'True night dreams' guide Taliban leaders

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/18/afghanistan.taliban.ambush/story.afghan.ambush.afp.gi.jpg caption="Coalition forces search for insurgents in the mountains in Afghanistan's Kunar province." width=300 height=169]

Ken Ballen
Special to CNN

In practical terms, it might seem that the recent arrests of key Taliban members and the success of the U.S. offensive in southern Afghanistan might indicate a new phase in the war against the Taliban.

But how the Taliban respond will be based on a world view and beliefs far different from the American perspective and that of the Western-educated Afghan and Pakistani elites, whom we rely on for strategic advice and partnership.

On Tuesday, Pakistani authorities confirmed the capture of Mullah Abdul Kabir, a member of the Taliban's inner circle and a leading military commander against the Americans in eastern Afghanistan.

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