Both sides to the debate have valid points. If we are to continue to fight this fight then Afghanistan is the place to do it. If we do not have the heart to fight, then we need to find an exit strategy and implement it quickly.
Counterinsurgency operations take many years to complete. This war is winnable but it will take anywhere from 2-15 more years. Do we have the strength as a nation to see this through?
The surge strategy is a very good one. The Afghan people want security. The elders will not commit to helping the Coalition until some security can be maintained. The troop surge can and will increase security which will lead to a higher cooperation from the Afghan elders and warlords.
Corruption must be fought against in the new Afghan government. The major factor in the communist victory in S. Vietnam was that the people would not commit to helping the highly corrupt government in Saigon. The military must fight corruption within the new Afghan government or the Taliban will be able to continue to use corruption as a recruiting tool just like the VC did.
I think the war against Al-Quaeda, the Taliban, and muslim extremists is a just and winnable war. It will take time and strategy to win.