It's a waiting game in Afghanistan.
Foreign combat forces are expected to leave the country by the end of next year -- handing security responsibility to Afghan forces.
Brigadier General Gunter Katz in Kabul who was made available to Reuters by the Pentagon, says insurgents are watching the clock.
SOUNDBITE, Brigadier General Gunter Katz, saying (English):
"If we are honest we have to expect that the Taliban wants to wait us out. That is very clear. "
He says its a losing strategy.
SOUNDBITE, Brigadier General Gunter Katz, saying (English):
"Our clear message is the Taliban can not wait us out. And the reason is quite clear. First of all the Afghan security force is capable enough to take full responsibility of security before 2014. And secondly, and this is also very clear this country -- Afghanistan -- will never be left alone any more.
And the international community will stay committed in Afghanistan after 2014."
It is still un
