There are really only two choices that merit any talk or consideration, and neither one is particularly attractive - Go Big or Go Home.
Let's think about these two options and explore the requirements for each, and the likely consequences of them.
Actually, there is also a third option that gets zero consideration that should be getting the most ink and the most serious consideration, but I'll save that for last. Follow the jump.
If we Go Big, several things have to happen first.
The American public has to be convinced of its necessity with a clear majority in firm support of it. America has to be prepared to mobilize for an all out war effort, including reinstating the draft, higher taxes and much personal sacrifice. America has to accept that we will be largely alone in the fight and accept that it will escalate and spread to other countries in the region. America has to resolve to totally annihilate the enemy and be prepared for long term occupation and administration of the region.
The consequences of this could be grave.
Our current enemies and our fair weather friends will line up against us. China and Russia would likely side against us - the best we could hope for in neutrality from them. Oil prices could easily reach $300 per barrel or more. Our economy would be severely affected. The cost in American lives and American treasure would be enormous. It is likely that it would begin World War III. Victory is uncertain.
If we Go Home, several things have to happen.
America has to truly Go Home. Not redeploy to the surrounding area, that will only prolong and enlarge the fight which is largely contained at this point. Remember, the event that put Osama’s target on our backs was not leaving after Gulf War I. They will not stop until we completely abandon the region and leave them to their fate. Whoever eventually ends up in control of the situation will get stronger in their hatred of us and will have all the propoganda necessary to unite them all in oposition to the U.S.
The consequences of this could be grave.
The entire Middle East descends into chaos. Civil war, sectarian violence, genocide and a regional war is highly likely. Israel stands and dies alone. The extreme right-wing radicals will eventually take control. The best we could hope for is to build an Iron Curtian to contain the beast, and a Cold War with no end in sight.
Anything between these two equally unattractive options is simply political posturing to maintain the status quo, and the status quo has become untenable. Our Decider in Chief is trying to maneuver between these two options with talk about a temporary surge in troop levels and a final push to bring the Iraqis to heel. Anyone with half a brain and one eye can see that it won't work as a long-term solution. It will simply A) escalate and intensify the current situation or B) they will simply wait us out.
The Piper is piping and will demand payment, sooner or later.
There is actually one other option that gets absolutely 0% of any consideration from anybody. That option is to make Peace. That would require sacrifice and compromise from everyone concerned. But until the pain of maintaining the status quo, or the pain of the other two options becomes greater than the pain of making Peace, it won’t happen.