Matt Latimer

“ Afghanistan is undergoing a difficult transition from a state of anarchy in many areas to a country with a democratically elected central government that is reaching out to long ungoverned territories. The article frequently relies on myths, opinions, worst-case scenarios, and a disinclination to mention any positive developments. The strength and influence of the Taliban has grown in some areas, but the Coalition, NATO/ISAF and Afghan forces are on the offensive and will relentlessly pursue Taliban and al-Qaeda extremists, as well as any associated movements. ”

“ National disenfranchisement often encourages Afghans to fight against the Coalition, so an Afghan solution -- not a U.S.-imposed solution -- was deemed best. The Coalition worked quickly to help emplace an interim government that would be acceptable to the Afghan people. ”

“ Thousands of kilometers of roads have been built or improved since the Taliban fell. The U.S. portion of the Kandahar to Herat highway has reduced the travel time between those two major cities from 10 hours to 4.3 hours. The average speed on 70 percent of Afghanistan’s roadways has increased three-fold, from 20 kilometers per hour to 60 kilometers per hour. There have been more than 28,000 micro-loans given out for agricultural activities. At least 2.5 million Afghans have benefited from irrigation and road projects linking farms to market. ”

“ Franks has stated that the United States enlisted Afghan fighters to help lead the search for bin Laden and other al-Qaeda members because “ [k] illing and capturing Taliban and Qaeda fighters was best done by the Afghan fighters who already knew the caves and tunnels.” In addition, special operations forces from the United States and several other countries were also there, providing tactical leadership and calling in air strikes. Pakistani troops also provided significant help: As many as 100,000 took up positions along the border and rounded up hundreds of al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters. ”

“ Other agricultural improvements include 210 irrigation structures and 300 kilometers of canals that have been rehabilitated to improve 300,000 hectares of cropland. At least 2.3 million animals have been vaccinated against disease. ”