Additional Special Forces troops have been sent to Afghanistan in preparation for major operations in the Spring. Intelligence collected over the last two years has provided a lot of information on the tribes and clans on both sides of the border. There is a lot of confidence that Osama bin Laden and Taliban leaders, hiding along both sides of the border, can be run to ground this time. Many key tribesmen, including some tribal chiefs, have been convinced (with cash, favors or threats) to help, or not resist.