I think the real issue is the way the war has been fought as if it's always about to be over. No one did any long range planning for an occupation because we wouldn't be there long. No one put a lot of effort into up armored humvees and body armor because we'd be pulling out before they were ready. Iraqi army and police were rushed into service too soon, and without proper vetting, in order to rush US troops out. Bush, congress and the pentagon never had to hammer out a real strategy because the war would be over and there was no point in compromise. . . .
Even with a drawdown in forces I can't see this war ending anytime soon. Even a worn out and demoralized US Army will provide better security in Iraq than the locals will.
This war drags on because the cost of ending it (in victory or defeat) is higher than the cost of fighting it.
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