Is possible to 'win' a war in the modern context?

Question

There is a great deal of talk on both side of the political spectrum about what do to about the US situation in Iraq. VP, Dick Cheney, recently accused the Senate Majority Whip of telegraphing our intention to lose the war to our enemies. What constitues 'victory' in the modern sense? Do we win oil, or land or political might? If we lose, what does Iraq gain or Al-Queda gain from their victory? Can anyone on any side really be said to 'win' this conflict in any circumstance?

Answer 1

I don't think this is a traditional war.

Answer 2

Nobody wins a war these days it just people left to clean up....