The first phase of the transition process – hand over of security responsibilities from international forces to Afghan police and army in seven areas identified by President Karzai in spring – has been completed. Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, the head of transition committee says, "The process will continue and the whole country will fall into the hands of Afghan security forces by the end of 2014."

Transfer of defense responsibilities to Afghan forces in the seven areas that have been comparatively calmer and peaceful in the ten years of international military campaign, should not be a big deal but yet a factor that can bolster the moral of Taliban insurgents. Taliban is eyeing 2014 as a year for its victory or at least regaining more power in Afghanistan for which it has been fighting for the last decade. Withdrawal of NATO forces should be good news for Taliban than the people of Afghanistan.

As the process of withdrawal and transition of security tasks to Afghan forces continues, worries and concerns about the future defense of Afghanistan increase as well. Taliban have intensified their acts of insurgency turning a deaf ear to the offers of Afghan government which is resolving Afghan conflict through table talks under 'peace reconciliation program.'

As of recent, an 8-year-old boy was hanged by militants in Afghanistan after his father - a police officer in Gereshk city of Helmand province - refused to provide them with a police vehicle and surrender 'himself' as a ransom for setting his son free. The incident has been condemned widely. President Karzai on Sunday ordered local authorities to arrest the militants "as soon as possible". "This action is not permitted in any culture or any religions," Karzai said.

There are claims that Taliban will enter into a peace deal with Afghan government by consenting to the Afghanistan Constitution and other fundamental issues like women right etc. But keeping in view the hanging of children, open punishment of women and other anti-human rights activities by Taliban, one can never be optimistic about Taliban joining normal Afghan society.