Well, yes, the intelligence stunk in some pretty important ways. But it wasn't *all* wrong.
But he's wishing for an effective contra force in Iraq like we had in Afghanistan. Sure, it would've been nice, but it just wasn't there to be had, good intel or not.
With regard to not being an "occupying" force after the takedown... well, I'm sorry, but that's just stupid. To just roll into town and take out the dictator and disappear would just mean some other ba'athist thug would have taken over. New boss same as the old boss.
I agree with your last statement.