just an opinion
Even during the darkest, most blood-drenched days on the eastern front during ww2, the Russian and Germans held [then] secret, high-level negotiations. And these were two nations that were ripping huge chunks of humanity out of each other like frothing-at-the-mouth predators.
Point is, if discussions can be held at a time like that, then perhaps we can talk to the Islamists.
By saying we'll hunt them down no matter where they are and no matter how long it takes, we're leaving them no option but to continue to attack us.
They want something. We want something. That's a basis for negotiation.
When dialog and peace are more outrageous ideas than are hatred and war, we're in trouble.