Consider who is the CIC. Do you trust the media to accurately report what is happening or do you suspect (as I do) that they just might want to paint Obumbler as the mighty general and conquering hero? If they are really defeating the enemy, then the locals will start siding with the good guys instead of being afraid that the Taliban will come back when the good guys leave.
I’ll reserve judgment.
I think you are right.
But I still never think that the Taliban are impressive in any respect. They are not militarily sophisticated or magical. They are culturally abhorrent. The world really is moving rapidly beyond these fools. Its all the rapid change that makes them violent.
I say let them die trying to roll back the world’s clock. We will kill them more kindly than the russians did.
Personally, I am fine with a world filled with predator drones for those that think the 7th century is their cup of tea. Eventually, they will get the message.
What is “winning” in Afghan especially when you have a muslim CIC. These people change sides by the moment. The country has opium and other smuggling and war. War and tribal fighting are their main industry.