Unfortunately for your hot take, Iraq signed surrender and the US executed their former leader. The US objectively won that war. I get it, in your mind victory or defeat hinges on whether you like the victor or not, but reality doesn’t work that way.

But if it’s any consolation, Iran also defeated Iraq and the US didn’t take on Iraq alone. I personally don’t believe Iraq was a worthy opponent for the US. But saying the US hasn’t won a war since WW2 is factually incorrect.

So Iraq being in disarray after defeat somehow implies the US lost the war against them?

And wider conflict? Do you think Iraq was some sort of peaceful neighbor leading up to its demise?

Iraq was a pretty clear military victory.