We get into these wars, make a huge splash, generate a giant footprint, and then stand around with our thumbs in our mouths wondering why they don't bow down to us and reveal all.
It takes forever to crack the wall of silence any society is going to put up when invaded and occupied. The surge was only possible because after years of occupation we made enough inroads, and some Iraqis saw a benefit in helping us, to gather the intelligence necessary to go after the real trouble makers. In this case it was the bomb makers. Many, of the bomb makers, were outsiders and the Iraqi people got sick and tired of them so they gave them up.
But at what cost to us, and what was really gained? The middle east is falling apart now anyway. Without outside help. It had to happen. Their way of doing business wasn't going to hold. The internet, face book, and so forth, just brings too many into play for the ruling class to control.
BSB