" - - keep "bin Laden as king vampire" theory out of it."
First, there is NO GOOD SOLUTION in Afghanistan. None. Zero. The situation will remain the same if we stay or leave. Ask the Russians.
It doesn't take much, then, to suggest cutting losses and save lives. And maybe stablilize Pakistan a bit. Again, check with the Russians.
Or read histories of Vietnam.
As far as OBL, it was a Conservative who made the big, big deal out of him, who made killing or capturing him a national goal, who put a $25 million reward on his head.
And now he's no big deal. I suppose because he outlasted GWB. It sounds like a sour grapes revision of history, to be honest with you.