A war of ideas exists within Islam between the small numbers of extremists and the vast moderate majority, Caslen said. American strategy, therefore, needs to concentrate on defeating not only extremists in arms, but stopping people from joining extremist organizations.

That may be true, but it ignores the disconnect about the role of religion in government.

That "vast moderate majority" is devoted to the idea that religion and government are one.

This is not a military matter.

Who is fighting that war?

Americans Must Maintain Resolve to Win Long War, General Says