Saturday, November 29, 2008

Foreclosures Overwhelm Legal Aid Programs

Everyone accused of a crime is entitled to a lawyer, whether they can afford one or not. But in civil cases, such as home foreclosures, there is no right to an attorney.
Charities Struggle Just When Needed Most
Lean Times For Food Banks

Computer Virus Hits U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan

U.S. military officials speculate the cyber attack may have originated in China

KABUL—The largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan was hit by a computer virus earlier this month that affected nearly three quarters of the computers on the base, U.S. News has learned.
Computer Virus Hits U.S. Military Base in Afghanistan - US News ...

Soldiers Spend Thanksgiving In Afghanistan

UN concerned about reversed flow of Afghan refugees

UN Representative in Iran who also officiates as UN Resident Coordinator in the country Knut Ostby voiced concerned on Saturday about growing insecurity in Afghanistan which has brought repatriation of Afghan refugees to a halt and has instead led to a reversal in the flow of refugees.

There is a now new wave of Afghan refugees who seek shelters in other countries, he said.

Sarkozy salutes Obama's views on Afghanistan, Iran

DOHA (AFP) – "Barack Obama has already announced that he will make Afghanistan a priority and I am delighted because we have to put all of our energy and willpower into helping Afghanistan to stand up on its own feet," Sarkozy told the Saudi daily Asharq Al-Awsat.

At the Last Minute, a Raft of Rules

Bush White House Approves Regulations on Environmental, Security Matters

Bush's Statement on Shootings in India

Obama set to nominate Clinton for Cabinet, sources say

Obama set to nominate Clinton for Cabinet, sources say
Bill Clinton Will Release Identity of Donors Washington Post
Bill Clinton's New Rules ABC News Los Angeles Times

Indian allegations alarm Pakistan BBC News

Bush reflects on his legacy

President wants to be remembered as someone who did not 'sell his soul'' for political expediency

Heaping praise on his father, former President George H.W. Bush, the president said, "He also taught me -- and I think you and Jeb and Neil and Marvin -- that you can go into politics with a set of values and you don't have to sell your soul once you're in the political system. And you can come out with the same set of values."
In interview with his sister, Bush reflect on his legacy ...
ABC News: Bush on His Legacy: I 'Liberated' Iraqis

Inside US hub for Afghan air strikes -- BBC

US military officials have defended the use of air strikes in Afghanistan, amid increasing criticism about the numbers of civilians killed as a result of aerial bombing.

Unfortunately, sometimes the target is missed. Thousands of innocent people have died in Afghanistan since the US-led war in 2001.
Civilian cost

Minority Advocates Watching Obama

President-Elect Tries to Balance Racial Diversity, Gender, Ideology as He Picks Team

National Security Pick: From a Marine to a Mediator

UN reports that Taliban is stockpiling opium - International ...

UNITED NATIONS: Afghanistan has produced so much opium in recent years that the Taliban are cutting back poppy cultivation and stockpiling raw opium in an effort to support prices and preserve a major source of financing for the insurgency, Antonio Maria Costa, the head of the United Nations drug office, says.
U.N. Reports That Taliban Is Stockpiling Opium

Mumbai Terrorist Siege Over, India Says

MUMBAI, India — Indian commandos took control of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, the last nest of terrorist resistance, on Saturday morning, after a lengthy assault that left three terrorists dead and sections of the hotel in flames, the head of the commando unit said in a televised news conference.
Mumbai Terrorist Siege Over, India Says

Corruption and Warlordism: A critical review of Corruption situation in Afghanistan

Corruption and Warlordism: A critical review of Corruption ...

Karzai says U.S., NATO created 'parallel' government

KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai criticized the U.S. and other foreign countries for creating a "parallel government" in the countryside during a blunt overview of Afghanistan's problems before a U.N. Security Council delegation.

"This war has gone on for seven years, the Afghans don't understand anymore, how come a little force like the Taliban can continue to exist, can continue to flourish, can continue to launch attacks," he asked.

With an entire NATO force in Afghanistan and the entire international community behind them, "still we are not able to defeat the Taliban," Karzai told the gathering at his presidential palace.
Afghan leader complains US, NATO aren't succeeding - Yahoo! News
Winter of hunger looms in Afghanistan - International Herald Tribune

Afghanistan Not In Crisis: UN Security Council

EXCERPT: "Afghanistan is not in a security crisis and disillusionment and recriminations about its situation should be avoided, a UN Security Council team said at the end of a three-day assessment tour.
Afghanistan Not In Crisis: UN Security Council
Afghanistan not in crisis: UN Security Council - Yahoo! News

Friday, November 28, 2008

Oxfam: Afghan Families at Risk

KABUL -- As the United Nations Security Council visits Afghanistan, millions of women, men and children in Afghanistan are facing food shortages, made worse as early winter snows hamper efforts to assist them, Oxfam International has warned.

Five million Afghans are facing food shortages, including 1.8 million at high risk from malnutrition, especially young children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly, said the international aid and development agency.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Malia Obama Calls Dibs on Lincoln's Desk

Malia Obama, the 10-year-old daughter of President-elect Obama, plans to make herself right at home in the White House and has already called dibs on using Abraham Lincoln's desk for her homework.
Excerpts: Barbara Walters With President-Elect Obama
Obama: A Lot Keeps Me Up at Night

Barbara Bush Recovers From 'Serious' Ulcer

Former First Lady 'Resting Comfortably' After Surgery to Fix Rare Condition

On Wednesday, first lady Laura Bush told ABC "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts that her mother-in-law is "doing great."

The Associated Press
Former First Lady Barbara Bush Has Ulcer Surgery -- Foxnews

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Afghan Leader Demands Plan For Foreign Forces' Departure

KABUL, Nov. 26 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has sharply criticized the United States and NATO, demanding a timeline for the withdrawal of foreign forces.

