[karpov]

We'll stay because we want the Iraqis to have a real opportunity at a real democracy

I don't care much about that, but I don't want ISIS to be reestablished in Iraq, as happened after Obama withdrew all troops. Similarly, we are not in Afghanistan because we hope to reform the country but because we don't want it to become a terrorist base again.

[Wizdum]

Until you kill the money flow(Iran) to either Iraq or Afghanistan, you won't end either as a terrorist base.

Afghanistan is a dog's breakfast, always has been. Too many tribal constructs, and hard to beat a foe on their own turf.

Take the financial support out, and they will shrivel and die.

Example: When the old USSR fell, so did the roving European terrorists.