The current choice is kill or be killed but that choice may change and a rear guard action may be justified.

We defeated the Soviets because time was on our side regardless of what we did. In the case of Islaam, is time on our side? Good arguments can be made each way but it is not as clear cut as the Cold War.

It is important that we continue engaging them on their ground because the alternative is our home ground. When that starts happening the situation soon escalates out of control on many levels.

The situation in Afghanistan seems manageable but it is complicated by the fact that the Afghans are dirt poor and without many resources.

In Iraq we now see a civil war. The only way it will be resolved is by the emergence of a strong man that might or might not be better than Sadaam. Over half the people in Iraq are glad we are there but under current conditions it doesn't matter. More troops will not solve anything. The enemy there is no longer the terrorists so we should plan our strategy accordingly. Only the Iraquis can pacify Iraq.

Anyway, all this is more specific than your question. My answer is we continue to engage them as far away from home as possible using our technological superiority and keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to negotiate in good faith.

As always the correct answer will be found in the middle (whereever that is).