Taliban makes comeback

Kuwait Times

The Bush administration will make a big mistake if it, in its present difficulties in Iraq or its enthusiasm to win the 2004 presidential election, reduces American military presence in Afghanistan, transfers its role there to a regional ally or handles the Taliban issue softly. ...

Today, after two years of forcing the Taliban out of Kabul by a successful American-Northern Alliance-led military operation, Taliban forces are making a determined comeback. Their increasing attacks on foreign and local troops since early October, and their daily threats against the important cities of south and southeastern Afghanistan indicate they have risen from the ashes like the legendary phoenix and that they are determined to regain power in Kabul. ...

In spite of the above facts, the U.S. shows no concerns, refusing to take a decisive action against Islamabad or even criticize the Musharraf regime. Washington still maintains that the latter is doing everything it can to fight terrorism. ...