[Excaliber]

I think that is an accurate assessment myself, considering my limited knowledge of actual conditions on the ground. But it does appear to be a situation where training of the local Army is going to take considerable time.

There are TWO groups of fighters we have to contend with:
Al queda and the Taliban

It sounds like Al Queda has been significantly hampered in their ability to wage war. Where as the Taliban may be taking and holding more ground on the local level (towns, villages). I wonder how closely those two groups interact and support each other? If Taliban strength increases will that in turn lead to Al Queda strength increasing? Seem's to me the Taliban focus is within their own country where as Al Queda wants to take on the world.

Where should the focus lay, fighting against which force?