An initial reaction to both comments. Much of the current counter-AQ strategy appears to be based on two factors, the possibility of an attack (especially WMD or causing mass casualties) and creating time for other things to happen.

I am unconvinced that AQ is growing. Yes, there is radicalisation, is there momentum behind it? Anger exists, thankfully little action (causation and motivation IIRC which you have mentioned before and several Muslims I know agree with).

If we stick for the moment with the AfPak region, has our involvement really made real gains? Pakistan slips forward and back. Afghanistan stays constant.