Characteristics of a lost war.

One which was planned for 6 months and $50 billion and is dragging on over 5 years and $2 trillion without resolution. Lost. That situation could never be regarded as "won".

One which depends upon the continuing presence 300,000 military and mercenaries, an army, air force and navy to control a demoralized population armed with RPSs, AK-47s and IEDs.

One in which the Americans have to live in a heavily fortified Green Zone and wear body armor when outside. One where Americans can only travel in heavily armed convoy wearing body armor. One where the locals want nothing more than the Americans out of there, and the Americans refuse to go.

A military situation where torture is routine and killing innocent civilians is regarded as routine. That situation is not "won".

A situation where even the mercenaries of other countries leave in despair, ending the fiction of a "coalition".

A war where it takes 4 years to train an army and police force which is unreliable. That's after disbanding what was touted as a very efficient and dedicated army. (It takes 6 months to train a police officer in the US, and many soldiers have seen combat 5 months after signing up. In two years one can train a HS graduate to take care of a nuclear reactor on an aircraft carrier or submarine.)

A war during which virtually the entire intelligentsia, professionals and merchant class leaves the country and refuses to come back is lost.

A situation where American politicians have to visit without warning, unannounced and very heavily guarded by mercenaries who are not accountable to anyone.

And so on.

Arf