Progress in Afghanistan Continues; Challenges Remain Afghanistan remains a nation beset by a fragile political climate threatened by a formidable foe, according to a report submitted to Congress by the Defense Department last month. The white paper addresses the security of stability in Afghanistan for the period beween Oct. 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012. Progress toward the goal of having Afghan forces assume the responsibility of their nation’s security continues, but the Taliban continues to operate freely from safe havens in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the report stated. "The insurgency remains a resilient and determined enemy and will likely attempt to regain lost ground and influence this spring and summer through assassinations, intimidation, high-profile attacks, and the emplacement of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)," the report stated. The full report is available online at http://www.defense.gov/pubs.
