1) I'm guessing he writes from somewhere "safe" in the comfort of a plushy couch.
2) Despite acknowledging we played a large role in creating the problem. He obviously doesn't understand concepts such as honour, integrity, owning responsibility. Now is not the time to "bail" having made the mess. Nice of him to hang the French or Syrians out to dry. There are words for people like that.
3) Despite understanding that part of their plan, is and has been to draw the "West" into a conflict in order to gain popularity/power.
What happens when we "bail"? Well recent years (say the past 12 months) puts the lie to his logic, lack of back bone. Contrary to his "speculation" ISIL isn't backing off, they doing more (see just the week of Nov 14) and their atrocities are becoming more stomach turning, not less. In short, the more we back off, the harder they try to goad the west into what they want.
Historian he may be, doesn't mean he's right.
