In order for the US to have had any kind of lasting influence in the region we would have needed a military presence there for at least 50 years. We barely had boots on the ground before there were calls for an exit strategy. Add to that the disastrous rules of engagement our military had to contend with and you have a formula for failure.
Bingo, except IMO it required somewhat less than two generations (<40yrs). The kids loved us with our instant friendliness, our edible treats, the soccer balls we gave them and the care and medical treatments; they knew we were the good guys. We just needed to stay as we did after WWII, build schools and let them grow up.
The author gets it right as well: Unless Iraq finds some deep well of nationalistic strength....
My sense after 18 months in country was that while we thought we were helping them with an "American Revolution" -like operation, the adults were culturally unable to comprehend the personal effort that entailed or required.