Karzai's comments came late Tuesday in a speech to a U.N. Security Council delegation visiting Kabul, the capital, this week. He accused the international community of failing "to fight the Taliban properly" since the U.S.-led war in the country began in 2001.
Bomb Explodes Near U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan

Troops confront Mumbai attackers -- BBC

Indian security forces have been exchanging fire with gunmen holding dozens of hostages in two luxury hotels in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay).

The hotels were among at least seven sites in the main tourist and business district targeted late on Wednesday.
Mumbai attacks leave India reeling
'They killed so many people'

Dozens Killed in Coordinated Attacks in Mumbai
At Least 100 Dead in India Terror Attacks

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

New Facility Targets Consumer Lending -- WSJ

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve on Tuesday dramatically stepped up its efforts to support strained credit markets, unveiling $800 billion in new programs aimed at boosting consumer credit and the market for mortgage-backed securities.

The Associated Press

Life in Afghanistan

Regional commanders, the illegal drugs trade and the continuing Taleban insurgency hamper the rule of law, development and aid efforts.
Life in Afghanistan

Afghan President: Anti-terrorism battle must focus on sanctuaries Xinhua Afghanistan demands 'timeline' for end of military intervention AFP - NPR - The Washington Independent - The Associated Press

Afghanistan demands 'timeline' for end of military intervention ...

KABUL (AFP) – President Hamid Karzai demanded at a meeting with a UN Security Council team Tuesday that the international community set a "timeline" for ending military intervention in Afghanistan, his office said.

Karzai told a delegation from the Council that his country needed to know how long the US-led "war on terror" was going to be fought in Afghanistan or it would have to seek a political solution to a Taliban-led insurgency.
Miliband in surprise visit in Afghanistan - Yahoo! News UK
Rice to hold Europe talks on Afghanistan, NATO expansion - Yahoo! News

US Fed announces $800bn stimulus -- BBC

The Federal Reserve is to inject another $800bn (£526.8bn) into the US economy in a further effort to stabilise the financial system.
US Fed announces $800bn stimulus
Obama vows to reform budget

Monday, November 24, 2008

Obama and Bush Working to Calm Volatile Market

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama sought to seize the reins of the economic crisis Monday as he and his new economic team worked closely with President Bush to inject confidence into the trembling financial markets, which rallied and erased most of last week’s losses. Text: Obama’s Remarks
Editorial: Mr. Obama’s Economic Advisers

Market-Oriented Economic Team -- washingtonpost
Obama Names Top Economic Officials VIDEO

Biden’s Senate Seat Will Go to Chief of Staff

Economy: Obama Taps Geithner, Summers For Economic Team

As a clear signal that President-elect Barack Obama is focused on fixing the broken U.S. economy, he introduced his choices for an economic leadership team on Monday.
Obama urges Congress to pass costly stimulus bill
Citigroup Gets $20 Billion Government Lifeline

Afghan children under siege

AFGHAN children are being recruited as suicide bombers, drawn into the military, and used for sex by armed groups, a senior official with the UN children's agency said yesterday.
BBC NEWS South Asia The workloads of Afghan children

Obama pledges to increase U.S. aid to Afghanistan - International ...

Pakistan dissolving military spy agency's political wing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has disbanded the political wing of the military intelligence agency, the foreign minister said Sunday.

The army has ruled Pakistan for more than half its history since 1947. Consequently, issues related to the military are closely watched in the region as well as by Western allies of the nuclear-armed nation.

New South Asia map drawn by Americans show Pak a truncated territory
Pakistan The Next US Target Pakistan Daily

Retired general looks back on Russia's Afghan war - Los Angeles Times

Moscow and Washington have made the same mistakes in their conflicts there, says Ruslan Aushev. He offers advice for the U.S. as it enters the eighth year of war.
Retired general looks back on Russia's Afghan war - Los Angeles Times

Op-Ed Contributor - Transitions - The ‘Good War’ Isn’t Worth

AFGHANISTAN does not matter as much as Barack Obama thinks.

It is in our interests for Afghanistan to be more stable in part because it contributes to the stability of the region, and in particular Pakistan. Well-focused, long-term assistance in which we appear a genuine partner, not a frustrated colonial master, could help Afghans achieve this goal. We will be able to create, afford and sustain such a relationship only if we put it in a broader strategic context and limit its scope.
Op-Ed Contributor - Transitions - The ‘Good War’ Isn’t Worth ...
The 'Good War' isn't worth fighting - International Herald Tribune

Britain pays out £700000 in compensation to civilian casualties in ...

Afghan opposition demands election in April | Reuters

KABUL, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's main opposition bloc on Sunday called for presidential polls to be held next April, as laid out in the constitution, rather than in September as scheduled by the election organisers.
Afghan opposition demands election in April Reuters

Top UN delegation visiting Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan -- A delegation from the United Nation's Security Council will push for regional cooperation as it takes stock of the situation in Afghanistan, the U.N. said in a statement Monday.

The delegation will "underscore the importance of regional cooperation for governance, security, and development," a U.N. statement said. It will have three days of meetings with top Afghan and international officials.

"An additional aim of their trip is to underline the role of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability," the statement said.

Washington Times - Top UN delegation visiting Afghanistan
Top UN delegation visiting Afghanistan -- washingtonpost
ABC News: Top UN Delegation Visiting Afghanistan
Top UN delegation visiting Afghanistan - Las Vegas Sun
World news Feed Article World news guardian.co.uk


Violence against Afghan children rising: U.N

Democrats' Stimulus Plan May Reach $700 Billion

Facing an increasingly ominous economic outlook, President-elect Barack Obama and other Democrats are rapidly ratcheting up plans for a massive fiscal stimulus program that could total as much as $700 billion over the next two years.

