> And all before the summer gave the Taliban time and mobility (as in no snow) to start gaining ground. Yeah, I've read that the Taliban basically retreats dur

> And all before the summer gave the Taliban time and mobility (as in no snow) to start gaining ground. Yeah, I've read that the Taliban basically retreats during the winter, then returns for "fighting season." So it would have been much smarter to withdraw US troops during the winter. Withdraw them now ensured that the Taliban was in the best position possible to capitalize on it, which we are seeing now.