society, however rather must focus on the safety and wellness of the people. He stresses the value of respecting the existing character and laws of the society, unless there is an engaging factor to do otherwise.