"No matter how many troops we have in place or how long they stay, we cannot impose a parliamentary democracy there any more than the insurgents can impose a theocracy"

This quote by Nick Clooney is stressing the value of allowing a country to develop its own kind of federal government. He is stating that no matter how much military existence remains in a nation, it is not possible to enforce a parliamentary democracy on them. Likewise, the insurgents can not impose a theocracy on the nation either. This quote is highlighting the value of allowing a country to establish its own form of federal government and to appreciate the will of the people. It is also highlighting the significance of enabling a nation to choose its own form of federal government, rather than having it imposed upon them. This quote is a tip that democracy is not something that can be forced upon a country, however rather something that should be earned and respected.