“We assess that the Taliban-led insurgency has diminished in some areas of Afghanistan but remains resilient and capable of challenging US and international goals,” according to the report. — Photo by Reuters

WASHINGTON: After 12 long years of war in Afghanistan the best US intelligence can say is that a reslient Taliban is “diminished in some areas,” spy agencies said Tuesday in a notably pessimistic report.

The US military habitually issues positive assessments of its progress in pushing back the Taliban and building up Afghan forces, but an annual report to Congress from the intelligence community was downbeat.

The agencies warned that the Afghan economy is headed for a downturn when Western aid declines after most Nato troops leave next year, while battlefield progress is tentative and fragile in areas due to be handed to Afghan forces.

“We assess that the Taliban-led insurgency has diminished in some areas of Afghanistan but remains resilient and capable of challenging US and international goals,” according to the report.

The assessment was presented by National Intelligence Director James Clapper at a Senate hearing Tuesday.

According to the document, the Taliban's leadership continues to shelter in cross-border sanctuaries in Pakistan, “which allows them to provide strategic guidance to the insurgency without fear for their safety.”

Progress in security was “especially fragile” in areas where large numbers of US-led forces were deployed as part of a troop surge in 2010. Those areas are now being handed over to Afghan government army and police.

The intelligence assessment contrasted with upbeat statements often put out by the Pentagon and its field commanders, which have touted major progress and painted the Taliban as severely damaged and divided.

The report to Congress said Afghan security forces had proven capable of safeguarding major cities and key roads near “government-controlled areas.”

But the Afghan air force, which is trying to build up a fleet of helicopters and small aircraft, has made little headway.

The report played down Al Qaeda's influence, saying the group had only limited reach and that it was mainly seeking propaganda victories rather than having a genuine impact on the battlefield.

Afghanistan's economy, which has grown steadily in recent years, is expected to slow after 2014, the report said, when international funds will begin tapering off after Nato forces pull out.

“Kabul has little hope of offsetting the coming drop in Western aid and military spending, which have fueled growth in the construction and services sectors,” it said.

Opinion

Editorial

Political drama
Updated 16 Sep, 2024

Political drama

Govt must revisit its plans to bring constitutional amendments and ensure any proposed changes to judiciary are subjected to thorough debate.
Complete impunity
16 Sep, 2024

Complete impunity

ZERO per cent. That is the conviction rate in crimes against women and children in Sindh, according to data shared...
Melting glaciers
16 Sep, 2024

Melting glaciers

ACCELERATED glacial melt in the Indus river basin, as highlighted recently by the National Disaster Management...
Amendment furore
Updated 15 Sep, 2024

Amendment furore

Few seem to know what is in its legislative package, and it seems like a thoroughly undemocratic exercise overall.
‘Mini’ budget chatter
15 Sep, 2024

‘Mini’ budget chatter

RUMOURS are a dime a dozen in a volatile, uncertain economy. No wonder the rumour mills continue to generate reports...
Child beggary
15 Sep, 2024

Child beggary

CHILD begging, the ugliest form of child labour, is a curse on society. Ravaged by disease, crime, exploitation and...