Its true, Asim.... i have seen this report which issued by a UK based think tank "International counsil on security and development" formerly known as
"The Senlic council" showing the complete failure of NATO in Afghanistan and the reasons behind it. they have mentioned that: The Taliban now holds a permanent presence in 72% of Afghanistan, up from 54% a year ago. Taliban forces have advanced from their southern heartlands, where they are now the de facto governing power in a number of towns and villages, to Afghanistans western and north-western provinces, as well as provinces north of Kabul. Within a year, the Talibans permanent presence in the country has increased by a startling 18%.
Though Richard Boucher has rejected this survey, but I have heared about another detailed report prepared by an US based think tank (which they still kept confidantial, as such I am not confirmed as yet) saying 80% excistance of Taliban.
In fact that's the reason I kept on calling that US lead Nato now seek scapegoat to undermine their failure.... and its to be frank they now playing tactics to pressure up Pakistan !!!
Advance of the Taliban: Maps
Map: One year ago - November, 2007
Map: One year later, November, 2008
NOTE: Map statistics are based upon publicly recorded attacks and local perceptions of Taliban presence
Legend:
Dark Pink: Permanent Taliban Presence (72% in 2008)
= Average of one or more insurgent attacks per week, according to public record of attacks. It is highly likely that many attacks are not publicly known.
Light Pink: Substantial Taliban Presence (21% in 2008)
= Based on number of attacks and local perceptions (Frequency of Taliban sightings)
Grey Areas: Light Taliban Presence (7% in 2008)
= Based on number of attacks and local perceptions (Frequency of Taliban sightings)
The colour coded dots on the map represent civilian, military or insurgent fatalities since January 2008
Red = civilian fatalities
Green = military fatalities
Yellow = insurgent fatalities
Please check details at following link:The Taliban Advance