Taliban Claims to Control 80% of Afghanistan
 As the US attempts to strengthen its own government of choice in Afghanistan, they are in a race not just against time, but against Taliban forces which are increasingly setting up credible alternative governments.
US Army Depends on Afghan Security Firm for Protection 

In late November, new guidelines were issued by the US Joint Contracting Command for security contracts in Afghanistan requiring private security companies to "hire a minimum of 50% of its guard force from within a 50 kilometer [thirty-mile] radius of the location requiring security." At present, according to the Defense Department, there are 104,100 contractors in Afghanistan, most of whom are Afghans. A December report by the Congressional Research Service projects the overall number of contractors in Afghanistan could swell to 160,000 as a result of the surge in US military forces.
The surge in contractors will mean that thousands more Afghans will be hired to work at US bases, guard US installations and participate in expanded US training programs. This presents a dangerous challenge for the US military: balancing the need to enlist Afghans in US operations with the risk of blowback or insurgents' infiltration of US bases and other facilities.

Afghanistan

Blackwater Eyes Afghan Contractor Surge Three Militants Killed as Taliban Fighters Storm Afghan Police Unit Troops, Taliban Race to Build Up Local Governments Stryker Soldiers Say Commanders Failed Them

Brits in Afghanistan

Brown: No Doubt Afghan Escalation 'Right' for Britain Colleagues May Have Shot UK Soldier in Afghanistan

Euros in Afghanistan

Europe's Revolving Door in Afghanistan US Rejects Austrian Criticism Over Afghanistan Italy and Germany Insist on Role in 'Reconstructing' Afghanistan