Afghanistan's Seasonal Disorder

Spring has historically seen a surge of violence in Afghanistan as militants take advantage of the clear mountain passes to launch assaults. This year has been no different: nearly 100 militants, soldiers and civilians died in battles in Kandahar and Helmand provinces last week, while a suicide attack in the city of Herat killed a U.S. counternarcotics contractor. As the U.S.-led coalition prepares to cede control of the restive south to NATO forces by July 31, pro-Taliban militants are attempting to make life as tough as possible for the occupation's new leaders. "The Taliban is trying to break popular support...