There is likely much of the empty boast to this, but no doubt the Taliban hasn’t given up. From AP:
CAIRO, Egypt – In a videotape made public ahead of the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden’s chief deputy claimed Thursday the United States was on the brink of defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
With an assault rifle leaning on the wall behind him, Ayman al-Zawahri said, “The defeat of America in Iraq and Afghanistan has become a matter of time, with God’s help. …The Americans in both countries are between two fires, if they continue they bleed to death and if they withdrew they loose everything.”
The videotape was broadcast by Al-Jazeera television, which said it received the tape exclusively. It was not immediately clear how Al-Jazeera got the video, but the network said it was obtained Thursday.