It was not all that long ago the British lost a similar number of troops in Iraq as in the Good Doctor's experience. More survived than the Afghan disaster but just as many perished if I remember my history correctly.
The situation today is much different than in the past. Technology gives Western forces a much greater advantage so long as the tactics employed capitalize on our strengths and the Taliban's weaknesses. When we try to fight them in the old ways....that is bound to be a bad way to go.
They are resourceful and brave fighters, you do have to respect that.
I do wish the Politicians and senior Military Commanders would settle upon a certain goal for our presence and tailor every effort towards accomplishing that.
Stopping the Poppy business is just plain Poppy Cock. Look to the Coca business in Central and South America....how many billions of dollars have we spent on that and still have no real progress in that "war".