Afghan Defense Ministry has hinted for a better 2009. Gen. Azimi, the spokesman of the ministry while addressing a joint press conference with heads of NATO, ISAF and ANA (Afghan National Army) predicted that the year 2009 will be partly “bloody” but will ensure security grows better in the country.

“Relying on an induction/ addition of more than 60000 more troops in 2009 and better logistical and aerial facilities, afghan and allied forces will increase pressure on the rebels.” said Azimi. He also reiterated the better and expanding relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and cooperation in ‘War on Terror’ will add to the pressure on the Taliban. One of the biggest challenges according to Gen. Azizmi is the use of civilians as “human shield” by the Taliban that can revert pressure on Afghan government, ISAF, and NATO.

The year 2008 was the bloodiest in Afghanistan for both foreign and rebels since US invasion in the final days of 2001. In the year 2008 over 300 hundred foreign soldiers were killed. Over 215 ANA soldiers also died while over 2200 miscreants/ Taliban were also killed in various operations.

Afghan nation is fed up of war. No one would ever wish to go back to the 80s and 90s where tens of thousands died unaccounted. Now, afghans hope to see a new prosperous afghanistan. An afghanistan where no one is hurt and no one feels troubled. But I wonder as to how and when can our dreams come true?