With the collapse of the Taliban al Qaeda (at the core they were one and the same the last couple of years) the trained foreign 'Arabs' who adhere to the tenents of radicalism

Dan has generously provided some very good analyisis reports here and here. (can't restore the links) This will result in a constant low level war on any who do not agree with them. Like metatisized cancer they will infect a core of local malcontents, making the situation worse.

It was hoped the containment of these trained terrorists would be possible. The attempt to contain them was, and is a failure.

This will extend the conflict quite some time. While an attack of the scope of Sep 11 is no longer as likely, there may be smaller attacks on the continental U.S.A. Vigilance must be maintained, the moment we drop our guard we will suffer the cost of not keeping watch.

(And it's damned good to be back, albeit for a short while.)