MEMRI TV- The Coming Taliban Offensive in Afganistan

While Congress squabbles over Iraq, the one concrete territorial success we have to show for ourselves so far in the global war against terror -- Afganistan -- is on the way to becoming unhinged. The NATO commander there has been screaming for more troops in advance of the anticipated Spring Taliban offensive, but Europe has not been forthcoming, except for the valiant British, who this past week volunteered another 1,000 soldiers to the expected hotbed in Southern Afganistan. The attached Al-Jazeera interview (thanks to Bud and Phyllis for this), should get everyone's attention (MEMRI TV--The Coming Taliban Offensive in Afganistan). Indeed, a picture IS worth a thousand words, with this video reporting on the threat of 500 suicide bombers, 10,000 Taliban soldiers (this is an army) and anti-aircraft surprises (no doubt due to the generosity of the Russians).

Between the Taliban, Iraq, and the distinct possibility of the bubbling over of the Iranian situation, complemented by anti-Israeli action in Lebanon and Syria, it could be a very busy late Spring. To my friends in the hedge fund world, I'd recommend going "long" volatility.