U.S. presidents have repeatedly promised short, decisive wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. However, these conflicts have proven far more difficult than initially advertised and have failed to meet the political goals set at their outset.

The challenges faced in these wars raise the question: why is it so hard for the U.S. to win wars? This issue remains a significant topic of discussion as the United States continues to engage in complex international conflicts.

— Reporting by Greg Myre, NPR News

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