You know, we are not there for the Iraqi’s benefit, we are there for ours,...TO DENY Al-Queda a lucrative SAFE HAVEN!!!
Exactly right (first and foremost). Though I would add we are there with the understanding of the reality that trying to bring about a process of dragging the ME out of the dark ages is our best strategy for longterm successes. In the mean time we go after "bad guys" (as we have been 24/7 throughout the ME, SE Asia and the HOA).
Now I would also add that via this process we are looking to allow for an atmosphere where there can be a self-deportation away from radical Islam (and perhaps even Islam itself) - Where freedom goes the truth will follow -
And lets be clear and fair. When our great nation was founded and set-up there were a number of terribly flawed concepts and trades we allowed to continue.....It takes time for LR or democracies to make the right choices.....but with freedoms more often than not those correct choices will out number the flawed ones.
TomasUSMC your notion that Iraq needed to "get everything right" within its first few years.....Is not realistic whatsoever.