With the billion of dollars spent and presence of about 140,000 international troops in Afghanistan, life of a common man is still at the mercy of the insurgents. Since the Taliban government was toppled in late 2001, security condition has worsened with each passing year questioning the role of Afghan government and its international backers. According to UN, there has been a significant increase in the security related incidents in Afghanistan this year.

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon in his latest report on Afghanistan said Tuesday December 20, 2011 that 'security-related events' were up by 21 per cent this year, compared to the first 11 months of 2010.

There are some serious concerns at national and international levels on the killing of civilians in Afghanistan but the issue has gone unaddressed and both Taliban fighters and NATO soldiers have caused death of common people. The UN report said that the total number of civilian deaths increased by 5 per cent from January to November. 77% of all civilian deaths has been attributed to anti-government elements, the report said, while 10 per cent was caused by pro-government forces.

Report on increase in security related incidents comes at times when the international troops have already kicked off withdrawing from Afghanistan. The withdrawal process of NATO forces is set to complete in 2014 and in the same year, security responsibilities of all Afghanistan will be transitioned to Afghan security forces. Despite optimism of international community and Afghan government over transition and withdrawal process, the UN report increases concerns over the future of Afghanistan.

The US-Taliban talks have reached a turning point. Unknown number of Taliban detainees in Gitmo is going to be transferred to Afghan government custody. The US and Afghan government have agreed to establish an office for Taliban. Also, Joe Biden, US Vice President recently said that Taliban are not the enemy of his country. These are all some sort of incentives for Taliban. But the Taliban continues shedding blood of the innocent people.

History shows that the Taliban have always betrayed their enemies by pretending to do reconciliation and negotiation with them. Before giving more benefits to Taliban, the US and the Afghan government need to work out a clear strategy and remain wise.