Straight-up invasion isn't the only option. Either of those countries could erupt in civil war. Most of the time in Iraq wasn't about invading and subjugating

Straight-up invasion isn't the only option. Either of those countries could erupt in civil war. Most of the time in Iraq wasn't about invading and subjugating it, but protecting the embattled government from groups like the Sadrists. The kind of scenario could happen many places, and the us could be involved.