In a speech to the American Enterprise Institute in February 2003, Bush argued that “the world has a clear interest in the spread of democratic values” and that Iraq in particular “is fully capable of moving toward democracy and living in freedom.” He suggested that “success in Iraq could also begin a new stage for Middle Eastern peace, and set in motion progress toward a truly democratic Palestinian state.” This speech revealed Bush’s increasing dependence on neoconservative doctrines, including the use of US military force to impose democracy abroad, in order to make the broader case for war with Iraq. Democracy in Iraq would have a domino effect and inspire the people of other countries in the region to follow suit.

XREF: Connects to the broader neoconservative 'domino theory' of democratization applied to the Middle East, echoing cold-war era logic.

Green, Todd H, The Fear of Islam_ An Intro…, loc. 289