In addition to geography, there is the factor of Pashtrun minority areas. But, what should worry anyone counting on the NA, is the thrust North of Kabul. Last time, the Northern two-thirds of that area were the last gains of the Taliban, and they arrived from the West (from Mazar). This time, it looks like they would have a local base, bringing an attack on the ex-Massoud areas in the Northeast mountains much closer.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}