April 10, 2007:
This year's Taliban offensive in
Afghanistan is shaping up to be as much of a bust as last years. So far this
year, about 900 people have died from Taliban related violence in Afghanistan.
About two thirds of those have been Taliban, and most of the remainder
civilians. Last year, there were 4,000 dead, with two thirds of them Taliban.
In other words, this year is starting off looking like a repeat of last year.
One difference is that the Taliban are not as numerous as last year.
Recruiting, especially in Pakistan, has been more difficult.