Hi ATS!
I found
this pdf on the
US Government Accountability
Office website which contains some amazing figures (if true).
Subject: Afghanistan’s Security Environment
In March 2009, out of concern that the overall security situation in Afghanistan had not improved after more than 7 years of U.S. and international
efforts, the administration completed a 60-day strategic review of U.S. policy and the security environment in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s Security Situation Continues to Worsen as Enemy-Initiated Attacks Increase
Afghanistan’s security situation has deteriorated significantly since 2005, affecting all aspects of U.S. and allied reconstruction operations. As
we reported in April 2009, the rise in enemy-initiated attacks on civilians and on U.S., Afghan, and coalition security forces has resulted from
various factors, including a resurgence of the Taliban, the limited capabilities of Afghan security forces, a thriving illicit drug trade, and threats
emanating from insurgent safe havens in Pakistan.
Since 2005, attacks on civilians, as well as on Afghan and coalition forces, have increased every year. The most recent data available, as of August
2009, showed the highest rate of enemy-initiated attacks since Afghanistan’s security situation began to deteriorate. Overall, nearly 13,000
attacks were recorded between January and August 2009—more than two and a half times the number experienced during the same period last year and
more than five times the approximately 2,400 attacks reported in all of 2005.
13,000 between January '09 and August ''09!
Five times the number in 2005
I just had to bring this to the attention of my fellow ATS members.
What the hell are we doing there? What has gone on in that country to create such an decline inthe security situation there.
How on earth can we justify the hundreds of billions of dollars, thousands of lives, hundreds of thousands civilian casualties, for results like
this.
I doubt we can find any solution here friends, but I just thought figures like this need to be highlighted.
Do you think it's possible that these numbers are being padded to ensure Obama has support for sending more troops and NOT pulling out?
It is the only thing I can think of, since 13,000 in eight months (if you include January and August) is over 50 attacks a day, staggering.
Peace, Kiwifoot!
[edit on 5-11-2009 by kiwifoot]
