The comparison between the two -- our efforts with the Northern Alliance and our efforts with Pakistan -- differs sharply in two areas:

* rolling hills and open plains vs. the rough, mountainous terrain along the Afghani-Pakistani border

* open battlefields v. the inhabited, working villages along the Afghani-Pakistani border

The progress will be slower and far more painful, for we must be cautious to lessen the event of colateral damage and death. But then fighting a moral enemy is what the al-Qai'da enjoys most. That's why they like to hide among the innocent, behind civilians. And that's why we cannot give up the search for them.

Dan