A former Taliban soldier displays his weapon in the western city of Herat. Photograph: Stringer/Afghanistan/ReutersMost Fighting With Taliban In Afghanistan 'Could Change Sides' -- The Guardian
Moderates key to ending violence, says British ambassador
As many as two-thirds of those fighting with the Taliban could be persuaded to change sides, Mark Sedwill, Britain's ambassador to Afghanistan, said today.
He expressed cautious optimism about the conduct of the presidential elections later this month, saying that about 70% of the eligible population, even in Helmand, the most violent province, "will be able to vote".
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My Comment: Call me a skeptic .... but I have no idea where the British Ambassador gets his information to make such a blanket statement. What I do know is that the fighting is getting worse .... the Taliban's safe havens in Pakistan have not been overrun by the Pakistani Army (and are still safe havens).... NATO casualty rates are approaching 2 KIA per day (with many being wounded), and .... U.S. commanders are "screaming" for more boots on the ground.
Hmmmm .... it appears that our powers of persuasion are not working.