What would happen if we brought back Zeppelins in Afghanistan? Do you think they'd actually be of any use? They can fly reasonably high, at minimal fuel expense, for long ranges, and pretty quietly (for if they're used at night.)
In theory, their outer surface can be cooled, making it difficult for heat guided missiles to home in on them. I think a sniper perched in one would have a pretty wide view of the landscape below them. They can carry a lot of passengers if you make them big, so there's always the option to deploy them if there's a serious attack.
It's funny to think, but when you consider the Taliban's level of technology, maybe some technologies that would be obsolete in a normal war, are actually pretty practical when directed against them.