They are the oxygen that feeds the fire. Without, it may burn for a while only.
Iraq could have been a success- maybe- if immediately after the initial victory Iran and Syria and others has been put on notice. With a stick ready to be used on the violators.
Another case of thinking western and acting in the muslim east.
I believe the president expected Syria and the region to react to the invasion like rational western states - to back off lest they be next. Unfortunately, they don't think like that and without specific notice they went ahead and flanked us.
We still carry the ball and can own the field but I'd bet the next year brings on a frantic round of defeat gaining.
Deja Vu as a policy.