‘Afghanistan in downward spiral’

Classified report casts doubt on govt’s ability to stem the rise in Taliban’s influence

WASHINGTON: Corruption and increased militant violence are leading Afghanistan in a downward spiral, a classified US intelligence report says. The report casts doubt on the ability of the Afghan government to counter the rise of the Taliban’s influence, officials familiar with the document told The New York Times.

The report is a nearly completed version of a National Intelligence Estimate, scheduled to be finished after the Nov. 4 elections, the Times reported Thursday. US officials said intelligence agencies also were developing an assessment on Pakistan, also available after next month’s election.

Because of the bleak assessment, the White House has begun a review of Afghanistan policy, to be completed in the next few weeks. The report cited gains in building the country’s national army, officials said, However, it outlined the destabilising impact of the booming heroin trade, concern that Afghan President Hamid Karzai can’t or won’t stem government corruption as well as cross-border attacks by militants in neighbouring Pakistan.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe declined to comment on the report, but said, “Everyone understands that the current situation in Afghanistan is a tough one."
Clashes near Pak border

At least 27 militants were killed in operations across insurgency-hit Afghanistan, authorities said Thursday, while villagers reported that 10 civilians died in rebel gunfire.  Afghan and international troops were on patrol when they were attacked with guns, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades), a statement from the US Forces in Afghanistan said.