Kabul queries

using rogue soldiers and policemen. A series of recent assassinations,most notably of Jan Mohammed Khan and Ahmed Wali Karzai in the same week last month,has announced that such attacks will no longer be sporadic and minor. While rogue security personnel expose how weak the recruitment filters are,the assassinations undermine Karzais government and rob it of key deal-makers,setting back the efforts at stabilising Afghanistan.

Natos withdrawal plans are hinged on weakening the Taliban enough so that Afghan forces can take over and also,perhaps,forcing the Taliban into talks. As the surge ebbs,Nato would gradually retreat from a tactical to a strategic overwatch. But for that,Karzais government has to deliver,primarily by demonstrating its ability to enforce stability. The political instrument necessary therein is patching together alliances with tribal groups,which in turn draws its strength from increasing security. On all counts,these attacks and assassinations set back the government and erase Natos gains.