[Man50D]

Our Revolutionary War fighters had less to work with, but prevailed.

Our Revolutionary War lasted eight years(1775-1783). Iraq was ruled by Hussein for twenty five years. No one should be surprised if it takes 8-25 years to stabilize Iraq.

[MayflowerMadam]

"Our Revolutionary War lasted eight years(1775-1783). Iraq was ruled by Hussein for twenty five years. No one should be surprised if it takes 8-25 years to stabilize Iraq."

All you say is true. (And the pilgrims were ruled by England for a very long time -- 1620 to 1776.) But... is it our job to free them, or theirs? That was my point. Even if we do "free" them, and hand liberty to them on a silver platter, will they appreciate it or retain it? Will they care enough? (Just thinking out loud here.)