As I hope you're aware, denying Al Qaeda a safe operating base can and must be achieved through diplomatic and political means, not US or other foreign troop actions only.  There is abundant evidence that we don't have the resources or the need to create democracy and stability in Afghanistan.  That can be encouraged by regional and international effort, but, it must be done by the Afghanis.  Washington must sooner begin reducing the American and NATO troop presence in Afghanistan.