When Afghans celebrated their Independence Day last year, they did so in public with observances such as parades.
Last week, the only official celebration was one held inside a fortified military compound. Afghan officials explained that public events were canceled because of the possibility of terrorist attacks by the Taliban.
Clearly, the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies are stronger in Afghanistan than they have been for years. Evidence of that comes in attacks on U.S. and other forces trying to keep the peace, and in atrocities committed against Afghans.
Military activity against the terrorists needs to be increased. The Taliban were beaten once in Afghanistan - but now they need to be eradicated.