that as our resources and capabilities in the region dwindled because of the drawdown and we were ordered to draw down by the end of august and we were nothing but honest about the speed with which we had to do that because speed is safety. we wanted to make sure we did this quickly. and it's not just about boots on the ground. the drawdown is about capabilities and resources in the region as we wrapped up our advice and assist in combat missions in afghanistan. which meant we had fewer airplanes, fewer strike capability in the region as we continued to draw down. we were transparent about the fact that we would conduct airstrikes where and when feasible, fully cognisant of the fact that it wasn't always going to be feasible on every day and in every place. but the afghan air force is indigenous and they are in a country, and they did maintain their presence, and there were days where they flew easily twice as many strikes as we did. and they were able to often get