Republicans quickly criticized the idea of such a vast initiative, saying Congress should instead cut taxes to spur economic growth.
Team Obama Rides In
Democrats' Stimulus Plan May Reach $700 Billion
View All Items in This Story

Bush Claims Modest Gains for Agenda in Peru Talks

Diplomatic Memo: President Looks Back in Goodbye From Peru (November 23, 2008)
Bush, Asia-Pacific leaders vow action on economy, LATimes
APEC leaders commit to quick economic action Reuters

Obama Aides Signal a Boost in Stimulus Spending

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama has signaled that he will pursue a far more ambitious plan of spending and tax cuts than anything he outlined on the campaign trail — a plan "big enough to deal with the huge problem we face,” a top adviser said Sunday — setting the tone for a recovery effort that could absorb and define much of his term.
Obama Aides Signal a Boost in Stimulus Spending

Obama Vows Swift Action on Vast Economic Stimulus Plan (November 23, 2008)
Text: Obama’s Radio Address (November 23, 2008)
Video: Obama’s Address (change.gov)

Afghanistan's turbulent history -- BBC

Afghanistan's descent into conflict and instability in recent times began with the overthrow of the king in 1973.
BBC NEWS World South Asia Afghanistan's turbulent history
Afghanistan's turbulent history Video Reuters.com

Kabul 30 years ago, and Kabul today. Have we learned nothing?

Robert Fisk: 'Terrorists' were in Soviet sights; now they are in the Americans'.

I sit on the rooftop of the old Central Hotel – pharaonic-decorated elevator, unspeakable apple juice, sublime green tea, and armed Tajik guards at the front door – and look out across the smoky red of the Kabul evening. The Bala Hissar fort glows in the dusk, massive portals, the great keep to which the British army should have moved its men in 1841. Instead, they felt the king should live there and humbly built a cantonment on the undefended plain, thus leading to a "signal catastrophe".
Kabul 30 years ago, and Kabul today. Have we learned nothing?
Letters: Fighting in Afghanistan

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Obama tells Karzai Afghan security will be priority

KABUL, Nov 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama told Afghan President Hamid Karzai he would make it a priority to fight terrorism and bring security to Afghanistan and the region, the Afghan presidential palace said on Sunday.

Obama has pledged a new focus on Afghanistan when he becomes president in January, but while still a candidate he criticised Karzai for failing to tackle corruption, the booming drugs trade and for "not getting out of the bunker" to govern effectively.

Western leaders have grown increasingly impatient with Karzai who has ruled Afghanistan since 2002, saying his failure to crack down on rampant corruption and the drugs trade and to govern effectively is fueling the Taliban insurgency.

Obama tells Karzai Afghan security will be priority Reuters
Obama tells Karzai Afghan security will be priority ...
Obama Speaks With Karzai

Govt talks with Taliban make women jittery -- Clancy Chassay

The Afghan MP Shukria Barakzai receives regular death threats for speaking out on women’s issues. ”Barakzai receives frequent but cryptic warnings about planned suicide attacks on her car, but no help from the government. Officials advise her to stay at home and not go to work, but offer nothing in the way of security assistance, despite her requests. She said warlords in parliament who received similar threats were immediately provided with armoured vehicles, armed guards and a safe house by the government.

The Islamist group is just one of the many threats facing Afghanistan’s few outspoken female MPs. “Our parliament is a collection of lords,” said Barakzai. “Warlords, drug lords, crime lords.”In parliament, she says, she is often greeted with screams of “kill her” when she stands up to speak, and she has had no shortage of personal threats from fellow MPs.

According to Afghan commentators, President Hamid Karzai, desperate to win next year’s elections, has been bringing former mujahideen commanders into parliament in the hope they will support him at election time.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

US: Financial woes no excuse in funding Afghan war

CORNWALLIS, Nova Scotia (AP) — Even in a global financial crisis, the world cannot afford to skimp on its obligations to Afghanistan, which wants to double the size of its army but will never be able to pay for it, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says.
US: Financial woes no excuse in funding Afghan war - Yahoo! News
US: Financial woes no excuse in funding Afghan war - International ...

At APEC Summit, Bush Also Urges Nations to Avoid Protectionism Amid Economic Turmoil

Obama Vows Swift Action on Vast Economic Stimulus Plan

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama on Saturday signaled that he would pursue a far more ambitious plan of spending and tax cuts than anything he outlined on the campaign trail, setting the tone for a recovery effort that could absorb and define much of his term.
Text: Obama’s Radio Address

Clinton Is Said to Accept Secretary of State Position
Obama Outlines Economic Rebuilding Plan

UN Security Council on fact-seeking mission in Afghanistan

Empty promises in Afghanistan

More than 30,000 returned Afghan refugees - including women, children and the elderly - are now living under thin plastic tents pitched in an area without running water and electricity miles away from urban centers in eastern Afghanistan. They cannot return to their villages due to insecurity and unemployment.

