It's the same dilemma -- we can't lose so long as we stay with boots on the ground (and CONEX's full of cash), but we can't win so long as the end state is a stable/self sustaining Afghan government, and the moment we leave the death clock starts counting down to the collapse of the government we're propping up.   So we're stuck spending billions and accepting a small but steady stream of dead and maimed servicemen and women for, hmmmm, well, forever.  Or until we give up.