Frogs for Snakes

The Taliban in Afghanistan is recasting its image as a national insurgency, distancing itself from al-Qaeda and international terrorism in general and modulating its use of domestic terror as a tactic. A December code-of-conduct directive from Taliban spiritual leader Muhammad Omar included on suicide bombings against civilians, burning down schools, or cutting off ears, lips and tongues, thereby promising a kinder, gentler, terrorism [New York Times].

Obviously, the changes come in response to increased U.S and ISAF activity and the nascent success of a revised counterinsurgency doctrine. Sadly, Taliban adaptations are themselves proving successful, suggesting many more troops and a central government that has earned the trust of its people will be needed if something like an
Afghan state will emerge from this conflict.