Thanks for the hard-hitting analysis. My intuition tells me, however, that if the objective is to stay in Afghanistan indefinitely, then the tactics are correct. The emphasis on counterinsurgency, the frequent errors targeting of civilian gatherings, from funerals to weddings, as well as the open border with Pakistan is telling. I do not believe that there is even one tent left of Al-Qaeda. And that the original Taliban, the one that moved in from Pakistan's madrasas into Afghanistan to put and end to the remnants of post-Soviet government in Kabul, can be numbered in low hundreds. The fighting is now between the forces and revenge seekers, as well as Afghanistan's popular uprising against occupation --- the insurgents. The insurgents, being largely Pastun, get all the help from Pakistan's "autonomous regions". Well, at least they used to be autonomous. Pakistan's and US priority seems to be first to get the once independent region subjugated to Pakistani government. While this is reshaping Pakistan, negotiations will take place with the "good Taliban" to support the occupation, and make the populace support the long-term presence. The goal is to reconsitute Taliban brand into a new geopolitically usefull tool. As it is clear as the nose on General McChrystal's face, that the stabilization of Afghanistan, and the deal with Taliban will allow the political moves on Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The unfortunate valley shared by the two, plus Kyrgizstan, is the next step in adding currently peacefull places into the "Arc of Instability". Looking at the mess that was created in Kosovo, somehow I doubt that Afghanistan will be easy to pacify. The West went all out of the way to recognize independent Kosovo, just to then send HUNDREDS of prosecutors and judges to try to impose a lawfull state! Already, the locals have smashed about dozen of EULEX vehicles. Good luck!