It's a matter of sematics. When you're fighting an enemy who does not represent a nation state, wears no uniform and hides himself while he plots attacks from his hiding place, the battlefield is WHEREVER he is found to be hiding. And while I agree with this statement, I also think it's in our best interest to worry less about sending in occupying forces, and more about striking enemy targets with our air superiority.
Our results in Pakistan show that we can use minimal ground forces (which minimizes risk) and when we identify targets, make surgical strikes to neutralize them.
That way they won't know where we are or when we will strike, and when we do hit them it will come as a big, deadly, surprise!
...I also think it's in our best interest to worry less about sending in occupying forces, and more about striking enemy targets with our air superiority.
I agree as long as no Nation State takes it upon themselves to join the forces of the enemy, at which time it could require a rethinking of the overall strategy. In this context, you never say never.