The saga of Afghan refugees began in late December 1979: Afghans were an impoverished people but content with their agrarian and traditional way of life. They hardly ever wished to migrate abroad for economic opportunities. But their normal lives abruptly ceased in the days following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan , as the country became a major victim of the Cold War, and Soviet tanks rolled into Afghan villages indiscriminately killing innocent civilians, destroying their livelihoods, and driving most Afghans abroad in search of protection and human security. More Afghans fled violence, persecution and ethnic cleansing and genocide as a result of regional proxy conflicts in Afghanistan throughout 1990s. Many sought refuge in neighboring Pakistan and Iran.
WorldNews - Empty promises in Afghanistan

AFP: Afghanistan's disabled: lives broken by conflict

KABUL (AFP) — Waheeda's arms were blown off in a suicide attack in the Afghan capital a few years ago. Flesh was also torn from one of her legs and she lost much of her vision. Her mashed face is split by an uneven scar.
AFP: Afghanistan's disabled: lives broken by conflict

Friday, November 21, 2008

Clinton 'will accept State post' -- BBC

Hillary Clinton will agree to serve as secretary of state in US President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet, the New York Times has reported.
Los Angeles Times - Reuters - New York Times

A Dream Team After All? -- SPIEGEL

Report Sees Nuclear Arms, Scarce Resources as Seeds of Global Instability

The drive for dwindling resources, including energy and water, combined with the spread of nuclear weapons technology could make large swaths of the globe ripe for regional conflicts, some of them potentially devastating, according to a report released by the National Intelligence Council yesterday.

Looking into the distance at countries that are of major interest today, the study projected that Afghanistan will remain an essentially tribally centered nation facing continual conflict
Report Sees Nuclear Arms, Scarce Resources as Seeds of Global Instability
Obama pledges fresh view on U.S. role in world

US defense chief: More forces for Afghanistan vote

CORNWALLIS, Nova Scotia -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday he would like to add significant U.S. forces to the war in Afghanistan before national elections scheduled for next year, and that grim depictions of backsliding in the seven-year-old war are "far too pessimistic."
US defense chief: More forces for Afghanistan vote
U.S. seeks Afghan troop increase before elections

U.S. Markets Spike in Late Trading

Economy Watch: Economic Team Taking Shape
Financial System Suffers Relapse

Obama moves to pick Geithner for Treasury

Afghanistan markets its brand of pomegranates

KABUL, Afghanistan: This ancient land is telling the world that it has a trendy, new replacement for its dreaded poppy crop: sweet, juicy pomegranates.

The country will stamp a logo on all boxes of the pomegranate for export: a drawing of the sliced, red fruit with seeds spilling out and a label that announces, "Anar, Afghan Pomegranate." Anar is the word for pomegranate in various regional languages.
Afghanistan markets its brand of pomegranates - International ...
Afghanistan markets its brand of pomegranates - Yahoo! News
Afghanistan Markets Its Brand of Pomegranates -- nytimes

U.S. officials examine document on Afghan strategy

CORNWALLIS, Canada, Nov 20 (Reuters) - American officials are reviewing the first draft of a new strategy document on Afghanistan, intended to address that country's deteriorating security, a U.S. defense official said on Thursday.

AFP: UN Security Council on fact-seeking mission in Afghanistan
How to get out of the mess in Afghanistan - International Herald ...

David Brooks: Obama's valedictocracy

Editorial: Talking With the Taliban

Afghanistan’s swift unraveling has created new — and in some quarters unrealistic — enthusiasm for talks with the Taliban.

Afghanistan’s only chance is a long-term American commitment that also includes far more economic assistance and support for political development. Washington also must come up with a better mixture of incentives and pressures to persuade Pakistan to shut down havens of the Taliban and Al Qaeda. Mr. Karzai must cut all ties with corrupt officials and clean up and strengthen his national police.
Afghanistan Markets Its Brand of Pomegranates

UN Security Council on fact-seeking mission in Afghanistan - Yahoo ...

Clinton Decides to Accept Post at State Dept., Confidants Say

WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday.
Election Results More Politics News

Paul Krugman: The Lame-Duck Economy
David Brooks: The Insider’s Crusade

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

U.S. Seeks New Supply Routes Into Afghanistan

TORKHAM, Afghanistan, Nov. 18 -- A rise in Taliban attacks along the length of a vital NATO supply route that runs through this border town in the shadow of the Khyber Pass has U.S. officials seeking alternatives, including the prospect of beginning deliveries by a tortuous overland journey from Europe.
U.S. Seeks New Afghan Routes

Hidden Treasures of Ancient Afghanistan -- WSJ

From gold jewelry adorned with precious stones to painted glass vessels, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco presents a collection of ancient items in the exhibit "Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul." Here's a look at some of the 228 artifacts from the National Museum of Afghanistan, which are on display through Jan. 25. (Read article.)
Photos: Hidden Treasures of Ancient Afghanistan

The Ancient Riches of a Poor Land

The Ancient Riches of a Poor Land -- DAVID LITTLEJOHN, WSJ

The 228 items in "Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures From the National Museum, Kabul" will be on display in the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco through Jan. 25, 2009. These long-buried treasures come not only from Tillya Tepe but also three other archaeological sites, all in the north of present-day Afghanistan, part of an area known by the ancient Persians and Greeks as Bactria.

This exhibition opened in Paris on Dec. 5, 2006, and has also been seen in Turin, Italy; Amsterdam; and Washington. After closing in San Francisco, it will move on to Houston and New York. By the time the show closes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Sept. 20, 2009, the treasures of the Afghan National Museum will have been away from their home for almost three years. But already there is talk of prolonging the tour for another year or two. Kabul is still regarded as too insecure for the public display of such a priceless collection, however important it may be to the self-esteem of this long-ravaged land, historically rich but now desperately poor.
The Ancient Riches of a Poor Land

Photos: Hidden Treasures of Ancient Afghanistan

Debt-Laden Dubai Seeks Investment Advice -- wsj

DUBAI -- This Mideast boomtown's government has hired financial advisers to review its investments amid a global credit crunch that has pushed up the cost of financing the emirate's large debt, according to senior Dubai officials.
Dubai Hires Economic Advisers

U.N. envoy says Obama a new chance for Afghanistan | Reuters

OSLO (Reuters) - The installation of a new U.S. administration offers a fresh opportunity to tackle Afghanistan's problems and the chance must not be wasted, the U.N. special envoy to Afghanistan said on Tuesday.

