If we left Iraq 5 years ago would we have won the same thing we won with the surge? What worked?

Question

What did we win with the 3700 American lives lost over those 5 years?

In the end the Iraqis defeated the 800 Al Queda in Iraq by themselves. Would they of not done that five years ago if they were not so busy fighting us?

Answer 1

We won a bigger national debt.

We won by allowing civilian contractors a free pass to defraud the government (can you say no-bid contract).

Answer 2

Tell them what they've won Johnny.

OK! America for your efforts over the last five years in Iraq, you've won, thousands of dead sons and daughters of Americans. Tens of thousands dead in Iraq and for that their eternal hatred. We've won new generations of terrorists more than willing to sacrifice their lives to kill Americans...and they don't even know me. We've won massive debt, mistrust around the globe, an all but spent volunteer military who are implementing suicide for the answer to their problems. We've won record oil prices in a matter of five years, from twenty to one twenty in record time. We've won massive CEO compensation packages for all those affiliated with the war in Iraq. We've won a divide right down the middle of our country. The most important thing we've won. The opportunity to vote McCain/Palin and stay the course.