Democracy Now: Aid Organizations: Situation in Afghanistan Worsening

A number of aid organizations in Afghanistan are challenging the Obama administration’s recent claim that insurgents now control less territory than they did a year ago. Nic Lee, the director of the Afghanistan NGO Safety Office, told McClatchy Newspapers: “Absolutely, without any reservation, it is our opinion that the situation is a lot more insecure this year than it was last year.” Challiss McDonough of the U.N.’s World Food Program said, “There are fewer places where we have completely unimpeded access.” Security analysts say that Taliban shadow governors still exert control in all but one of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. 2010 proved to be the deadliest year in Afghanistan for international troops. More than 700 foreign troops were killed, on an average of about two per day. According to the United Nations, at least 2,400 civilians died in Afghanistan in the first 10 months of the year, and 3,800 were injured. Earlier today at least 14 Afghan civilians died in a roadside blast in southern Helmand province.

~ by wheresthemic on December 30, 2010.