Where Have All The Taliban Gone?

An article in today's Washington Post cites General Petraeus' claim that UN forces are in the final stages of clearing a key area of Taliban fighters. I would be the last person to ascribe duplicity to this officer. I would, instead, state that he and the other UN commanders are fooling themselves.
The absence of Taliban fighters does not mean they have been killed or captured. It means they have vacated the area. The Taliban know the days of US/UN forces operating in Afghanistan are numbered. Why risk the deaths of their fighters at this time? They will be needed after the Infidels depart.
It should be clear to one and all by this time that the Karzai government, as it is currently constituted, will never succeed in wresting control from the Taliban once UN forces leave. So, given this condition, why should the Taliban forces commit their forces to fighting the "occupiers" in any but those battles where victory is most clearly assured?
No, General Petraeus, the absence of Taliban fighters from those areas where your forces are the strongest should not be seen as an indicator you have defeated the Taliban fighters. They have melted into the hills and across the border into Pakistan awaiting your departure. Then they will return and the country will be theirs.

We Can't Do It Alone

It appears we still haven't learned our lesson. Militaries (U.S. & NATO) alone cannot neutralize the Taliban without the full involvement of the host government. Our warriors defeat Taliban forces foolish enough to defend their hold on a village. Force of arms makes the difference. The Taliban are driven out.

The military commanders, possibly a few other senior officers enter the village. Through their interpreter, they look to change the allegiance of the village. The promise is, you support the Karzai government, the government will provide for your needs. The villagers give their assent; the troops leave. Another victory for our side.
The villagers wait. the Karzai government sends no one. The Taliban return. Their snitches point out those who cooperated with the military forces. They are swiftly executed.

And the cycle repeats.