NATO forces in Afghanistan end 2010 with highest death toll since war began

[News_Editor]

NATO forces in Afghanistan end 2010 with highest death toll since war began

2011-01-01 13:41:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- Troops with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan welcomed the year 2011 on Saturday as the alliance said goodbye to a grim year with the highest coalition death toll on record.

In 2010, NATO and its partner allies reported a total coalition death toll of at least 709, which is considerably higher than the 521 fatalities in 2009. But it is even more grim when compared to previous years, showing a rapidly increasing death toll as insurgents continue to bring heavy losses to international troops.

The darkest month of the war was perhaps in July, with around 90 fatalities in this month alone, making it the deadliest month for U.S. forces since the war began on October 7, 2001 in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

On September 11, 2001, two hijacked airliners crashed into both towers of the World Trade Center in New York. Another airliner crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., while a fourth crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) eventually declared that the attacks of 9/11, which killed nearly 3,000 people from scores of countries, was considered an attack on all NATO nations. The NATO-backed war in Afghanistan aims to defeat the Taliban and other insurgent groups in the country.

And while ISAF may claim it is making progress in the war, by daily reporting the arrest and deaths of insurgents it deems to be 'key players', opposition to the U.S.-led war remains extremely high.

According to a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released on Thursday, more than six in ten Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan which was launched by former U.S. President George W. Bush. Some 56 percent of those asked also said they believe things are going badly for the United States in Afghanistan.

"The war has not always been unpopular - back in March, when a majority thought that the war was going well, the country was evenly divided. But by September, the number who said that things were going well for the U.S. in Afghanistan had dropped to 44 percent, and opposition to the war had grown to 58 percent," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Today, with Americans remaining pessimistic about the situation in Afghanistan, they also remain opposed to the war."

Only time will tell if the security situation in Afghanistan, and its neighboring Pakistan, will improve. But figures show that insurgents remain capable to strike coalition troops and inflict heavy casualties, which is unlikely to change anytime soon. Critics fear the toll will be even higher in 2011.

When the war in Afghanistan began in late 2001, a total of 12 U.S. service members were killed. In 2002, this toll rose to 70 before slightly falling to 58 in 2003. Ever since, the toll has been rising rapidly.

Officials reported 60 coalition fatalities in 2004, 131 in 2005, 191 in 2006, 232 in 2007, 295 in 2008, and 521 in 2009 before hitting an all-time record high of 709 in 2010.

"We know that serious challenges lie ahead, but if Afghanistan is permitted to slide backwards, we will again face a threat from violent extremist groups like al Qaeda who will have more space to plot and train," said National Security Advisor General James Jones in late July after WikiLeaks released thousands of secret U.S. documents, revealing previously unknown information about the war in Afghanistan. "That is why we are now focused on breaking the Taliban's momentum and building Afghan capacity so that the Afghan government can begin to assume responsibility for its future. The United States remains committed to a strong, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-01-01

[maxman71]

Can't wait for the Nobel Committee to give BO another "Peace Prize"...The elite MI Complex is still running the show in the US and BO is all too willing to go along; so much for "change". I have to laugh at all the foreigners over here that thought BO was such a miracle worker. All the election parties, etc. that took place are a lasting testament to the fact that people can be incredibly stupid when it comes to deciding who to vote for. In the case of BO, the facts about what he is really all about were very clear; from his own writings, who he associated with in his past, his mentors, etc. If one took the approach to voting similar to who you would hire for a job, BO would not have even made the first cut.

[mark45y]

Can't wait for the Nobel Committee to give BO another "Peace Prize"...The elite MI Complex is still running the show in the US and BO is all too willing to go along; so much for "change". I have to laugh at all the foreigners over here that thought BO was such a miracle worker. All the election parties, etc. that took place are a lasting testament to the fact that people can be incredibly stupid when it comes to deciding who to vote for. In the case of BO, the facts about what he is really all about were very clear; from his own writings, who he associated with in his past, his mentors, etc. If one took the approach to voting similar to who you would hire for a job, BO would not have even made the first cut.

