After WW II, the US "... saw the prosperity and success of its former enemies as the best guarantor of America’s own peace, prosperity and leadership."

After Iraq, it could have--should have--done the same.  But, between the end of WW II and the Spring of 2003, when American troops rolled into Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, something happened: the USA forgot it needed a plan of occupation.  It even forgot it HAD one. It was a proven success. All the US had to do was follow it.  The plan's authors were General Douglas MacArthur and his advisors, who took war-ravaged Japan into the post-war era--peacefully.  But the USA somehow forget it had a plan.  It forgot why it worked so well. (For more, read the books of  retired Army lieutenant colonel Ralph Peters--damning and fascinating.)

We have the world we have now--continuing mid-East violence, perceived terrorism threat, the greatest displacement of people since WW II...because the USA was forgetful. 

Today: Trump-induced amnesia...