Washington (AP) -- Democrats accused Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of waving a white flag of surrender for saying the Afghan war against Taliban guerrillas can never be won militarily.

Frist, who was traveling in Afghanistan, said Monday that Taliban fighters were too numerous and too popular to be defeated. He suggested bringing them into a more transparent type of government.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Frist is suggesting that the Taliban be coddled.

She added that he's acting like 9/11 never happened.

Frist, of Nashville, is leaving the Senate after this term ends. He could be a candidate for President in 2008.

Copyright 2006 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.