Senate testimony: violence doubled in 2006

General Michael Maples, who directs the Defense Intelligence Agency and is America's top military defense officer, this week testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee that "Despite having absorbed heavy combat losses in 2006, the insurgency has strengthened its capabilities and influence with its core base of Pashtun communities." 

"Violence this year is likely to be twice as high as the violence level seen in 2005 ... In 2007, insurgents are likely to sustain their use of more visible, aggressive and lethal tactics."