When viewed in the context of other recent attacks in Afghanistan, the assault on the Intercontinental Hotel was not all that spectacular, but it was instructive.
Attacking softer military targets could be a developing grassroots jihadist trend, and if so could represent an important shift on the ideological battlefield.
The beginning of the drawdown of U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan will entail opportunities for the Taliban on the battlefield as forces fall back to a more limited and more secure presence. (With STRATFOR maps)
