Despite gains by ISAF forces and the U.S. – Al-Qaeda remains active in Afghanistan. There is also disturbing evidence of a criminal terrorist nexus forming in the country. Opium production remains significantly high – the revenues from which continue to be a significant revenue source for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
Despite the gains in Afghanistan by the International Security Forces and the United States – Al-Qaeda influence remains, primarily in the remote areas of eastern Afghanistan such as Kunar and Nuristan province.
Al-Qaeda and Haqqani and other groups also continue to use Pakistan as an safe haven to conduct operations.
Most of the materials required to continue the conflict in Afghanistan emanate from or transit through neighboring Pakistan. Improvised Explosive Devices continue to remain a serious problem and are responsible
for more coalition, Afghan, and Pakistani casualties than any other weapon on the battlefield. IED’s in Afghanistan are made primarily from fertilizer and military or commercial grade explosives produced in, or imported through,
Pakistan.
The convergence of insurgent, terrorist, and criminal networks is also “pervasive and constitutes a
threat to Afghanistan’s stability“, according to a new Pentagon report.
“Revenue from opium trafficking continues to contribute to the insurgency and Afghan criminal networks. Additionally, some areas of Afghanistan have seen a recent increase in extortion and kidnappings by low-level criminal networks”, the report says.
See video: Afghanistan farmers increase opium prodiuction http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBC1ilyZftw
“Expanding criminal networks have undercut security and governance gains in several ways.
Criminal networks, insurgent groups, and corrupt government officials are often interlinked via multi layered connections, making ties between the officials and the criminal activity difficult to prove and prosecute
These factors all contribute to popular disaffection with the government and create opportunities for the insurgency” (source: DOD http://www.defense.gov/pubs/October_1230_Report_Master_Nov7.pdf).