Australia has had troops in Afghanistan since 2001. I have always had a lot of respect for Australian fighting forces and the governments that have committed them to the conflict in Afghanistan.

[isawwhatyoudid]

and maybe have to die for the Afghan pipeline.

[moetownblues]

It's time for the Aussie troops to come home and stop dying for an American cause. They would better serve Australia at home where we need them.

[koheesti]

It's time for the Aussie troops to come home and stop dying for an American cause. They would better serve Australia at home where we need them.

Why? What's going on in Oz that you need special forces back there?

[chuckd]

Maybe he's worried about that long dreaded invasion from New Zealand trying to kidnap more sheep.

[mark45y]

It's time for the Aussie troops to come home and stop dying for an American cause. They would better serve Australia at home where we need them.

The state of California spends three times as much on education as Australia spends on defense.

Perhaps if you spent a bit of your tax dollars on defense you would be able to defend yourself for a change without relying on other nations to provide your security.

Australia spends 20,109,000,000 on defense the US 663,255,000,000.

When China wants to march into Australia and take over it's natural resources who will Australia turn to? New Zealand?

You are very able to criticize others while you spend your tax dollars on old age pensions and free health care. Others are carrying your weight.

Time to belly up to the bar and buy a round. If you don't want to pay the piper at least you could go along with the wishes of the country that is providing your strategic defense budget.

Americans are spending 4% of their tax dollars for defense and one of the reasons is so Australia can only spend 2%. Not only do I have to pay your bills but I also listen to you bellyache about my foreign policy.

[Ulysses G.]

When China wants to march into Australia and take over it's natural resources who will Australia turn to? New Zealand?

Let's not forget that Australia does do its fair share and has helped out many times. A few Thai Visa whingers do not change the fact that they are an excellent ally.

[cdnvic]

The Aussies have always stepped up to the plate when needed. In defence spending per capita they were 9th in the world. (2009 figures).

[Ulysses G.]

Australian military never consider themselves as special as Americans do.

How about the Aussie SAS? They are special forces and excellent soldiers who help out the rest of the civilized world on a regular basis.

They protect the grateful and the ungrateful alike.

Edited January 4, 2011 by Ulysses G.

[moetownblues]

<br />

<br /> Australian military never consider themselves as special as Americans do.  

<br /><br /><br />How about the Aussie SAS? They are special forces and excellent soldiers who help out the rest of the civilized world on a regular basis. <img src='http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/ph34r.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

<br /><br /><br />

The SAS are British. The SASR are Australian and are not considered special forces but Australian Army. Special Forces is American. Every Australian Soldier considers him/herself equal and not above each other. The SASR comprises of a few hundred Australian regular Army. Just a Regiment of the Army.

[mark45y]

It's time for the Aussie troops to come home and stop dying for an American cause. They would better serve Australia at home where we need them.

Seems we have touched a nerve. Well lets get things straight shall we. Australia does not have the military might to defend itself against the likes of China. No one is criticizing the bravery of Aussie troops. But there aren't very many of them.

Nor do they have many guns, bombs and rockets and such.

The reason they don't have many troops or guns or rockets is a matter of spending policy. Australia spends 2%, Israel 7% add what the US gives them and it is over 10%.

Australia has made a choice to spend the money on butter because America is spending the money on guns.

I am not trying to be insulting. But American tax payers are paying a very large percentage of the strategic defense budget of the world. UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and Australia equal 307 billion. The US 663 billion.

In this thread you suggested Australia stop assisting America in it's war in Afghanistan. I am suggesting you start acting like an ally. Since America is allowing you to spend only a fraction of your own budget on defense why don't you start acting like a friend and assist us as you can in our endeavors.

The cost in men and material you are spending in Afghanistan is a small fraction of what it would cost you to match China's 99 billion defense budget.

