"...uncertainty about his plans for the nearly 9,000 American troops..."

No surprise there.  Maybe because he has no plans.  Much more difficult decision-making process than dropping the "tactical" (whatever than means) "mother of all bombs."  (what's that make a nuclear weapon in the bomb family?)  

Afghanistan been in the headlines--or even back pages--recently?  Nope.  THAT makes this target a the surprise.  Puts the benighted country on the radar for a few days at least.  Now that the Syrian missile strikes is fading  from short--very short--term memory.  Next up: Action...in the South China Sea! After that...like, maybe in May...

Meanwhile, on the domestic front ... remind me again, what was happening a couple of weeks ago?  I forgit.