Return!

This is coolbert:

 The Return of the Taliban!

They are talking this evening on National Public Radio [NPR] about the resurgence of the Taliban. They are back. Villains are again on the loose. And in numbers with resolve. Presenting quite a problem for NATO forces. And recall, Afghanistan is now a NATO operation.

How much of a resurgence? Well, consider this. During this current winter of 2006-2007, there are more Taliban related incidents and attacks than during the summer of 2005. This is really worrying.

Especially as the winter is a time in Afghanistan when you might expect the bad guys to lay low. Winter in Afghan is no piece of cake. The temp right now in Kabul at 6:25 A.M. Kabul time is -7 deg. C [19 deg F.]. Cold! And the five day forecast looks almost identical to that predicted for Chicago. Cold and unpleasant. Kabul is of course much higher in altitude [5800 feet] than Chicago. And in the mountains, EVEN MUCH colder. It gets down to -40C [-40F.] at altitudes. A cold bear. Does not seem to bother the Taliban!

[those Afghans lead a rugged life. Their feet are so tough and leathered from going barefoot all their lives they do not even need footwear of any sort, much less boots!]

Unfortunately, the villains are in this for the long haul. Nothing seems to dissuade them. Does NATO have as much tenacity as the Taliban? I doubt it.

coolbert.