I remember discussing last November that the Mumbai terrorists attacks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai_attacks) had far-reaching implications in the international fight against terrorism. Besides obviously being a human tragedy, the attacks served as an encouragement for other extremist groups to plan similar violent acts. It was not even a question of whether there would be a similar attack in Afghanistan, but when it was going to occur.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/world/world/general/taliban-suicide-bombers-attack-afghan-capital/1431599.aspx

While the Afghan population in general has not been hostile towards Western forces stationed in the country, dissatisfaction with the level of security provided by Coalition Forces has been steadily growing. The Kabul attacks are a psychological blow to Afghans who perceived the capital to be a fairly safe place. Afghans' confidence in their government has already been shaken by the Taliban's resurgence and by reports of widespread government corruption. At this point, a firm and swift response is required; one that scores a psychological victory by capturing a high value target responsible for the planning and execution of the attacks, or a strike on a terrorist camp where the attackers trained and were dispatched from. In light of Pakistan's recent admission that the Mumbai attackers trained within Pakistan's borders, an Afghan-Pakistani joint operation along the border would improve the uneasy relationship between the countries, and would deliver a devastating blow to Taliban fighters hiding along the border region. It would be a win-win situation for the Coalition, for Afghanistan and for Pakistan. Even though the premise of such operations seems to have faded with the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, who expressed support for Pakistani cooperation with Coalition Forces along the border, this latest escalation of Taliban violence, especially after the Mumbai attacks, will leave the affected countries with little to no choice.