2009 was the deadliest year in terms of civilian casualties in Afghanistan ever since the start of the U.S.-led war against Taliban in the country. The Taliban are now staging suicide attacks and IED blasts in densely populated areas to create a bigger impact as more of Afghan's war wounded hit the headlines. Relations between Afghans and the American and NATO forces have become more fragile with every passing day.

Afghan National Army soldier Nor Lai,20, recovers from scrapnel wounds to his face at the ANA Military hospital October 23, 2009 Kabul, Afghanistan. An IED hit their vehicle while the soldiers were on patrol in Kajaki district of Helmand killing one and injuring 7 soldiers. The military hospital gives medical care to all the Afghan military and police as well as civilians. The Afghan National Army are extremely vulnerable to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) attacks on the front line, many have been attacked while traveling along the roads in Helmand and surrounding towns in the south. The Taliban are now staging suicide attacks and roadside IED blasts in densely populated areas to create a bigger impact as more of Afghan's war wounded hit the headlines. A recent U.N. report has described 2009 as the deadliest year in terms of civilian casualties in Afghanistan ever since the start of the U.S.-led war against Taliban in the country. In a recent report presented to the Pentagon, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. top commander emphasized the need for winning the hearts and minds of the Afghans.