US losing in Afghanistan: Like Viet Cong, Taliban knows that waiting it out will defeat invaders

The US has very little "staying power". The minute we "defeat" (our definition, not theirs) the enemy, the cry goes out to "drawdown, pullout". Then we keep "just enough" effort going to hold back the "junior varsity" - spending vast amounts to just barely maintain. Our aid and money encourages complacency and corruption in our foreign allies, and makes for a better "prize" for the enemy.

The problem with Afghanistan is that you're fighting a tribal system where the government has no influence in remote areas. These areas, unsurprisingly are where the Taliban thrives not to mention the porous border with Pakistan. If you want remote Afghanistan to come out of the 15th century, you've got to figure out how to change their culture.

I am inclined to believe the lack of local intelligence is caused by the will of the people. The will of the people is a strong determinant of the outcome. It is difficult to defeat insurgents whose people support them.