What if more sensible people were in charge of the Iraq War?

Much of the current and past problems of Iraq were due to the total absence of a post-invasion plan.

With a more competent leadership, you will have some post-invasion planning.

But I think the Americans would still have been taken by surprise by the problems arising from having to care for 28 million people (having smashed most of the infrastructure and utilities) and the fighting between the different factions. The Sunni’s are still going to be pissed at losing their comfortable position while the Shiites are going to demand their long overdue dues.

Previous successful liberations/invasions all relied on keeping the old administrative structure intact, coupled with a complete discrediting of the old rulership and a general war weariness.

A short, sharp war, followed by instant ‘democracy’ imposed by foreign bayonets is not going to work. Neither are anti-insurgency measures as they need considerable time before taking effect.

In short, less of a mess but a mess nonetheless.
 
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