I wouldn't say MORTAL peril, but we certainly are slipping. I'm sure our general attitude the past few decades isn't going to be of much help if someone like China decides they've had enough of us.

Iraq isn't very cut-and-dry, as we could be called negligent if we went in, overthrew the government, then said "oops lol", but I don't think our going in and making it into a fascimile of America would be a very good option either. I'd rather we kept things stable enough for a few to get their government going and then wish them luck.