Buildings in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Helmand, are still damaged and charred from the recent fierce fighting which brought the Taliban back into power and ousted the former government. While individuals and businesses count the cost, work has begun to repair and rebuild some of the city's buildings. The Islamist hardliners, who have been in power for just over a week, say security has now improved in the city. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES