We're not doing this to get "regard" or a pat on the back. We're doing this because we find the notion of a failed-state, or a terror-supporting dictator rising to power, in Iraq unacceptable to our national security.
You keep saying it's for our national interest.
Well it had better be; if it's not, what the heck are we doing there?
The immediate effects of EVERYTHING we do here is for Iraqi national interests
Does that include our congressmen openly musing about changing their elected government?
You are saying that it doesn't matter if he's a roadblock.
It makes it more difficult. It doesn't change our objectives.
So we're going to keep pouring money and lives into this place, regardless if they're willing to accept the help?
Yes, I reckon, at least as long as we continue to find it unacceptable to allow Iraq to devolve into a failed-state, or for a charismatic terror-linked dictator to rise to power.
it's a whole other thing to expect us to shrug it off and keep going at it with smiles on our faces.
Don't smile then.
Wow. That must be incredibly easy for you to say.