There was an idea in the Bush administration that if we removed their dictators, instilled democratic institutions, etc that it would take root. The thought was that at their basest level when given the choice people will resort to good. Well unfortunately, and it's proven throughout human history that when you leave people to their own devices evil takes root and fills all vacuums. Japan is a notable exception to the rule.
It's ironic that the jihad leaders always say, "All America understands is force." As if America is the obstacle to peace in the world. All the terrorists understand is force is the actual truth. When people come here, and decide they want to kill us all because (OMG) "I walked down the street and a woman was visible in her window" it is not America that is the problem. They are intolerant of Western culture and values. They truly are demented people. And there are way too many of them.