What you call "collateral damage" is all too often the only damage there is. However, be that as it may, when there aren't enough boots on the ground to hold territory it's a "hearts and minds" affair - one must win over the civilian population. And that is lost to the US. Gone.

"Hearts and minds" are the key to strategic victory - a stable country with can be counted on to be an ally. And fighting this way is costing far, far more than it gains. Not only losing, but making more enemies than had been there in the beginning. So you kill a few targets. The only way they like us is at the point of a gun.

As many really, really important people as are claimed to be killed, there always seems to be more - an endless supply. Does anyone think we can kill 'em all? Or that they will give up? Would you if they were here?

After fighting a war for 7 years and losing one would hope the military would suggest either a winning strategy or minimize the losses. The US DoD seems hellbent upon losing and pissing off as many people as possible while destabilizing Pakistan. The point should be to improve the situation. It's very sad they can't figure that out.

As the man says, "What a country!"

Arf