You speak the truth.
I also think the Iraqis could be more easily unified by pointing to Iran as an external threat. Despite the shiite sunni divid there is a common historical rivalry with Iran that could better united the divided parties than any jobs program.
I still think we can go to war with Iran without going to war with Iran-- let the Iraqis do it with our military support. They still remember the deadly war with Iran during the 90s. Old time baathists would love to join such a cause.
Complications abound in the region and hamfisted charges into the china shop (hows that for mixed metaphors?) are the last thing we are going to do. Of course, Nukes are the answers to every issue for some here.