Violence in Afghanistan has soared by 30%, UN report says

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An alarming surge in suicide attacks has fuelled a 30% rise in violence in Afghanistan this year, according to the UN.

This year has seen an average of 550 violent incidents a month compared with 425 in 2006, a report by the Department of Safety and Security said.

The past 10 days have been a sobering indicator of the trend - almost 300 people have died in coalition air strikes, roadside ambushes and suicide bombings.


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The UN report contradicts recent upbeat statements by President George Bush and his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, in New York. Now Mr Karzai and western officials are discussing a previously unthinkable prospect - negotiation with the enemy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,,2182996,00.html