Once again, this entire argument is based on the fantasy that these individuals are operating completey outside the realm of nation-states.

Had we soundly smashed some of these thugocracies into the ground in the last 20 years, odds are very high we wouldn't have had 9/11.

Actually, we'd need to re-evaluate other things as well. We provide assistance to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and a host of other countries that turn around and fund religious schools that teach children to hate America, and also train jihadists.