Perhaps by negotiation we can find an "honorable" means to the end. The military is trained to fight and would if only allowed, the senior leadership within the military is in place to "manage" not lead. We have ample resources, the will and desire to succeed within the ranks, however our senior leadership has delegated all responsibility down to the lowest level possible to avoid the perception of failure. Perhaps it is best that Lieutenant Colonel commanders are allowed to have dialog with those they may confront, after all, knowing one's enemy is a distinct advantage. When a specific area becomes a hotbed of enemy activity--level it, then negotiate.
We as a nation, Democrats and Republicans alike, conservative and liberal committed our military to this conflict and now bear the responsiblity and the duty to let them prevail else admit defeat and pass legislation making Islam our national religion. To do otherwise ignores the goals of the Islamic zealots who fervently demand the downfall of the western civilizations.
Our borders are open, Homeland Security is a farce, so what's to stop them? If a poll were taken back in 1779, would we now be the nation that produced the "greatest generation" that grew of age during a depression, nationalized to deploy and win a world war on two fronts.
America needs to awaken and face the fact that war is one of the most vile and horrorific of experiences. Win it now and pull no punches, then bring our loved ones home to the honor they richly deserve.