[modusoperendi]

A better question might be, had we not invaded how many jihadists would NOT exist today. The fact is that by invading we inadvertantly justified everything these radical clerics have been saying all along. After the US and Northern Alliance kicked Islamic butt in Afghanistan, a future as a fighter for Islam wasn't looking too good. THEN after we invaded Iraq the ranks of the insurgents started growing again and around the world Al Qaeda recruiting started making a comeback. So let me correct that statement. Invading Iraq didn't do our war on terrorism much good but was a goldmine for Al Qaeda. When Operation Shock and Awe began how much do you want to bet that Osama Bin Laden breathed a sigh of relief offered up a prayer of thanks to Allah?

[P-40]

had we not invaded how many jihadists would NOT exist today.

I doubt it would make any difference. It takes little to get new jihadists; they are not particularly worldly. Given how many of them are dying, and how shrinking the number of countries that will welcome them, the jihadist business is not what it used to be.