Iraq was invaded 13 years ago and I'm willing to take any bet that today there are more Iraqis than ever that would be willing to assassinate a Western governments leader.

Just have a look at all the crazy extremist organisations in that region. (and what they do)

I'm not defending them but I understand why they still hate us after 13 years.

5 years is nothing in that context. When you are oppressed by a foreign power then people there will fight you indefinitely.