"In the meantime, the longer the war goes on now the more world opinion, and middle east opinion, turns against us."
Why? I don't see why we couldn't stay in Iraq for another 12 years. Not that it would require 12 years to change the regime, but staying for long periods of time attempting to get Saddam out of power, would certainly be better as far as world opinion or middle East opinion, than leaving the region in a short period of time (say a month from now) without getting Saddam out of power and getting a stable govt to replace him. If we could get Saddam out and get a stable govt in place in a relatively short period of time, that would be wonderful- assuming we rid the country of WMD, have a govt which was benign & stable, etc.
Our main concern should be the welfare of the Iraqi people- if we could start by taking say 1/2 or more of the country away from Saddam and start forming a govt which is ruled by the Iraqis- half the country would be far better off than it is currently. [In a hostage situation, it is much better to take your time- we aren't in a hurry.] If we can confine Saddam to a small region, he would be quite insignificant- mostly ignored while we get the rest of country up to speed.
Some people think terraforming Mars would be a cute idea- why not do something far easier- terraform Iraqi... just a thought.
Thinking outside the box:)