Three main lessons may be drawn from the postconflict democratic transitions in Afghanistan and Iraq. First, the rules of the game need to be designed in such a way that they produce political dynamics responsive to the host country’s challenges. Second, external actors should continually engage local leaders and steer them toward political strategies that move their countries forward. Third, organization and mobilization of constructive political forces are crucial. At a minimum, the United States should do more to encourage democratic forces to coalesce in order to exert greater influence.