"A further complication is the infiltration of 5,000 to 6,000 Taliban fighters into the ranks of the militias mustered by the various tribal leaders, including Karzai’s own force. Like all new recruits, they are outfitted with weapons, uniforms and pay by American or Russian paymasters."

* Not sure about reasoning, but the Taliban and Al Qaeda have proved to be very patient people.

"All in all, almost half the Taliban army may be judged fit to return to combat. Its scattered units can be rallied on command to pose a serious menace to the regime in Kabul."

Never mind the first two years, the next ten will be interesting ones in Afghanistan.

Marcia