June saw the most fatalities for a single month since the U.S.-led invasion began in 2001. At least 45 coalition troops have died, including 27 Americans, bringing the year's total to 123. If this pace continues, the count for 2008 will surpass last year's 232 deaths.

More NATO Troops Mean More NATO Deaths

Analysts attributed the jump in fatalities to the following:

• More Troops Deployed—Increased NATO forces to Afghanistan, including the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit from Camp Lejeune, N.C.
• Troops Along Pakistan Border—Deployment to the southern part of the country near Taliban strongholds along the Pakistan border
• Taliban Growing—Strengthening of the Taliban in the south during the last six years, because of understaffed NATO forces in that area
• Weather—Seasonal thawing allows more frequent attacks from Taliban
• IEDs—Increasing use of roadside bombs
• Lack of Helicopters—NATO forces don't have enough helicopters to carry out their missions
• Overwhelmed Afghanis—Inability of the Afghan government to secure the south and deal with the growing heroin trade
• Apathetic Pakistanis—Lack of pressure from the Pakistan government against militants along its border, letting militants operate without constraint

Recent Southern Afghanistan Conflict Highlights Problem

In June the Taliban attacked a prison in Kandahar, freeing all the prisoners, including several hundred Taliban. Subsequently, NATO deployed troops to the Kandahar area, driving the Taliban from a number of villages in the Arghandab district. Marine Lt. Col. Richard Hall, whose forces are pushing into the deserts of Helmand and Farah provinces, said the Taliban have had the opportunity to regroup since 2001. "We expected we were going to have a lot of friction with the enemy," Hall said. "They have had absolute freedom of movement, freedom of action until our arrival. We're disrupting [Taliban money flow] and they don't like it so they're trying to come after us because of that." (Military.com, 6/30/08)

Pentagon Releases Afghanistan Security Report

The Pentagon released the Report on Progress toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan in late June. NATO Accomplishments in Afghanistan:

• A combination of military and nonmilitary resources produced a stable and secure environment in Khowst province, once thought to be ungovernable.
• An increase in U.S. forces in 2007 helped train and grow the Afghan National Security Forces.
• The Afghan National Army's professionalism and competence is improving.
• Significantly disrupting enemy forces in Ghazni province led to the spread of governance.
• There's a marked improvement in national political efforts, such as the country's constitution and elections.
• There's considerable growth in the Afghan gross domestic product.

Challenges Facing NATO Forces in Afghanistan:

• The Afghan National Police isn't improving as quickly as hoped because of corruption and lack of trainers.
• Taliban have regrouped, showing resiliency.
• Violence increased in 2007.
• Taliban attacks switched focus from military personnel to civilians and police.
• Taliban attacks will probably increase in scope and pace during 2008.
• Rural governments in south and east face unique challenges.
• Pressure from the Taliban will grow in northern and western regions of the country.
• Counter-narcotic efforts have not been successful, and the heroin trade in particular is booming.
• Afghanistan has a poor human rights record.