Kai Eide also told a seminar in the Norwegian capital that Afghanistan might face a severe food shortage from around March next year and would need more aid to bridge the gap until the next harvest.

Eide said the international community should follow up agreements made by donors in June to help Afghanistan, which faces a strengthening insurgency seven years after a U.S.-led invasion toppled the Islamist Taliban.

"It is very important that we do not focus on the military contributions alone, but that we have a wide agenda in mind as we agreed at the Paris conference on June 12," said Eide.
U.N. envoy says Obama a new chance for Afghanistan Reuters

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Kennedy Announces Plan to Submit Bill For Universal Care

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), making his second appearance on Capitol Hill since he began treatment for a malignant brain tumor in June, told reporters yesterday that he would advance a bill early next year calling for universal health care.
Kennedy Returns to Senate for Lame-Duck Session
Clinton Takes the Lead -- on Health Insurance Reform


Administration Moves to Protect Key Appointees

Afghan official held in Pakistan -- BBC

An Afghan government official has been kidnapped in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP), police say.

Akhtar Jan Kohistani is an advisor at the Afghan ministry, and is a former journalist for the BBC Pashto service.
BBC NEWS World South Asia Afghan official held in Pakistan
Afghan official held in Pakistan - NaiTazi.com

`$100 laptop' group reboots Give 1 Get 1 offer

SEATTLE -- The One Laptop Per Child project is set to resume its Give One Get One promotion for its kid-friendly computers Monday with logistics help from Web retailer Amazon.com Inc.

Some Trucks Denied Entry to Afghanistan:

PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov. 16 -- Pakistan temporarily barred oil tankers and container trucks from a key passageway to Afghanistan, threatening a critical supply route for U.S. and NATO troops Sunday and raising more fears about security in the insurgent-plagued border region.
Some Trucks Denied Entry to Afghanistan:

China rejects sending troops to Afghanistan
Taliban Says No to Karzai On Offer of Peace Talks

Americans, Europeans Share Immigration Worries

Americans and Europeans share deep concerns about immigration, with a large percentage worrying that it can bring crime and displace workers, even though a majority agree that it does not increase the risk of terrorism, according to an opinion survey sponsored by the German Marshall Fund.

The report describes Americans' views of immigrants, who make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, as a "paradox." It notes that although more than half of Americans say that immigrants take away jobs from U.S. citizens, 86 percent view them as hardworking and many also believe they create jobs by opening businesses and investing.
Americans, Europeans Share Immigration Worries

Roma poverty in Central Europe

Obama and McCain Vow to Work Together for Reform

President-elect Barack Obama continued his reconciliation tour yesterday, sitting down with former rival John McCain for the first time since the election, a meeting that resulted in a joint statement promising that they will work together to "change the bad habits of Washington."

McCain, Obama Vow To Work Together

November 17, 2008 · President-elect Barack Obama met with Republican Sen. John McCain Monday at the Obama presidential transition offices in downtown Chicago.

Shortly after the meeting concluded at about 12:45 p.m. Central Standard Time, Obama and McCain issued the following joint statement:
McCain, Obama Vow To Work Together
Obama, McCain bury sour campaign, vow cooperation

What To Do About Afghanistan?

All Things Considered, November 17, 2008 · President-elect Obama says the U.S. must refocus on Afghanistan by boosting the number of American troops there and taking other steps. about the needs of a struggling country.
What To Do About Afghanistan?

How Obama Plans To Defeat Al-Qaida

World Leaders Lay Out Five Principles Of Reform

Speaking after the meeting, President Bush called the agreement "an important first step."

Read the declaration from the financial summit.

What The World Expects From The G-20 Summit
MAIN REPORT PAGE

Researchers: New Explanation For Alzheimer's

Morning Edition, November 17, 2008 · There is growing evidence that small clusters of a protein called amyloid beta are what cause brain damage in Alzheimer's disease.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

German Supply Lines Flow With Beer in Afghanistan

BERLIN, Nov. 14 -- Germany has been reluctant to send its soldiers to Afghanistan. Not so its beer.

"Back home there will be a new debate," commented the Ostsee Zeitung. "The question, 'Are we at war in Afghanistan?' will be replaced by, 'Do I get too much alcohol as a soldier?' "

Alcohol is forbidden in Afghanistan for Muslims, but foreigners are allowed to buy it under certain conditions. The U.S. military prohibits its troops there from drinking.

Fire Destroys Homes in California Enclave

MONTECITO, Calif. — A wildfire swirled through this celebrity enclave Friday, leveling 100 homes, several mansions among them, and setting off a wave of anxiety among the rich, the famous and the ordinary alike.
Fire Destroys Homes in California Enclave

Obama 'mulls Clinton for top job' -- BBC

Obama’s Talk With Clinton Starts Buzz -- NYTimes
Montecito fire consumes 111 homes -- LATimes

German economy now in recession -- BBC

Germany has entered a recession after government figures showed that Europe's largest economy contracted by 0.5% in the third quarter.

Rich countries' think tank the OECD has also forecast a fall in Euro-area economic activity of 0.5% next year.
German economy in recession

Friday, November 14, 2008

Afghan president stands up to critics -- The BBC's Lyse Doucet

During his election campaign, Mr Obama said he told Afghan President Hamid Karzai, on a July trip to Kabul, "you are going to have to do better by your people in order for us to gain the popular support that's necessary".

Mr Obama is described as a leader who listens. He will also have to decide whether his Afghan counterpart is not just saying, but doing, enough to turn this situation around.
Robust defence

Brown in talks with Afghan leader

World leaders begin crisis talks -- BBC

World leaders have been welcomed to Washington by President George W Bush for a summit to discuss measures to contain the current financial turmoil.

