Sorry. I should have been more accurate. I see your point of view, and agree the game was up when the RVN gave up on itself. Regardless, the US didn't 'win'in Viet Nam, in the conventional sense, anyway. Except now, in hindsight, we can see that the so-called 'divisive' and 'aggressive' policies of the United States saved much of Southeast Asia and Oceania from communist domination and destruction. With all the similarities to Viet Nam the RATS have been trying to draw with Iraq, I'm surprised no one has mentioned this one: it was the right thing to do; it was a huge sacrifice; The United States of America was proved right in the long run.
Right you are.
And when the elections in Iraq are over and we bring the troops home, there will still be problems.....the Iraqis will have to exhibit the self resolve and determination required to breathe the air of freedom. It will be interesting to see how they develop a national identity given the tribal nature of the region. Once the population has a sense of freedom, I believe they will understand.