We can't ever know the counterfactual. If these had degenerated into a revolution, there would have been many more casualties.
What we know for sure is that, 30 years later, the country is enjoying tremendous growth, has lifted a lot of its population from poverty, and did that even with foreign powers trying to meddle with it.
Personally, I would consider that a success - especially when compared to say Russia. Sure, things could have been handled better, but Monday quarterbacking is easy, while action is hard.
What we know for sure is that, 30 years later, the country is enjoying tremendous growth, has lifted a lot of its population from poverty, and did that even with foreign powers trying to meddle with it.
Personally, I would consider that a success - especially when compared to say Russia. Sure, things could have been handled better, but Monday quarterbacking is easy, while action is hard.