May 18, 2006: In two days of fighting in southern Afghanistan, at least 72 people died. Two major Taliban attacks failed, leaving 58 of the Taliban dead. One Canadian soldier was killed, along with a dozen Afghan security personnel and a few civilians. The Taliban continue to have problems using roadside bomb and anti-vehicle mine tactics. Unlike Iraq, where the bombers are usually local guys, the Afghan Taliban crews usually come from Pakistan, or another part of Afghanistan (to avoid killing someone from your tribe, or even family). The population in Afghanistan is more spread out, and the number up in arms against the government is much smaller than in Iraq. The skill levels, at least with bombs and mines, is lower among the Taliban. Iraqis, in general, are better educated. Saddam specifically trained thousands of his loyalists to build explosive devices, or handle various types of mines. There is no such talent pool in Afghanistan. As a result, most of the Taliban attacks with bombs and mines fail.
The Taliban have been taking a beating. Despite having the advantage of surprise, they have encountered a largely hostile, and well armed, population that fights back. The government security forces are not as well trained and equipped as American or NATO forces, but they are more than a match for the Taliban. Desperate for a major "victory" (like capturing a town long enough to make some propaganda videos), several large attacks have been launched. All have failed.
The Afghan and Coalition forces have developed tactics that make it very difficult for the Taliban to succeed. The Afghan security forces have radios now. If the Taliban hit, one call brings in Afghan and Coalition "quick reaction forces." These units arrive via ground or air transportation, and don't give the Taliban enough time to capture a town, or do much of anything else except try to flee. Pursuit is not pleasant, not with all those UAVs, helicopters and warplanes up there.
To make matters worse, the Afghans have made deals with Pakistani forces just across the border, and often there is a Pakistani army reception committee waiting for any Taliban survivors who make it across the border. All of this is hurting Taliban recruiting. But the Taliban have a lot more money this year, and can pay what it takes to get more fighters.