We seem to have lost context. I've never advocated pulling out- now that you're in, there seems little option but to stick it out.

Nor am I saying you are on the brink of disaster. I referred to "brinksmanship" which in international terms is the use of escalating threats and unyielding posture to force a win. That is a Cold war strategy that was effective against the Soviets, but seems less effective against people who are willing to strap on a bomb and try to blow you up. With what will you threaten them?

Perhaps the time has come to address the troublemakers' motivations. A lot of these people have an entirely inaccurate impression of the American people and it is in your own interests to work on that. I also think you need to mend your bridges with the French and get them involved. But I doubt that will happen either if people are caught up trying to look strong.