The Australian government of course realizes this and also realized it in other wars. You apparently are out of sync with your countries thinking.

Wake up a bit. Saudi Arabia is spending 40 billion on defense (8.2%) Australia 20 billion (2%). Sure it is nice having a strong currency and great social programs but there might come a time when the US is going to stop paying the bills. Maybe you better think a bit more about defense. Countries are like people they can only take so much criticism.

[mania]

 Australia does not have the military might to defend itself against the likes of China.  

Maybe not every country has to subscribe to bankrupting its children future in defense spending against the boogieman.

When was the last time the boogieman (China in your example) invaded anyone?

When was the last time the USA did?

[cdnvic]

Ok, I think everyone's position has been clarified so enough of this. The topic is Afghanistan and NATO's casualties. Stick to it.

[softgeorge]

It's time for the Aussie troops to come home and stop dying for an American cause. They would better serve Australia at home where we need them.

Seems we have touched a nerve. Well lets get things straight shall we. Australia does not have the military might to defend itself against the likes of China. No one is criticizing the bravery of Aussie troops. But there aren't very many of them.

Nor do they have many guns, bombs and rockets and such.

The reason they don't have many troops or guns or rockets is a matter of spending policy. Australia spends 2%, Israel 7% add what the US gives them and it is over 10%.

Australia has made a choice to spend the money on butter because America is spending the money on guns.

I am not trying to be insulting. But American tax payers are paying a very large percentage of the strategic defense budget of the world. UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and Australia equal 307 billion. The US 663 billion.

In this thread you suggested Australia stop assisting America in it's war in Afghanistan. I am suggesting you start acting like an ally. Since America is allowing you to spend only a fraction of your own budget on defense why don't you start acting like a friend and assist us as you can in our endeavors.

The cost in men and material you are spending in Afghanistan is a small fraction of what it would cost you to match China's 99 billion defense budget.

The Australian government of course realizes this and also realized it in other wars. You apparently are out of sync with your countries thinking.

Wake up a bit. Saudi Arabia is spending 40 billion on defense (8.2%) Australia 20 billion (2%). Sure it is nice having a strong currency and great social programs but there might come a time when the US is going to stop paying the bills. Maybe you better think a bit more about defense. Countries are like people they can only take so much criticism.

"I am suggesting you start acting like an ally. Since America is allowing you to spend only a fraction of your own budget on defense why don't you start acting like a friend and assist us as you can in our endeavors".

Why doesn't America start acting like a friend and stop insisting that Australians DIE for thier little war? I ask you this a very simple question, Why should an aussie die for bloody America? America is not Australia's homeland. As an Aussie I will never take up arms in defence of America and it's wars but I will do in the defence of Australia. You say America is ALLOWING us to do this and that, why doesn't America simply leave us alone. Excuse me America can I go and shit now and can you please pass the toilet paper. Please Americans stop trying to dictate to the world you are and will breed more hatred and it is in the interest of world peace for the USA to take a step back and respect people and the countries of the world. WITH ALL DUE RRESPECT. America as it likes to think is not the world. No disrepect to American citizens but America does force itself on every country on the planet.

[Wallaby]

I am sure we would be happy to HELP the US govt yet again if it didn't lie to us when asking for assistance.

[cdnvic]

What part of get back to the topic didn't you understand?

[metisdead]

More off topic posts removed from view.

[Ulysses G.]

Why doesn't America start acting like a friend and stop insisting that Australians DIE for thier little war? I ask you this a very simple question, Why should an aussie die for bloody America?

Because Australia wants the US to help them if Indonesia - or someone else - attacks. You scratch our backs and we scratch yours. That is how it works.

