The heads may roll.

[Yelof]

either we will have to mount major operations again or tuck tail and slink away. which do you think will leave the US in a more precarious position?

definitely "mount major operations again"

plan early for "tuck tail and slink away" and it can be made look good.

do "mount major operations again" and loose the 20% who don't see America as occupier, might as well stick up posters and have towncriers run around shouting "join the resistance, this way to Al Queda"