This is getting off the main topic, but speaking as a person who has worked overseas (in Muslim countries), and based on previous miscalculations (in Vietnam, for example) on what can be won in a matter of days, or hours, as you suggest, I think you are a little too optimistic.
No successful military action can occur without support, not only from the people in the country itself but also from neighbors. The U.S., particularly because of its support of virtually every action taken by Israel, is not in a position to get support from Iraq's Arab neighbors for a military action. However, the kind of money it would take to support a successful military operation (in excess of $90 billion) could be used more effectively in non-military pursuits designed to win over the entire Muslim population. I'm biased, however, having worked for several years in the diplomatic service. Since no one in the administration has proposed a non-military solution, it isn't surprising that the adminsitration takes the path of least resistance (and one which it thinks will have the quickest political payoff).
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