LotM,
I am not convinced that we have thrown anything away, and neither could I suggest have the military. In Afghanistan it is the Military that is most upbeat about the plan, from what snippets I gather here and there. I cannot explain their optimism from where I sit. I do not quite understand how a successful COIN in Afghanistan will have an affect in the NWFP, unless the Pakistani Armed Forces have a real plan to overthrow the extremists. And can somehow earn the trust and secure safety for the residents of the NWFP. It will be a monumental struggle and even if the upperhand can be gained in the NWFP, the notion of timetables is somehow wrong. Yet the Move On crowd that is pushing Pelosi aside (yes that is possible) will not be satisfied with anything short of a complete withdraw and payment of reparations to anyone making a claim.