Taleban growing in strength

The US is admitting that the Taleban in Afghanistan is growing stronger. One wonders what the ghosts of British and Russian occupiers are doing. The Guardian reports that the American admission comes in the context of

16 civilian deaths inflicted by its bombers during southern Afghanistan's most violent week in years.

The US is thus facing two insurgencies -- in Afghanistan and Iraq -- that are likely to define its military posture for the next year or so. In the meantime, noises continue to be made about Iran. One wonders if an October Surprise is likely, to raise the patriotic drumbeat in the run-up to the Congressional elections.