If we can get Zero out of office and a true conservative in, completing the job in Iraq is possible, and will count as a win. Ask GEN Petraeus; believe he would agree.
Same for Afghanistan, only the goals are pared back. The issue is going after the sanctuaries in Pakistan with boots on the ground and getting the Pak ISI dismantled. Ask GEN Allen; also believe he would agree.
All messy, inter-generational business. Like the Cold War, this will take decades to resolve. And there never will be a shortage of tyrants to defeat. Evil is afoot in the world. China, North Korea, Iran next.
Unfortunately, war is more a natural state for humans than peace, the exceptions being the United States and a handful of Western democracies. Which is why our defense budget needs to be tied to an appropriate percentage of GDP and doubled at this point...not slashed as is occurring (typical Socialist 'Rat maneuver).
"The price of peace is eternal vigilance."
If we had dropped a daisy cutter and/or a couple of MOAB’s on Falujah 10 years ago, the war would of been over instantly, and thousands of American soldiers wouldn't be dead, and our treasury wouldn't be empty.
Life isn't a super hero comic, our actions or lack of action has consequences.