I don't disagree with that, but it strikes me as curious that our nation has not actually been able to articulate that we are there to contain or degrade the Islamist threat, because that is, for our nation, the issue. The issue is that this may go beyond regional; it may become more than just that.
Just as a point of clarification, can I assume that is the French goal in their efforts? They have had some success. They've had rapid success. It's perfectly understandable. They are a 21st century modern military up against, if you will, a 7th century mentality, but the way the 7th century mentality sees success is far different from the way we see success, so we shouldn't exactly break out in a parade just yet.
I go back to the core point. What will we consider to be success of our military mission?