The masjid do not seem that beautiful.
IMHO any nation which is strong in defense,has leadership and has plans for ruling other countries, may rule .... it does not matter if they are ethical or not even religion does not matter......... see the examples in current world.
OTH now the scenario for ruling the other countries has changed a lot... ie now they do not rule directly instead favg. leaders are appointed.
LBNTL I like the statues more than the minarat