Some people feel the U.S.A. started going downhill with the introduction of the income tax and the women's right to vote.
Change does not come easily. Islam and democracy are incompatible in many respects - An Islamic government is based on total obedience to Islamic principles as interpreted by Islamic religious leaders - no discussion, no debate, no dissent. Democracy gives power to the people, and decisions are based on debate and disagreement from which compromises are forged.
Iraq is more secular than many Arab states. Women in Iraq would seem to have most to gain from democracy there, but even with women, many are not sure they want democracy. See: