Afghan police officers search local men before a meeting between village elders and NATO soldiers in Osman Kheyl, Maiwand district, Afghanistan. The elders were urged not to support the Taliban and cooperate with security forces. Taliban attacks have risen sharply across southern Afghanistan in the last two years, and U.S. and other NATO countries are sending more troops to the region. Aug. 7, 2008. DREW BROWN/STARS AND STRIPES