Status of GWOT in Aghanistan and Iraq

Regarding the so-called GWOT, I'm thinking about the status of military activities in Afghanistan and Iraq. One at a time:

The Taliban and al Qaeda lost their base of operations within a few months, and they've not gained it back. Afghanistan, however, is yet another dysfunctional country run by culturally backward Muslims. If the US and NATO leave, the Taliban and al Qaeda will be back. So we're stuck there, for the time being. You can call that victory or failure, but that's the way it is. If you really want to defeat them, you need to invade northwestern Pakistan and accept the subsequently likely bloodbath.

While the initial military invasion of Iraq was very successful in overthrowing the Baathist regime, President Bush commanded the occupation badly. Of course, anyone can say that with 20/20 hindsight. But Iraq now has the potential of turning into a success for the US, however unintentional the path may be. Al Qaeda chose to make a stand there, and they are close to defeat. The Islamic world, much of which used to sympathize with al Qaeda, has mostly turned against them.

You cannot have liberty when individuals and groups are killing people worldwide in the name of religious tyranny. To defeat such savage obstacles to liberty, we must kill as they do. The difference is in the purpose, and the purpose of freedom is worth lots of blood -- preferably theirs.

Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! -- Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775