It seems that whenever we start thinking that the Taliban are on the losing end and that the victory is on the horizon, we get a kick in our faces.

Recent bombings in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan are sending strong signals across the globe that Taliban terror is far from over. Infact in the last few weeks we have seen a sharp increase in suicide attacks especially in Iraq and Pakistan. IN Afghanistan its no better. Not only is Kabul constantly under threat and attack, but the US and NATO troops are losing their lives on daily basis.

Lahore, Pakistan is the latest big city to be revisted by the terror plot. Taliban (TTP) have claimed the responsibility. Target was a Special Investigative Agency office which housed over 70 people. The explosive used in the attack was over 600kg. The SIA building was completely destroyed and 13 people lost their lives while 62 sustained injuries.

Though Lahore has had its share of terrorist attacks in the last one year, but things had started to normalise in the past few weeks. This will definitely raise questions on the progress claimed by the Pakistan Military and Intelligence agencies. How did the terrorists manage to carry out an operation like this? Where did they manage to get 600kg explosive without being noticed?

I think that the very fact that there was a long pause between the terrorist attacks is a testament of how badly the Taliban have been affected. Anti-Taliban sentiment in the eyes of the general public and lack of support has made things extremely difficult for the Taliban to operate in Pakistan. Rise of Taliban activity in Yemen and Somalia also supports this as they are now fleeing from Pakistan and trying to establish there network elsewhere.

But this cat and mouse game is not going to end anytime soon. It will suck economies dry as this war against terror will drag on for many years to come. USA has been the biggest player in this at every level. They are not only responsible for creating the "Islamic warriors" or Mujahideen for their own objectives, but also for the latest divide between the Muslims and the western civilization. America's intrusion in to other coutry's affairs and their use of "diplomatic force" to follow American agenda, America's double standards in democracy and dictatorship, America's support for dictators and supporting leaders against the people's choice were all the reasons for the evolution of today's "Islamic" radicals and why the masses supported these radiicals.

So, in a way it is now USA's responsibility to fix the mess they have created. Why the European Nations got sucked into this mess is something we need to ponder and question. But now it is too late. We have already been dragged into this war. What we (EU and UK) can do is try to limit our support to US. Instead to being involved in the fighting force we should try and help rebuild the lives of people who have been affected in Afghaistan, Iraq and Pakistan. This will help mend the cracks between the Western and Islamic world. If the common people on both sides realize that terrorism is a threat for the entire planet than the hope for a better future will be much better and the return of Taliban will be a remote possibility.