Well it sounds like Obama may have a reasonable plan to finish up Afghan in some way, some how. Surge followed by a review, possible withdrawal time table based on the results. Like knowing when to throw in the towel or keep fighting. Cost is a HUGE factor, we simply cannot afford to be there to "help out" the poor Afghan's, bless their heart. But there's plenty of countries around the world that "need help", we can't help them all. We need to be in a foreign country for a specific reason OTHER THAN to help them get a better standard of living. Now if that's what it takes to get the Afghan's to "fight" for themselves, then OK, that might be a reasonable approach toward winning the war. All though the term "win" might need a better definition these days.
Recent developments indicate N.K. is really feeling the heat from the latest round of sanctions. IF they fall in line with what the WORLD wants I can see providing for them in a financial way. Classic carrot and a stick principle. Carrot didn't work, were now using the stick, back to the carrot when the time is right.