I could not agree any more with your perception regarding 'convictions' to fight and win this crucial war - "one that we cannot afford to lose"!
However, in order to win a war, Americans would have to become unified under one cause, one decisive objective, and have the fortitude to see it all the way through to its final conclusion.
To accomplish this, Americans would have to possess a genuine faith and trust in their government, and in their governmental leadership.
Since paragraphs 1 & 2 do not exist, and then taking into account the hellish Afghanistan weather, terrain and tunnel networks . . . . .
Trying to succeed becomes truly futile and useless. . . . .
BUT IT'S "ONE THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE"!!!!!!!!!!!
CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - CNN Poll: Americans divided on Afghanistan war « - Blogs from CNN.com Report: U.S. general calls for more troops in Afghanistan - CNN.com