Afghanistan was not really important until we committed to it, now it has negative value potential only. If we won over every Afghani tomorrow, what would change? Nothing really.

Pakistan was the prize. Secure the nuclear weapons before they go to the highest bidder on the black market. Isolate Afghanistan and nothing really changes for them but does not get any worse either. There is a littoral corridor for logistics. India would be more than happy to keep their border under control and possibly act as an anvil to our hammer when needed. They also benefit from having nukes secured. Strengthening our relationship with India is no cheap benefit either. Also we send a clear message to Iran, namely, we have you right between our cross-hairs.

The previous comment about Iraq being a well considered, tactical target is absolutely correct. Afghanistan was an emotional decision from someone with ZERO military/tactical experience and should have been the very campaign promise to die instead of the plethora of poor promises kept that continues to cripple our economy.