In an e-mailed statement, Taleban spokesman Zabiullah
Mujahid said the last nine years of war had proven that increased troop levels
had no effect.
“It is a failed strategy, not only on the military side but
also in civilian and administrative affairs,” he said.
“Public services in Afghanistan have failed. Corruption,
insecurity and also the civilian casualties are a result of failed American
strategy.” “President Obama is also talking about progress, but it is clear for
everyone that the reality is completely the opposite of what he says,” he
added.
The Obama review unveiled Thursday says Taleban momentum has
been halted in many parts of Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda leaders who are thought
to be plotting further terror attacks from Pakistan against the US have
suffered grievous losses. However, it makes clear that further progress will
not come easily and indicates that ultimate success depends heavily on factors
such as Pakistan’s effectiveness in eliminating Al-Qaeda and Taleban havens on its
side of the border.
This year has been the deadliest in the war for US forces.
At least 480 American troops have been killed, compared to 317 last year and
155 in 2008.
The Taleban claimed that Obama’s aim of starting to withdraw
US soldiers from Afghanistan next year is the result not of success, but of
“the pressure on the US forces in Afghanistan, the high casualties of the US
forces and the high cost of the war ... which they can no longer afford.”
Mujahid vowed the Taleban would continue to fight coalition troops, and that
“with the presence of foreign forces in our country there will be no peace and
security.
The interference of foreign forces in the affairs of
Afghanistan ... will only increase casualties.” Separately, NATO said two
coalition service members were killed Friday — one following a bomb attack in
southern Afghanistan and the other in an insurgent attack in the east of the
country. It did not provide the nationalities of either or give the locations
of the attacks.