[mark45y]

Australia 21

Belgium 1

Canada 154

Czech 3

Denmark 39

Estonia 8

Finland 1

France 52

Georgia 5

Germany 46

Hungary 4

Italy 34

Jordan 1

Latvia 3

Lithuania 1

NATO 3

Netherlands 25

New Zealand 1

Norway 9

Poland 22

Portugal 2

Romania 17

South Korea 1

Spain 30

Sweden 5

Turkey 2

UK 349

US 1448

Total 2287

[transam]

marky45y is absolutely right on this one. Any one has a problem, who do they turn to. In 1940 it took some persuasion but the US saved the day, if the OZZES have a problem for sure the USA will be there.

[softgeorge]

Why doesn't America start acting like a friend and stop insisting that Australians DIE for thier little war? I ask you this a very simple question, Why should an aussie die for bloody America?

Because Australia wants the US to help them if Indonesia - or someone else - attacks. You scratch our backs and we scratch yours. That is how it works.

:lol: :lol: The biggest joke I have ever heard. The only reason the U.S would repay the Australian deaths for thier war in Afaganistan is if Australia became the 53rd state and that will never happen. America is not a friend of Australia and will not help unless thier is something to be gained. I would rather be ruled by Indonesia ant day than be called a $%$^

[Ulysses G.]

If you say so, it must be true.

Edited January 6, 2011 by Ulysses G.

[mark45y]

Why doesn't America start acting like a friend and stop insisting that Australians DIE for thier little war? I ask you this a very simple question, Why should an aussie die for bloody America?

Because Australia wants the US to help them if Indonesia - or someone else - attacks. You scratch our backs and we scratch yours. That is how it works.

:lol: :lol: The biggest joke I have ever heard. The only reason the U.S would repay the Australian deaths for thier war in Afaganistan is if Australia became the 53rd state and that will never happen. America is not a friend of Australia and will not help unless thier is something to be gained. I would rather be ruled by Indonesia ant day than be called a $%$^

The Australia Bank [ASX: NAB] had to borrow USD$4.5 billion from the US Federal Reserve during 2008 and 2009.

And Westpac Banking Corp [ASX: WBC] needed USD$1.09 billion in January of 2008 and 2009.

You are welcome.

Just for the fun of it. How many people in Australia do you think would rather be part of Indonesia?

[mark45y]

I guess it should be pointed out that Australia is not part of NATO and has nothing to do with this thread. If anyone is really interested in staying on topic.

[JUDAS]

I, for one, will take this opportunity to pay my respects to those who have fought and fallen in Afghanistan. It seems somewhat more important to me to honour their sacrifice than discuss bank loans.

[mark45y]

Why doesn't America start acting like a friend and stop insisting that Australians DIE for thier little war? I ask you this a very simple question, Why should an aussie die for bloody America?

Because Australia wants the US to help them if Indonesia - or someone else - attacks. You scratch our backs and we scratch yours. That is how it works.

:lol: :lol: The biggest joke I have ever heard. The only reason the U.S would repay the Australian deaths for thier war in Afaganistan is if Australia became the 53rd state and that will never happen. America is not a friend of Australia and will not help unless thier is something to be gained. I would rather be ruled by Indonesia ant day than be called a $%$^

In a poll taken by the Reader's Digest with 1000 Australians, 15 per cent of Australians described themselves as "anti-American government". Another 67 per cent held neutral views of America, and 17 per cent said they were "pro-American government"

PEW survey.

In America, Just 22 percent of Americans say they can trust the government in Washington almost always or most of the time, among the lowest measures in a half-century.

The proportion of Americans who say they are "angry" with the federal government has doubled since 2000, increasing from 10 percent to 20 percent. And an increasing number — almost 1 of every 3 people — say they believe government is a major threat to their personal freedoms and want federal power reined in.

[cdnvic]

I guess it should be pointed out that Australia is not part of NATO and has nothing to do with this thread. If anyone is really interested in staying on topic.

Exactly. Enough about Australia.

[coma]

I guess it should be pointed out that Australia is not part of NATO and has nothing to do with this thread. If anyone is really interested in staying on topic.

21 Australian souls that have died in action fighting under the Nato Flag in Afghanistan says Australia has alot to do with this thread.