BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The past 17 commanders of international forces in Afghanistan, as well as other US leaders, say the coalition is making "real progress" towards defeating the Taliban insurgency and stabilizing the country, sources confirmed today.

That positive outlook has offered new hope for peace and stability as the current commander, Gen. John Nicholson, looks to deploy "a few thousand" more troops to theater to build upon all the progress that has already been made.

Gen. Tommy Franks served as commander of US Central Command from 2000-2003, and was in charge of operations in the Middle East when the Taliban was conclusively defeated in 2002.

"What a difference 10 months makes in a country like Afghanistan," Franks said in an interview that year. "Taliban's gone."

Many other commanders have talked about the incredible progress that has been achieved in Afghanistan, where NATO has crippled the Taliban and put them against the ropes. As most terror analysts note, the terror group can barely hold on after more than 15 years of fighting.