....If "air cavalry" were so effective in Afghanistan, then the terrorist Uncle Sam wouldn't be fighting this war 8 years later,.....
Well you can joke about a serious situation as much as you want.
Taliban or other jihadis cannot face a modern 21st century army.
If by Taliban's "bravery" you mean they can go and kill other Afghans, then you sure are supporting the "brave people". hahaha.
For Afghanistan there are two strategies.
Keep the Big cities and wait out until the small cities are cleared slowly (Bush strategy).
Defeat the Talbs in small cities as well (Obama strategy).
Only time will tell which strategy was relatively better.
What we have learnt from Pak army's offensive in Swat and Wazirastan etc. is simple.
A determine modern army with air cover, who is not afraid of losing their jawans and officers, can beat the cr@p out of tribals.