Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks

Oh boy oh boy.. someone got excited about US foreign policy and wrote a fabulous science fiction novel.

The Culture intervened in a repressive lesser civilisation and accidentally triggered a civil war. Many people died and now the Chelgrian want revenge, since they can't fight against the advanced technology and vast resources of the Culture they are choosing a traditional approach...

I'm spoiling but it's so worth reading just from a 'good writing' perspective, am still utterly in love with Banks and the fabulous names the Culture ships have.