"We want to change the rules of the game in the financial world," said French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

However, in exchange China is likely to want to hold more power at the IMF, which is dominated by the US and the EU. Japan has announced it is prepared to lend up to $100bn to the IMF to help emerging economies hit by the financial crisis.
Bush speaks to G20 leaders

DEATHS IN AFGHANISTAN: Air Force Report Confirms Rising Civilian Toll

Afghan citizens have frequently been the unintended victims of US military actions in their country.

There have been times when artillary shells have killed innocent civilians after landing several kilometers off-target.
Deaths in Afghanistan: Air Force Report Confirms Rising Civilian ...

Afghanistan struggle takes a heavy toll on civilians - Los Angeles ...

Europe's Obama Problem: Afghanistan -- TIME

"Afghanistan will be at the top of the U.S. priorities for Europe," says Tomas Valasek, director of foreign policy and defense at the Centre for European Reform, a London think tank. He says Obama will appeal for more soldiers in the dangerous southern part of Afghanistan to fight Taliban insurgents. "Obama will put more troops in the country and expect Europe to do the same.

Europe's Obama Problem: Afghanistan - TIME

How to Win in Afghanistan -- wsj

The war in Afghanistan is not going well, and the critical problem is the same one that dogged our efforts in Iraq for years: grossly inadequate troop levels.

To be sure, it is not all about numbers. As Gen. David Petraeus has already underscored, Afghanistan is not Iraq, and what worked in one place may not succeed in another.
How to Win in Afghanistan

World leaders move toward tougher financial rules

WASHINGTON -- World leaders prepared Friday to adopt an early warning system for financial calamities, a commitment to tougher accounting rules and other modest steps to try to prevent future crises like the one now threatening the livelihoods of billions of people around the globe.

Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and India were among those in Washington.

CIA Director: Al-Qaida Remains No. 1 Threat To U.S.

CIA Director: Al-Qaida Remains No. 1 Threat To U.S.

FDIC, Treasury At Odds Over Use Of Bailout Money

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has laid out the details of its $25 billion plan to fight foreclosures. The only problem is the $25 billion part.
G-20 Nations Seek Global Economic Fix

Persian Gulf States Feel Effects Of Downturn

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Europe Needs to Increase Afghan Forces, Frattini Says

(Bloomberg) -- Italy called on its European partners to send more soldiers to back the U.S.-led war against the Taliban in Afghanistan, while declining to boost its own forces there.

Karzai to brief PM on secret Taliban talks - World Politics, World ...

Blair urges Obama to take the lead on world stage

Tony Blair has urged Barack Obama to take the initiative on issues from climate change to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a way to heal the divisions between America and Europe.

At U.N., Bush Says Faith Leads to 'Common Values'

"One of my core beliefs is that there is an almighty God, and that every man, woman and child on the face of this Earth bears his image," Bush said. ". . . I know many of the leaders gathered in this assembly have been influenced by faith as well. We may profess different creeds and worship in different places, but our faith leads us to common values."
At U.N., Bush Says Faith Leads to 'Common Values'
The Associated Press - United Press International
UN General Assembly Concludes Interfaith Dialogue

Bush Warns of Aggressive Economic Regulation

Hillary Clinton a contender for secretary of state

Hillary Clinton has emerged as a surprise contender to become secretary of state in Barack Obama’s administration, months after the pair fought a bitter battle for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Mrs Clinton insisted as recently as Monday that she expected to remain in the Senate – but added she wanted to be a “good partner” to the Obama administration.

Obama considerng Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State
FOXNews - The Associated Press - Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State?

3 Successful Republicans Caution Against a Move to the Right

For Palin, a Surprise News Conference
Palin says Republican Party must return to its core values

Sparring Starts as Republicans Ponder Future
News Analysis: A Once-United G.O.P. Emerges, in Identity Crisis

Afghanistan Retreat?

Anne-Marie Slaughter of Princeton University and Stephen Walt of Harvard University debate whether America should disengage from Afghanistan.
Go to Bloggingheads.tv

Diplomatic Memo: A World of Advice for Obama on Foreign Policy

There is a world of advice out there for President-elect Barack Obama. Within minutes of his election, the calls from foreign governments began, Obama aides said, and they have not stopped.
A World of Advice for Obama on Foreign Policy
For Obama and Family, a Personal Transition

After a Plunge, Stocks Close Higher

World Business
Markets
Economy
Your Money

Brooks: Bailout to Nowhere

The Obama Transition: What Will Change Look Like

The Obama Transition: What Will Change Look Like

In Afghanistan, Islamists' influence widens

Human-rights advocates and some Western officials say the government appears to be increasingly influenced by Islamists, seven years after the Taliban regime was driven from power.

In Afghanistan, Islamists' influence widens
In Afghanistan, Islamists' influence widens -- chicagotribune.com

Commentary: Letter to Obama -- How to rescue war in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a chronic 40 percent official unemployment rate. It also has a desperate need for new roads and dams, and must repair the agricultural aqueducts destroyed by years of war. Meanwhile, Kabul and other major Afghan cities are awash in debris and trash. Cleaning up that rubbish would have a salutary effect on the residents of those cities.

5. Hold a free, fair and secure election in 2009.

Looking ahead, it is vitally important that the presidential election scheduled for August, when Hamid Karzai's five-year term as president is up, be seen as fair and inclusive as possible. NATO and the United States will have to pay the costs of the election -- hundreds of millions of dollars the Afghan government simply doesn't have -- and focus on providing security, particularly in the south, so the election can go forward without significant interference from the Taliban.
Commentary: Letter to Obama -- How to rescue war in Afghanistan ...

Afghanistan at the crossroads: Street kids turn from beggars to beauticians

KABUL, Afghanistan, November 12 (UNHCR) – Every day, Afghan children ply the streets of Kabul selling anything from newspapers to chewing gum, phone cards and plastic bags. Some station themselves at busy junctions and weave through traffic waving a can of smoking coal to ward off the evil eye. Others simply beg from passing strangers.

