I think their criteria for winning may be flawed
The USA was born in civil war. Two hundred years laters it is the most powerful country on Earth. The US isn't supposed to win in Iraq... "Iraq the good" is supposed to win in Iraq. The side that will abolish corruption, tyanny, slavery, persecution, and establish a constitution for everyone there. The US doesn't have to win, just choose the right side in the civil war, and make sure THEY win.