--Audio as incoming --<br/> <br />An Honor Guard as Afghan President Hamid Karzai marks Eid al-Fitr.<br/> <br />He wishes for peace at a time when the war is inflicting an increasingly devastating toll on civilians, with the number of casualties rising by almost a quarter in the first half of this year.<br/> <br />He wants the Taliban to put down their weapons.<br/> <br />(SOUND BITE) (Pashto) AFGHAN PRESIDENT, HAMID KARZAI SAYING:<br/> <br />"I call on Taliban leaders to stop fighting in the country. Join the peace and live with pride and prosperity along with your brothers."<br/> <br />U.S.-led forces are gradually withdrawing from the country after more than a decade of war contributing to deteriorating security, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