Afghanistan at the crossroads: Street kids turn from beggars to beauticians
Afghanistan at the crossroads: Drought, food crisis drive Afghans out of villages

Saudi Arabia to lead UN talks on religious tolerance

UNITED NATIONS, New York: Saudi Arabia, which deploys a special police force to ensure that only one narrow sect of Islam predominates in the kingdom, is sponsoring a discussion at the United Nations on religious tolerance starting Wednesday.

More than a dozen world leaders are expected to attend, including President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain and the Saudi monarch, King Abdullah, making a rare appearance at the UN headquarters.
Saudi Sponsorship of Religious Tolerance Talks at U.N. Draws Fire ...

Bush to Warn of Protectionism at Economic Summit

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Setting a tone for an economic summit on his turf, President George W. Bush plans to tell world leaders that reforming financial markets alone won't help if they abandon the free market and restrict trade.
Bush to Warn of Protectionism at Economic Summit

21 Killed in Afghanistan Attack

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A suicide bomber rammed his car into a U.S. military convoy as it was passing through a crowded market in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, killing at least 20 civilians and an American soldier, officials said.

The attack outside Jalalabad, the capital of the eastern Nangarhar province, also wounded 74 civilians, said Ajmal Pardes, a provincial health official.

Clinton Officials to Lead 3 Departments’ Transition

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday named two former Clinton White House officials, Joshua Gotbaum and Michael J. Warren, to oversee the new administration’s takeover of the Treasury Department as it manages the still-evolving $700 billion financial rescue plan.
For a Washington Job, Be Prepared to Tell All

The TV Watch: Rehashing ’08 and Rehearsing, Perhaps, for ’12

One of the more disconcerting leaks about Gov. Sarah Palin turned out to be true.
Rehashing ’08, Perhaps Rehearsing for ’12

G.O.P. Governors Share Post-Mortems and Plans

U.S. Shifts Focus in Credit Bailout to the Consumer

WASHINGTON — The Treasury Department on Wednesday officially abandoned the original strategy behind its $700 billion effort to rescue the financial system, as administration officials acknowledged that banks and financial institutions were as unwilling as ever to lend to consumers.
Text: Paulson's Remarks
Fed-Treasury-F.D.I.C. Statement on Lending and Bank Practices

21 killed in attack on US convoy in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan -- A suicide bomber rammed his car into a U.S. military convoy as it was passing through a crowded market in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, killing at least 20 civilians and an American soldier, officials said.
Afghanistan welcomes Obama win, wants more focus

U.S. Official Killed in Pakistan

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

After Taking Some Shots, She Fires Back

Palin Aims at Detractors In Remaking Her Image
Palin Firing Back at Critics

Post Election, Gloomy Republican Governors Meet

Bailout Lacks Oversight Despite Billions Pledged

In the six weeks since lawmakers approved the Treasury's massive bailout of financial firms, the government has poured money into the country's largest banks, recruited smaller banks into the program and repeatedly widened its scope to cover yet other types of businesses, from insurers to consumer lenders.
Stocks Plunge On Bailout Shift, Retail Weakness
Treasury Redefines Rescue Program Stocks Slip

Growing Foreign Policy Concerns Add Challenges for Obama

President-elect Barack Obama will soon take on the challenges of two wars and a complex international arena. Two former national security advisers present the ideal foreign policy agenda from their new book.
Growing Foreign Policy Concerns Add Challenges for Obama

Afghan Insurgency Stronger Than Ever

(CBS) The war President-elect Barack Obama is inheriting in Afghanistan includes an insurgency that's stronger than ever. And it's creeping ever closer to the Afghan capital. In a video obtained by CBS News, a U.S. convoy is attacked less than 20 miles from Kabul. "I think in Afghanistan, we really dropped the ball for a long time," said Karin von Hippel of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

It's now widely agreed America's new president needs a new approach, CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Lara Logan reports.
Afghan Insurgency Stronger Than Ever
Obama To Rethink Afghan War Policy

John McCain: I sleep like a baby - wake up every two hours and cry

Tentatively, Leno asked him how he was doing.

“Well, I’ve been sleeping like a baby,” said McCain, to warm, slightly relieved laughter from the studio audience. "I sleep two hours, wake up, and cry. Sleep two hours, wake up, and cry.”
McCain tells Leno he won't run for president again
On ‘Tonight,’ McCain Declines to Lay Blame New York Times
Reuters - The Associated Press - AFP - Times Online

U.S. journalist kidnapped near Afghan capital

KABUL, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- An American journalist with the New York Times along with his two Afghan colleagues were kidnapped Monday in Logar province, some 60 km south of Afghan capital Kabul, the spokesman for provincial administration said Tuesday.

Top UN human rights official urges halt to Afghan executions

11 November 2008 – The United Nations human rights chief voiced her dismay today after several prisoners were put to death in Afghanistan in recent days and urged the Government to stop any further planned executions.

Amnesty International USA - Protect Human Rights
Human rights call to President-elect Obama, News, Amnesty ...

Germany Won't Deploy In South Afghanistan - Minister

BERLIN (AFP)--Germany's defense minister said Tuesday that Berlin would resist any U.S. pressure to send troops to the strife-wracked south of Afghanistan, keeping its focus on the calmer north of the country.

Poor security hampers Afghan relief effort

KABUL (Reuters) - Security constraints are hampering humanitarian operations across much of Afghanistan, where violence has spread to more areas this year, the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Tuesday.
ICRC continues to deliver relief aids in Afghanistan amid ...

