We have been backing the NA somewhat, but we have also been trying to put together a government independent of the NA. This is the reason people are talking to the old king of Afghanistan. He has no real power, but he would make a good figure head for a new government.

This is one of the reasons the military and the politicians are in conflict over the war. The military wants to cripple the Taliban as quickly as possible. The politicians don't want the Taliban to fall until they have a replacement that the US can live with.

I think what happened is that the Taliban's control over much of Afghanistan was more fragile then people thought because many of the regional warlords are willing to support any side that will leave them in power.

Jay