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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.
Originally posted by Drunkenshrew
I don't think these numbers are exaggerated, or a short-term political ploy. The Afghan war is asymmetric. The majority of all people killed in modern wars are civilians. If this happens in a country with blood venegance, airstrikes and usage of killer drones in the night won't win sympathy. Every civilian who is killed has numerous relatives. Some will mourn in silence, some will become angry and some will become violent. Most of the violence is not religious inspired but is simply a result of venegance, fight against oppression or lack of alternatives.
Proposing a puppet as leader in a fraudulent election, being caught in the fraudulent act and than dismiss objections to the fraudster and install him anyway as leader, certainly won't win more hearts and minds.
Interesting report, star and flag for you.
[edit on 5-11-2009 by Drunkenshrew]