Options
I have read a great many different takes from Iraqis themselves to the effect that our biggest mistake was not coming down harder early in the war.
What Hanson was offering was analysis of our options and the various consequences. You might have noticed that detailed analysis is not a strong suit around here.
The media's role in forming negative public opinions on the war has been so obvious I have trouble taking anyone seriously who pretends not to know anything about it. It was the same for the start of the war in Afghanistan as well.
For a good time, try to find any news headline over the past five years mentioning an American "victory," other than to crap on the very concept.