Possibly; I think the Afghani organized leaders had a well -thought strategy and the benefit of a different US leader who was ruled by their own fears and very much ruled by passion, in general, and displays they made tell of it.

Sounds like you are listing your fears. We don't share them with you. We didn't chose this fate, but liberation comes at a cost and freedom isn't free.

Of course not. Last I checked, I'm still a decent shot with an AR, although my personal firearms are with an elderly relative, because they're more fragile than me. I do, however, take the view listed in #31, here: https://github.com/nrrb/tao-te-ching/blob/master/Ursula%20K%20Le%20Guin.md , while also being poignantly aware that's probably a position of considerably more privilege than Afghanis or Iraqis. I won't shirk an unavoidable battle, but I will always, always seek a peaceful resolution, where possible, for the sake of everyone, including the periferal people of both parties. War is an atrocity that causes horrendous suffering, for all of God's/Allah's creation, whether once would consider that literally or figuratively, in my view. A salaam alaikum, my brother or sister. I've no quarrel with you, while also urging peace where possible., for the sake of those who will suffer, for it, who do not take up arms.