Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, gentlemen, for returning to this committee again.
During your presentation you talked about how the Taliban are seeking to prevent reconstruction and humanitarian aid, prevent meaningful interaction with locals, and undermine the improved sense of security as a result of Operation Medusa. That particular phrase, “undermine this improved sense of security”, stood out for me during your presentation. We must be succeeding. If there's an improved sense of security, what is it about Operation Medusa that has provided that? How is it evident? What are the tangible consequences of this improved sense of security?
On a very much related question, you also mentioned that there's been a decrease in attacks in recent weeks. Perhaps you can provide us with some explanation as to why there's been a decrease since your last briefing--very similar questions there.
My third question has to do with the Afghan National Army. You mentioned there are 30,000 in it at present, but it's going to take a number of years until it is self-sustaining. What does that self-sustaining Afghan National Army look like? Is it simply a matter of the number of soldiers, or is it a sense of readiness, technological ability, or better equipment? What are we looking to achieve? How will we know when we get there?