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.

2007: NATO in action: NATO block the Taliban from launching a major offensive while Bush argues for more aid — $10.6 billion; civil unrest at an all time high. Karzai says the situation has “definitely deteriorated.” US Secretary of Defence, Gates, recommends an increase in troops. The Taliban occupy the town of Musa Qala.

2008: Toying with peace-talks: 2008 has seen a rise in the levels of violence and an expansion of the combat zone towards the Pakistani border; in response, the British commander has said, “an absolute military victory in Afghanistan is impossible.” The Americans, arguing against this statement, are looking to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, while the official NATO mandate expires on Sunday. 4,700 people have died this year in Afganistan (Associated Press estimate) and the Karzai government is increasingly being viewed as defunct. It is against this backdrop that the Karzai government has found an ally in Saudi Arabia. It has been reported that the King has mediated talks between Karzai and a leading Taliban official in order to broker some sort of peace deal.