The American Defence Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, is in Afghanistan today for talks with President Hamid Karzai about continuing efforts to rebuild the country after the overthrow of the Taliban regime.
Mr Rumsfeld's visit coincides with an offensive by American and Afghan forces against suspected Taliban fighters in the south and east of the country.
Washington is keen to strengthen Mr Karzai's position ahead of presidential elections next year.
The United States also believes the Taliban are renewing their efforts to overthrow the present government.
