Originally Posted by Webby

Would agree with that notabook and that there was international support for that action. It would prob fall into the category of an "honorable war".

Would also add... when someone takes a shot at ya, the immediate instinct is to hit back, but on a higher level this may not be prudent. There are plenty ways of skinning a cat and possibly more effective ways - no hurry and plenty time to do it capturing your "opponent" unawares.

Who knows and I sure don't, but smell (in addition to the Afghanistan operation, tho not letting that mess up the longer term goal) it may have been better to "gear up" (with personnel, language training and extended intell etc) and conduct covert operations and attempt to strike at the heart of Al Queda operations - almost to the same level Al Queda elect to use and with the aim of terminating leadership and command structure. This is not a "war" as such, but sustained strikes at where it matters - and no need to have much public discussion over it.

People like Al Queda have never been "beaten" by conventional forces - it has been the same pattern in many countries for centuries. The total flipside to this is often these types of opponents have ultimately sat down at a conference table and, over time, a resolution has been found. (Same scenario, tho different geo situation with the IRA etc).

Still think the instant desire to act was, least in this instance, an error - with declarations of a "War on Terrorism" etc. That type of war is never winnable.
The effect his been an increased support for Al Queda and spreading of sympathetic groups internationally - making the final goal more difficult to achieve.

This is almost like the mentality of a good cop - they will not rush out and have a tantrum without intelligence and background data. They may take a year or so (and sometimes a lot longer) establishing "associations", planting undercover officers etc - then hit when it's least expected.

Sure... the stupid attention paid to Iraq ruined the whole scenario and cost the US a lot of cred internationally.