The two examples of attempted full-scale nation-building didn't go well. Most of the rest of it has been fine over the last 30 years, striking a balance between diplomacy, economic engagement, pressure, and low-intensity intervention where sensible.

GCC has cleaned their own house and have relations with IL. Qaddafi swung from a light pole, Assad barely made it to Moscow with his skin intact, the new guy in Syria is objectively better despite his previous CV.