[GAsux]

Kev,
That's an interesting theory. I actually see it the other way. Well, maybe a bit farther back even. I think Afghanistan was the right place, we just missed our chance. By not taking a proactive role in nation building after the Soviet pull out, for a decade actually, we sort of fostered an environment for the Taliban to happen in.

But I see the Afghan war as more vital to the global war on terror then the Iraq war. The Afghan situation didn't seem to have the same high profile rallying potential for Arabs that Iraq did. We were able to go into Afghanistan and be only marginally affected by Arab jihadists.

Iraq on the other hand instantly became a rallying cry, a 2005 version of 1980s Afghanistan if you will. It's become the front lines for jihadists all over the world to come and make a name for themselves. I think to some degree Afghanistan actually dissipated the threat, even if only in the short term, whereas Iraq magnified it by giving it a focal point.

As for the "shift" it makes sense in theory although I don't suspect it will be any more successful. Regardless, I think you're barking up the wrong tree if you think Iran is the place to go. The jihadists are coming from Syria, Africa, Indo, etc.

Just my feeble thoughts anyway.