It seems the Taliban have been bested.

In responce to Taliban attacks, some secular Muslims have risen up to form a series of pro-gov't/West militias called the lashkars.

Well I say it's about time and boy do they do a good job. They have a major pass covered by a WW2-era Soviet heavy gun that can take out a choper from a mile away. The Taliban no longer use that pass.

Hopfully they can drive the Taliban out.