[caltrop]

That assumes, of course, that continuing to maintain a presence in the Middle East and it's religious and ethnic conflicts will reduce the chance of further attacks against the US and weren't the reasons for 9-11 in the first place.

[PigRigger]

"That assumes, of course, that continuing to maintain a presence in the Middle East and it's religious and ethnic conflicts will reduce the chance of further attacks against the US and weren't the reasons for 9-11 in the first place. "

I agree, but the key here is further reduce. I don't believe we will ever be able to stop them entirely. However, we will be in a better position politically and militarily to deal with them.

I also agree with most of the poster on this thread with regard to our borders. They simply are a danger to our national security. There "openess" is an example of politics trumping national security. They will be shut down only after an attack where they are found to be directly responsible.