I agree with the last few posts. I'm disappointed that the Afghan government couldn't do better at standing alone, but it shows the extent to which US/Brit intervention was trying to push water uphill the whole time: an effort likely to fail.
Moderate Afghans had a chance at self-government after the Russians left, but blew it because of corruption and in-house conflicts. Now they are blowing it again by being militarily unready.
What bewilders me is how strong and/or popular the Taliban have remained, given their cruel repressive fundamentalism.
This pre- and post- Taliban shot of the Bamiyan Buddahs sends a message: "Support the Taliban and we will reduce your life to rubble too"