This is a CAMPAIGN against terrorism.
The Campaigns In WWII included N. Africa, Italy, and D-Day + Breakout & Invasion.
There are strategic reasons for taking out Afghanistan first. The real question is this: who is the most logical second step in the campaign.
I submit that it is Iraq. Turkey will not object to restoring the prestige it had (rule) during the Ottoman years. Iran still covets the oil fields where the two countries share a border. With Afghanistan no longer a threat on its eastern border, and a NATO attack led by Turkey on the Northwest border, with a Kurdish uprising coordinated with the attacks, then the allies can seize a considerable portion of Iraq as a first step in the campaign.
This resolve will send a clear message to the Wahabbi's in Saudi. They will back down or we will change the regime.
Iraq is the logical second step.
This is a CAMPAIGN against terrorism.
Is it a campaign against concrete movement or is it a neo-Puritan campaign to eradicate some type of the evil in its all manifestations? If the first it might succeed if the second it will make sitation worse.
I've also wondered what the "rulers" of Iran must be thinking while they are watching the pictures coming out of Kabul.