There was never any doubt that our military could tamp down the violence, temporarily.

What was in doubt, and what has come to pass, is that the 2nd wave of this plan was ill-conceived.

Bush sold this as a package deal. The two cannot be split up at this late stage.

The diplomatic aspect was designed to fail.
A sovereign nation must choose its' own path, and no amount of coaxing from outside agitators will produce any sustainable results.

We could force our vision of a " democracy " upon the populace, but it would only produce an unstable equilibrium.

Our Armed Forces =
I'd give them a " B "

Our State Dept. =
a " D "