It seems that things have been heating up in Afghanistan lately. Perhaps the anti-American forces there think that the US is bogged down in Iraq and will make a better target in Afghanistan. Two weeks ago, up to 90 people were killed by guerilla and terrorist activity there. The Taliban was blamed for the attacks, but it is likely that things are more complex than that. The Afghan government normally blames the Taliban for many things they might not actually be involved in. There are three factions to watch in Afghanistan. First is the remnants of the Taliban. They probably have more support among the populace than most people think. Their support comes mainly from the Pashtun south where fundamentalist Islam runs strong. Second is al Qaeda and the foreign, mainly Arab and Pakistani fighters that have come to Afghanistan to fight the US. These people are closely allied with the Taliban and share their philosophy. The third is the forces of rebel warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, a member of the Pashtun ethnic group who is also a former Afghan prime minister. His alliance with the Taliban is probably more out of convenience.

The US and the Afghan government have pushed back against the insurgents in the last two weeks. Heavy fighting has been reported in the area of Daichopan in Zabul province in the southeast of the country. Two fighters arrested in the area two days ago told investigators they were recruited by the Taliban and fighters loyal to Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Associated Press, reported in the Kansas City Star on August 28 Fighting has been going on since August 25. Afghan officials had already claimed 70 Taliban losses in the first three days of fighting and 40 more on the 28th. The U.S. military has confirmed only 14 dead in the clashes. Reuters, August 28