OBL's Dead. What does that mean for AfPak War?

[tekisui]

Poll question: OBL's Dead. What does that mean for AfPak War?

I can see this going one of a couple of ways. It could be hailed as a success and a justification to get out of Afghanistan and Pakistan. We were able to get the guy at the top which would suggest we have met that elusive and ill defined objective of 'disrupting and dismantling al-qaeda'.

Or, it could he hailed as a justification to continue the war. Proof that AQ has been given cover in Pakistan and that our operations are working and need to continue. Additionally, how the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan react will play a role. Will there be escalations in violence as reprisals?

Personally, I think this closes the book on open-ended war in AfPak. The American people have already grown weary of the wars, approval is at an all time low. Two or three years from now, when we are still there. Still killing and still dying. Still wasting billions of dollars a week, there will no longer be a justification in the minds of Americans. It is time to call it over. Call it a win, if you want. But, please, let's call it over.