The revelations that emerge from the trial in New York will increase the heat on Afghanistan's Taliban, which already faces political and economic sanctions if it does not turn over Bin Laden. Dealing with terrorism as a criminal matter is not without frustrations. Gathering evidence and apprehension are difficult. Foreign governments do not always cooperate. We get the terrorist operatives, perhaps some lieutenants, not the leaders.
Military action offers an immediate response option but few lucrative targets.
It also can isolate the United States diplomatically, fuel anti-American sentiments, exacerbate already volatile situations and derail diplomatic initiatives. International cooperation in imposing sanctions on the Taliban in Afghanistan seems preferable to useless bombing of mountain hide-outs. That does not mean giving up a military option. The diplomatic benefits can exceed the military results. It can stiffen the resolve of wavering allies, create incentives for cooperation and warn adversaries that supporting terrorism is not risk-free.