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This is a great question and should be discussed and revisted more often.
I would like to add: If we (liberal cultures) should leave others (illiberals) alone, does that imply we should not have gone to Iraq? Does that mean we should not interfere with Darfur in Sudan? Who decides that?
If a geoploiticla solution is not the answer, than it is quite apparent that we cannot "export" democracy.
To directly address Politicophile's question: I don't believe we are quite there yet. The question imlplies a moral stance for which we do not have a global standard readliy adhered to. It also implies judgement and enforcement for which we also do not have the institutions, structure, or political will for. Until we can mover form the subjective aspect of the question, I believe it is a deadlock. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to interfere.
But, we could also exercise selcetion in self-interest. Africa does not matter to us so we have no interest in interfering regardless of wrong or right. The Middle East IS of concern so we've involved ourselves deeply.
If we had cause for liberalizeing other regimes, then we would be pretty busy ourselves and need to dedicate a whole lot of resources to it.
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