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II. The Quarterly Context
The security environment in southern Afghanistan showed some signs of progress in the fourth quarter of 2010. During this time, operations of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) made significant gains in eliminating long-standing Taliban safe havens in southern Afghanistan and additional gains against a determined insurgency elsewhere in the country.
Incidents of violence decreased in Kandahar province compared to the previous quarter. Most of the incidents reported by ISAF are the result of the increase in ISAF and ANSF clear and hold operations. When analyzing the number of incidents in a quarter, however, it is worthwhile to note that a large number are attributed to bombs found and cleared, mainly improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines. The latter are recorded as violent events because the insurgents’ intent in placing them was to create harm and insecurity. However, neutralizing IEDs and mines is also seen by ISAF as a positive development, especially when more Afghans are showing coalition forces and ANSF partners where the ordnances are, indicating their increased sense of security in cooperating with the ANSF and coalition forces.
The certified results of the September 18 election of Afghanistan’s Wolesi Jirga (lower house of parliament) were released on December 1. Some 2,550 candidates, including 406 women, competed for 249 seats. The election was tainted by irregularities and fraud, with approximately 23 percent of votes invalidated by the Independent Election Commission (IEC). Nevertheless, the IEC and the Electoral Complaints Commission (ECC) performed well in only the second election run by Afghans.
