You make some persuasive points, but the power and danger posed by the terrorists in that part of the world, make our effort worth it. There may be less expensive strategies though. Rory Stewart, who lives there, seems to think the troop build up is a mistake. This article in WaPo tells some of what is a stake. This region, considered "terrorism central" by U.S. commanders in Afghanistan, is now a fully operational al-Qaeda base area offering a wide range of services, facilities, and military and explosives training for extremists around the world planning attacks. Waziristan is now a regional magnet. In the past six months up to 1,000 Uzbeks, escaping the crackdown in Uzbekistan after last year's massacre by government security forces in the town of Andijan, have found sanctuary with al-Qaeda in Waziristan.