some real howlers in this commentary.

the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result

It's been over 15 years since it became clear Pakistan  was not the reliable ally the Pentagon claimed it to be. Now the author expects that more pressure on Pakistan will achieve  a win.  There are other states that could serve US needs such  as Uzbekistan and Tajikistan but those relationships have not been nurtured.

Then the author claims neither Iran or Russia can be counted on to support  intervention. Gee you think? Could it be  because  Trump was pressured reluctantly to slap more sanctions on  Russia and take a hard line on Iran to boot..

A cogent analysis would  recognize these constraints  and that America has few countries they can count on in the region and  then suggest that maybe these two be  brought on board. Trump tried that of course with Russia but the push back from entrenched interests was immense.

Canada stay well clear.