Violence in Iraq and Afghanistan- Pre and Post “Surge”: PART II

Key Finding # 2
When examining the total violence, Afghanistan’s percentage share of violence has increased from 12% to 17%. The share of fatalities increased the most, nearly doubling following the surge. In both periods, the highest shares have been IED fatalities. Over a quarter of all IED fatalities in the post-surge period were in Afghanistan. To access the dataset in Finder! of attacks in Afghanistan, click here.

Figure 1: Distribution of Afghanistan Violence Pre and Post-Surge

A more refined look at the trends in share of violence in Afghanistan, using quarterly figures, shows a similar pattern. From the 1st quarter of 2005 to the 1st quarter of 2008, the Afghanistan shares of violence for all metrics have generally increased. Total fatalities and IED related fatalities appear to show the greatest increases. Interestingly, in terms of the number of people who are wounded from attacks, Iraq’s shares have remained relatively steady (at around 80-85%) over the period.

Figure 2: Share of Afghanistan Violence Out of Total Violence

Map: Attacks from 2004-2008 in Afghanistan

(Smaller Circles 2004 &2005, Larger Circles 2006, 2007 & first quarter of 2008)
To access the Maker! map click here.