Terrorism, much like most viral infections, is a self-limiting disease.
Public support from at least a minority of people is required to support terrorist operations. They require shelter, money, weapons, and so on.
But as they create more misery they always lose support. As more everyday people, and especially children, are killed and maimed, terrorists lose their support. Eventually, they slink away.
This happenned in the 70's. But because of this administration we are in for an extended threat...
So how do you combat terrorism?
By limiting the support. By eliminating their places of shelter (when known), money supply (when known), and supply of weapons (when known).
But all of these direct steps are of limited value. And we took these steps immediately after September 11. We were on track.
The next logical step would have been to have demonstrated the human pain and suffering caused by terrorists, mostly focusing on Al Qaeda. And since his support is mostly Arab and Muslim, show the impact on the muslims killed on 9/11 and other Al Qaeda attacks.
And infiltrating the Mosques and schools where hate is taught. Again, limiting the support for the terrorist recruitment.
Instead Bush/Cheney multiplied support for Al Qaeda by an order of magnitude by atacking Iraq - which was not a source of support for the terrorists. This was complete lunacy. And as long as we are there in force, the insurgency will retain its support. We will never reach a point where we can leave using the administration's criteria.
Their actions are like doctor using radiation and chemotherapy to treat a viral infection. If they keep it up they will kill the patient.
The only answer is to withdraw from Iraq on a schedule. Let the Iraqis know they only have a limited time to take over. Put a fire under their administration to get moving. And if the insurgents begin to inflict more harm, the sooner they will burn out their support. Rather than patrolling the highways, we should spend most of our efforts at the borders, most importantly Syria to limit the importation of weapons and money.
This will never happen as long as Bush is President. Some say he is loyal. In reality he is just stubborn. To proud to admit his mistakes and change his mind. The only way to stop the war is to impeach him or elect someone else. And it is a long way to the next election.