So the question is - even in the wake of 9-11 should the US embark on tours out of vengeance - a good examination of both Vietnam and Afghanistan would say No - given the pre-war conditions and histories of both countries re: war. Is war defunct - and another type of war needed - as unpalatable as that seems - the answere [apart from war is over if you want it] is yes. War has too many casualties, costs and burdens that could be avoided by not engaging in the first place.

That said, America owes a huge debt of gratitude to the soldiers who fought in good faith for their country and political masters.