In fact, DoD officials briefed lawmakers last month on the intelligence assessment that the combination of Afghan special commandos, air force and local militias could hold off the Taliban long enough for a political settlement, according to a senior Democratic aide with knowledge of the briefings.

The intelligence was “overstated,” the person said.

“The Taliban not only was planning this offensive, but was working the tribal/ethnic divisions to be able to secure control quickly for a long time,” the person said…

“They didn’t so much fall as fail to fight,” one defense official told POLITICO. “You can train and resource and support, which we did, but you can’t buy will.”