In the context of what I was referring to dianavan in November 2001 the Taleban had been defeated and overthrown - Not a matter of opinion dianavan, just a matter of fact, irrespective of whether you happen to like it or not. In September 2001 the shambles of a country known as Afghanistan, with the exception of some tiny enclaves in the North, was under Taleban rule. By November of that year supported by US air power, forces of the Northern Alliance swept the Taleban from power.

The Canadian Minister of Defence is entitled to his opinion, as I am entitled to mine. But one thing that is dawning on the Taleban fighting in Afghanistan today is that they cannot win the military struggle irrespective of how long they fight.