>>Mike, I truly believe the higher ups in your military are still more interested in saving US lives themselves than not having the losses reported on US TV.
>>But the effect of those targeted bombs also killing non-combatants in high percentage without actual troop involvment will be worse in the long run for the US.
>>It will strengthen the jihad mentality to go after US noncombatants as well if possible, fueling terrorist mind set.
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>Terrorism is poor man's war. It loses the battle in the media, but on the ground, it gets things done.

It is not that one-dimensional. It can result on heavy civil losses with accompanying direct damage in $ and future damage in hampering operations - having everybody strip searched might have been more costly than the towers themselves. But other targets like oil production and shipment have been relatively stable (and I refrain from pointing out a few easy vectors still available and not as easy/cost effective to protect) as are higher troop functions. But targeted bombs - compared to ground action - are much more prone to evoke the kamikaze mind set. Add cheap global transportation, basic chemistry knowledge and funds between a month and a half year of our gross...