Agree with everything you said - Another reality of the real world is we can't fight a "war" with every Nation at the same time.
One of the ways we are trying to fight this war (which will take years) is to bring the allies of freedom and self worth into play.
Moving on Saddam and Iraq (after removing the Taliban) was precisely the correct path for the GWOT. Bringing freedom to the heart of the Middle East will strike a huge blow (which is why you see the terrorists fighting so hard - They see the end coming).
I think the same thing could happen in Iran. There seems to be a large group of people that want a better life.
I don't think you can liberate Pakistan and Syria. They like the 8th century too much.