[smonk]

what does winning entail in such an unconventional conflict?

[Vigilanteman]

One the alternative to not winning is turning the areas which won't be pacified into a giant box of kitty litter, you will see Iraqis emerge that fear us more than they do the terrorists.

This theory has, to some extent, already proven true in parts of Anbar Province. The problem is that there is no well to turn this theory into consistent policy.

[Malesherbes]

Right. I haven't the sligtest idea what "victory in Iraq" means. Does it mean that the Sunnis and Shiites stop hating each other? If so, lots of luck.

[Dr. Frank fan]

what does winning entail in such an unconventional conflict?

Good question. I say winning = maintaing the power of the elected government. After all, that is why we have support military in country, at said government's request, under a UN mandate. So winning = the government doesn't fall.

In which case, we're winning and the only way we can lose is if the government falls, which is really only possible if we exit precipitously because we all convince ourselves we're "losing".