To allow overt pursuit into Pakistani territory especially by the hated and "imperialistic" americans at the time would have pretty much assured a loss of face, and then power by the then dictator who was already averaging two or three assasination attempts per week ( yes, a slight exaggeration). For the US to just go ahead on the ground would certainly have brought US forces into direct confrontation with Pakistani. Take that a step further and think about the political climate at that time and what would have happened if we had wiped out a company of their troops inside their country.

Even if they were walking with and protecting Osama the US would have been an invading power. Heck, the drones are bad enough.

The only real solution is a battle for keeps between factions in Pakistan. The only real way that would come out is if China, Russia, Germany, France, The US, Great Britan, etc. etc. to unify and insist Pakistan hand over Al Queda. The current course of events looks to be a resource wasting black hole that our rivals would love to see us in for about 10 years. We know what that can do to even great powers, much less economicly troubled nations with confidence issues.

Fuck Afghanistan and nation building. We should announce policy decisions there with B52's.

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"A Mastiff is to a dog what a Lion is to a housecat. He stands alone and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race" Cynographia Britannic 1800"

oderint dum metuant