http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/ISL163323.htmKABUL, Aug 15 (Reuters) - In an ominous sign for the United States and NATO, Afghanistan is living up to a reputation it hoped was buried in the past -- as a brutal and lawless land.
The wave of violence this week claiming at least 65 lives has highlighted both the growing threat from Taliban remnants and other anti-U.S. elements and the failure of foreign forces in Afghanistan to crush the Islamic militia and impose security.
In its first week in command of the 5,000-strong international peacekeeping force in Kabul, NATO in particular is facing tough questions about its role amid urgent calls to expand both the number of troops and its geographical scope.
"We are talking about tripling the number of peacekeepers, meaning an increase of 10-12,000, and with NATO now in charge there is hope for some movement on the expansion issue (outside Kabul)," a government official said in Kabul.
Timing is crucial, security and political analysts say.
The Taliban and other groups including renegade warlords and perhaps al Qaeda fugitives appear to be growing in confidence and strength, and elections are due to be held in less than a year that will help shape the future of the troubled state.
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