Yes.
How so?
Go back and read the news prior to, during, and after The Surge. Hop into a time machine and serve a tour or two in Iraq in those time periods like I did.
As soon as we leave they will revert right back...
What do you expect? That they'll become the U.S.? That they'll suddenly love us all with all their hearts? They'll be a typical Arab country. As to your assertion of the Iraqi Colonel...well, your crystal ball works as well as mine, and I don't see that happening.
Success? Yes, Many of the Iraqis have come to understand Freedom and it is a wonderful thing! It can happen in some Countries (and this is one), but not in others (Afghanistan) where only tribes succeed... They are not ready for Anarchy, much less for Democracy...
Islam and Freedom are not compatible. It will never work in Islamic countries. They will have to be crushed or isolated. We should profile Muslims and keep them out.