Since our troops had just toppled the government, there was no one to transfer sovereignty to. A new government had to be created, which is what has been happening for the past year and a half. By the end of this year, a constitution will be written, the new government will be solidified, the Iraqi security forces will be much stronger and numerous, several thousand more terrorists will be dead and the rest will be too demoralized to fight anymore. Then, we can start to leave.
Would it have been great if there had been no insurgency, and power could have been transferred within the first year? Yes. But, we had to play the hand we were dealt.
Exactly! There was no one to transfer power to.
While we may have underestimated the resolve of Syria, Iran and other Arab nations to interfere in Iraq .. I don't see how we could have known what these people would do.
But .. the dems better wake up - the Euros are beginning to see Bush was right about Iraq. If the dems don't have the Euros as partners in their Bush-bashing - I wonder if they'll finally get it ..?? I know .. I know - I won't hold my breath.