The United States now expects it's 7,000 troops to stay in Afghanistan for at least 18 months. The estimated 1,000 al Qaeda and hard core Taliban are keeping their heads down and blending in with the civilians population. The Taliban are able to hide out with their tribal kinsmen. The al Qaeda are either with sympathetic Taliban or bribe tribes to hide them. More al Qaeda and Taliban are across the border in Iran and Pakistan, waiting for an opportunity to return. It has turned into a waiting game, a contest to see if American troops can find the enemy before the American public runs out of patience for the operation. The enemy believes they have time on their side. 

The nuclear powered French aircraft carrier DeGaulle has left the region after spending six months off the Pakistan coast, supporting allied operations in Afghanistan. 

Turkey has taken command of the UN peacekeeping force (ISAF) in the capital.