Air Force Doubles Afghan Presence

The U.S. Air Force doubled its contingent of airmen who work with troops on the ground to call in airstrikes in Afghanistan, to 124 in 2010, up from 53 in 2009. The increase reflects a surge in the use of bombs, missiles, and strafing runs in the war-torn country to its highest level since the beginning of the war. Some are concerned the strategic emphasis could alienate the Afghan population. "If you had to single out one main complaint, without a doubt airstrikes and civilian casualties caused by airstrikes would be it," said political scientist Arturo Munoz.