This year, according to observers' prediction, would experience more violence mostly in the shape of suicide bombings and roadside blasts.

US commander of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan General Dan Mc Neill told newsmen early this year that "What do expect to see insurgents do this year I think they would stay on IEDs (improvised explosive devices) , and they will increase the number of suicide bombers."

More than 60,000-strong international troops with 50,000 of them from 39 countries serving under the command of NATO and the rest under the flag of US-led Coalition forces have been stationed in Afghanistan to stabilize security there.

Nearly 700 servicemen of the NATO-led ISAF forces with 415 from US, 87 from Britain and 78 from Canada have been killed in Afghanistan over the past six years.

Afghans in the beginning had warmly welcomed the deployment of international troops in their country as the herald of prosperity and development.

However, the multi-national troops' failure to root out Taliban militants and ensure stability has undermined its popularity though vast majority of Afghans are still support the long-term presence of the international forces in their country.

Moreover, lack or little coordination with Afghan troops against militants in past years which in many cases claimed civilian lives has angered the locals and thus facilitated Taliban to benefit.

Local protests over civilians' lives had prompted President Hamid Karzai to call on international troops more than once to coordinate military operations with Afghan authorities.

In the eyes of Afghans, more than six years have passed from the collapse of Taliban regime but the well equipped US troops and the mighty military alliance of NATO have failed to at least spot and arrest Mullah Omar and his guest Osama.

Definitely, there have been tremendous achievements in Afghanistan. However, like many in the world, the ongoing insurgency and tug of war have disappointed many war-weary Afghans towards international troops' ability in completing their mission.

(Xinhua News Agency February 29, 2008)