I think the clear distinction here, is that in absence of a reconstruction effort, you do not have stability, and war continues unabated. Maybe you call it some

I think the clear distinction here, is that in absence of a reconstruction effort, you do not have stability, and war continues unabated. Maybe you call it something different or attribute it to different actors, but the true delineation of conflict is a tangible and lasting peace. I think that the US demonstrated its victory as it helped to coordinate and furnish that peace in a manner that supported its own interests at the time.