Surge For Tomorrow

Denying reports of defeat, Taliban guerrillas demonstrate their "play dead" strategy, hoping to lull NATO into a false sense of firepower superiority.



Meanwhile, NATO forces continue to face fierce rubble-to-rubble fighting.



In the hearts-and-minds department, Afghan conscripts are promised that in exchange for their loyalty, the US will give them a commemorative plate that they can pass on to surviving relatives.



Spearheading NATO's anti-hunger efforts, Sergeant Pete Mesmer distributes Tic Tacs to grateful Afghan children.



When not feeding the poor, NATO helps protect civilians against flying shrapnel by distributing portable bomb shelters.



Democracy is another gift given to Afghans. Here first-time voters try to decide which corrupt candidates will win their useless votes.



Specialist Jim Breston thinks maybe that loading dock job at Wal-Mart wasn't so bad after all.



Afghan performance artists are struggling as well. "Satire has become reality," observed Jaabir Sahar, whose parody of the opium trade closed opening night.



Feeling his hold over supporters slipping, President Obama pretended to have psychic powers, luring back wavering white liberals.



But in the end, it was Private Kyle Dent who offered a real sign of hope.