CarolC in an earlier post you made the comment that

'However, our stated intention is not war with the Taliban. That could become an issue...' While I dont believe the US want to go into nation building business that unfortunately may be the case with Afghanistan. Im sure that the US state dept. is aware that an outside govt imposed on Afghanistan will be seen as a puppet by some and yet about the only way to root out these terrorist networks is to remove their safe havens.

Im sure this explains the focus on building a coalition for a post Taliban govt (with the previous king Zahir Shah along with some other groups including the Northern Alliance and not just going in Taking the Taliban and ALQaeda out and leaving, or just backing the Northern Alliance. Thats why they are also trying to build a coalition with the Islamic countries which is key in recognizing a post Taliban govt. along with the humanitarian aid. (in one sense the terrorists that committed the Sept 11 attacks - have altered US foreign policy) I dont believe that the US will fire off cruise missiles from the hip again or ally itself with some corrupt govts without thinking ahead about any possible future ramifications in the region)