The left gets caught up in trying to compare the GWOT to Southeast Asia; however, it is very different. When the left was talking back in the 60's and 70's about how the communist governments of places like North Vietnam weren't a threat to the United States it was true.
The Cold War was a series of "proxy wars" between the United States and the Soviet Union, neither of us were EVER ATTACKED on our own soil, and so long as it remained that way, we were safe. Plus, we had the basic knowledge that as despotic as the Soviet leaders were, ultimately they had no interest in sacrificing millions of their own people just to harm America, they weren't suicidal and they didn't demand it of their people. The GWOT is nothing like this, the jihadists have made it clear that they will attack us anytime and anywhere there is an opportunity, even if this means that 100 million Muslims die in the process.
O yeah! I agree. Its not like the Soviets of old. Just leave them alone and their country. But America had a war brought to them on their turf by people who dont give a damn about life period! They are willing to scarfice the whole for just a part. And really there are no rules, no respect between heads of states, I mean these are animals who live by the rule of the Jungle.