North by northwest

2001: Operation Ensuring Freedom launched: Initial successes are seen on the onset of the war in Afghanistan where six cities fall in 5 days; the Taliban regime collapses in December. An interim government is set up under Pashtun royalist Hamid Karzai and the first batch of the Afghan army trained. However, Taliban continue to rule in isolated pockets; Mullah Omar and tribal leaders are still active.

2002: Terror on the rise: 21 attacks particularly in the South. Karzai talks with the US for an increase in troops — his government is faced with increased insurgent attacks — the US refuses. Amidst civil unrest — Bush promises Afghanistan its own “Marshall Plan” which fails to materialise. UN resolution sets up International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) with proposal for NATO troops to be sent into Kabul and surrounding areas to stabilise the country and set up conditions for self-sustaining peace.

2004: Constitutional compromise: Karzai attempts to calm civil unrest in the country — a new multi-party democratic constitution is signed, and elections are held in October. In response terrorist attacks at an all time high during the year. The media continues to develop.

2005: Terror spreads: Civil unrest continues to increase, amidst constitutional amendments. Terrorist activity increases and spread throughout the country. Insurgent attacks in Kandahar, Kabul, Nuristan and Herat.

2006: The Taliban react: Failures in Afghanistan are evident given the collapse of the economy — opium production at 92 per cent. The Taliban launch their largest offensive to date; fighting between NATO troops and the Taliban, after which NATO assumes the role of securing Afghanistan. NATO troops at an all time high — 31,000 troops that are now also responsible for Eastern Afghanistan. Afghan-Pak relations are strained over security in border areas.

... contd.