Is the war in Afghanistan worth it? The unfortunate answer is no. Unfortunate because Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al-Qaeda, the international terrorist organization that was responsible for 9-11, is still at large somewhere in the mountainous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

After eight years of war, thousands of American deaths, and billions of dollars, Bin Laden would have been captured or killed if possible. Yes, America has the world’s strongest military, but the geography, history, politics, and religion of the region have combined to prevent the justice craved by many Americans. There are no indications this will change.

What has changed is the prominence of Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, which the military estimates is now less than a hundred people. Key leaders have been killed. This is a tremendous accomplishment, should be viewed as such, and prompt the Obama administration to begin a gradual withdraw from Afghanistan.

This suggestion raises two legitimate concerns. The Taliban gave refuge to Al-Qaeda prior to the 2001 invasion, which could happen again. Afghanistan is ultimately a sovereign territory. The current regime controls just 30 percent of the country, despite years of military and financial support.

We must recognize that there are 200 plus countries in the world, most of which do not meet our standards of stability, rule of law, democracy, and capitalism. It is not possible to indefinitely occupy countries around the world that have, or could have, regimes that differ, criticize or challenge American authority.

Since 9-11, American government, military, and law enforcement have significantly enhanced our ability to counter terrorist attacks. Though the Taliban does not share American values, they would pose little threat to national security if they were able to regain control of the country.

Some argue that an American withdrawal would demonstrate a lack of resolve. Western resolve is a historically doomed concept in Afghanistan. World powers have unsuccessfully attempted regime change in the 19th century (Great Britain) and in the 20th century (The Soviet Union). The longer we stay, the more we appear as colonizers and Christianizers. The more innocent civilians that are killed, the more religious fundamentalists enlist for jihad against America.

We have demonstrated resolve, but unfortunately, the burdens of this war have disproportionately fallen on our volunteer military and their families. Service men and women have been asked to serve multiple tours of duty. Many have returned home with physical injuries or mental illnesses. This has gone on for too long.

If America is determined to remain in Afghanistan, we must do so collectively, as a nation. This means not only engaging in a dialogue about the war, but engaging in all the sacrifices wars require.

Earlier this year I visited with a former member of President Bush’s cabinet and asked him what it was like to work for the President. The Secretary described Bush as an energetic and upbeat person, then recalled a conversation he and the president had in the Oval Office. Bush stated that he rested his entire presidency on the Iraq War.

President Obama is facing a similar crossroads. Like Bush, his presidency can become defined by war. The administration is now considering whether to send 40,000 troops to Afghanistan, yet it is unlikely the Taliban will be permanently eradicated without a massive ground invasion. My message to the President is this: draft or get out. Do not make the same mistakes as your predecessor.

This column is solely the analysis and perspective of the author and in no way reflects the viewpoints of his employer or this newspaper.