Afghanistan 'in dire peril'

AMERICAN intelligence agencies have warned that Afghanistan is in a "downward spiral", casting fresh doubts on the viability of the US-led military intervention and the prospects of curbing a resurgent Taliban. A draft classified report says central authority in Afghanistan is breaking down, with rampant corruption inside the Government of President Hamid Karzai and escalating violence from militants. The report also highlights the destabilising impact of a booming heroin trade, which by some estimates has been allowed to grow to about 50% of Afghanistan's economy during the military intervention. The report will add to pressure on Washington and its military allies, including Australia, which has about 1100 troops in Afghanistan, some of whom were recently transferred into more dangerous roles. The report, to be finished... [read full story]