Afghan insurgents growing, U.S. general warns. Attacks increased in 2005, enemy expected to be ‘active this spring’.

•Updated: 11:33 a.m. ET Feb. 28, 2006
WASHINGTON - Painting a bleak picture of U.S. military operations overseas, the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency told Congress on Tuesday that violence in Afghanistan increased 20 percent last year.

“We judge insurgents now represent a greater threat to the expansion of Afghan government authority than at any point since late 2001 (when U.S. forces invaded), and will be active this spring,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Maples, the DIA chief.

Now, the way George Walker Bush sees it. Quotes taken from document on White House web site. Real quotes, site hasn't been hacked. He really said these things. Honest.

"The people of Afghanistan are a world away from the nightmare of the Taliban. Citizens of Afghanistan have adopted a new constitution guaranteeing free elections and full participation by women. The new Afghan army is becoming a vital force of stability in that country. Businesses are opening, health care centers are being established, and the children of Afghanistan are back in school, boys and girls."
President Bush's remarks on the Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom
March 19, 2004

"...the women and children in Afghanistan have a much brighter future because we removed a barbaric regime that refused to even educate young girls."
President Bush's remarks
Buffalo, New York
April 20, 2004

"Women were given no rights. Young girls did not go to school. It was a barbaric regime. ... People are [now] free in that country."
President Bush's remarks on Freedom for the People of Afghanistan
Hershey, Pennsylvania
April 19, 2004

Oh, yes. The President of Afghanistan is still protected by AMERICAN Special Forces troops, NOT AFGHANIS. Tells most people something.

Arf