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Afghan refugee awared French literary prize

An Afghan who fled his country 24 years ago carrying a few crumpled bank-notes has been awarded France's premier literary prize.
Afghan tale of oppression wins French literature prize - Europe ...

Monday, November 10, 2008

Obama to Explore New Approach in Afghanistan War

The incoming Obama administration plans to explore a more regional strategy to the war in Afghanistan -- including possible talks with Iran -- and looks favorably on the nascent dialogue between the Afghan government and "reconcilable" elements of the Taliban, according to Obama national security advisers.
Obama to Explore New Approach in Afghanistan War
Obama seeks new approach in Afghanistan: report

Racism Rears Its Head in European Remarks on Obama

The Future First Lady, Finding Her Home in History

President Bush Greets Obama at White House
Obamas Visit Bushes Crowds Gather

For Obamas, a Tour of the White House and the Issues Ahead

WASHINGTON — Michelle Obama kissed Laura Bush lightly on the cheek. President-elect Barack Obama gave President Bush an athletic pat on the shoulder. With those simple gestures, carried out Monday afternoon on the South Portico of the White House, a time-honored ritual of American democracy — the peaceful transfer of power — officially began.
More Photos »
Obamas Tour the White House

Obama Asks Bush to Provide Help for Automakers

Afghanistan at the crossroads: Drought, food crisis drive Afghans out of villages

KABUL, Afghanistan, November 10 (UNHCR) – Severe drought and food shortages have caused thousands of people to leave their villages in Afghanistan's north and west to find work and aid. Many more are expected to move in desperation as winter approaches.

Provinces such as Badghis, Faryab, Jawzjan, Ghor, Saripul, Balkh and Samangan have been hard hit by a harsh winter earlier this year, followed by a debilitating drought and poor harvest. The production of wheat – an Afghan staple – is reportedly down by 36 percent compared to last year, while the Ministry of Agriculture has said the country is facing a deficit of 2 million tonnes of mixed food items over the next six months.
UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency
Afghanistan at the crossroads: Drought, food crisis drive Afghans out of villages

U.S. Plans Expansion of Afghan Airfield To House Special Army ...

Sunday, November 09, 2008

More on US Foreign Policy and Human Rights

Afghanistan, where the US government has failed to make a sufficient commitment to protect civilians from abuses by warlords and from armed conflict. The next US president should take immediate steps to reduce civilian casualties in military operations, press President Karzai and the Afghan government to crack down on corruption and marginalize warlords, and ensure that US aid promotes progress for women’s rights, including equal access to schooling for girls at all levels. report

US: Human Rights Agenda for the New Administration

From Bush to Obama, Anatomy of White House Change

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Nearly 8,000 jobs waiting to be filled. Empty file drawers. Missing computer hard drives. Even furniture piled in the hallways.

The Presidential Records Act of 1978 requires that all documents leave the White House with the outgoing president, except some in the National Security Council and the counsel's office.
From Bush to Obama, Anatomy of White House Change

A Visit Both Historic and Perhaps Awkward

Obama Win Sparks Push to End Racism in France

PARIS (AP) -- Inspired by Barack Obama, the French first lady and other leading figures say it's high time for France to stamp out racism and shake up a white political and social elite that smacks of colonial times.

''Our prejudices are insidious,'' Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a singer and wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy, said in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche newspaper, which published the manifesto. She said she hoped the ''Obama effect'' would reshape French society.
Obama Win Sparks Push to End Racism in France

Obama to White House for first post-election visit

Bush has hailed the victory by Obama -- the son of a black Kenyan father and white American mother -- as a "dream fulfilled" for civil rights.

The Obamas have a 2:00 p.m. EST appointment with Bush and first lady Laura Bush.
Transition, Too, for Michelle Obama to First Lady

President-Elect Barack Obama’s acceptance speech
Text of Senator John McCain’s concession speech

Human Rights Agenda for the New Administration

Afghanistan, where the US government has failed to make a sufficient commitment to protect civilians from abuses by warlords and from armed conflict. The next US president should take immediate steps to reduce civilian casualties in military operations, press President Karzai and the Afghan government to crack down on corruption and marginalize warlords, and ensure that US aid promotes progress for women’s rights, including equal access to schooling for girls at all levels.
Afghanistan: Civilian Deaths From Airstrikes -- report
United States: Bush Signs Law on Child Soldiers

US: Human Rights Agenda for the New Administration

US: Human Rights Agenda for the New Administration

The next US president will take office at a time when the credibility and effectiveness of the United States in combating human rights abuses abroad has been badly eroded by the US government’s own actions. There is an urgent need to remedy abuses on many fronts, but Human Rights Watch here highlights four crucial initiatives that the new president should take shortly after assuming office:
US: Human Rights Agenda for the New Administration

More on US Foreign Policy and Human Rights

Blood Test, Statin Afford Potent Shield, Study Says

A highly anticipated study has produced powerful evidence that a simple blood test can spot seemingly healthy people who are at increased risk for a heart attack or stroke and that giving them a widely used drug offers potent protection against the nation's leading killers.
Blood Test, Statin Afford Potent Shield, Study Says

U.S. Plans Expansion of Afghan Airfield To House Special Army Aviation Unit

The Bush administration's plans to increase the U.S. military role in Afghanistan include a $100 million expansion next year of the Kandahar airfield, to accommodate aircraft working for Task Force ODIN, the once-secret Army fighting units that have been successful in Iraq.

Task Force ODIN -- the acronym derives from "observe, detect, identify and neutralize" -- is named for the chief Norse god of art, culture, war and the dead.
U.S. Plans Expansion of Afghan Airfield To House Special Army Aviation Unit


Mr. Obama's War: The president-elect must both sustain and reform the...
ABC News: AP Exclusive: Bush Study Favors Bigger Afghan Army

Aide: Middle-Class Tax Cut a Priority

President-elect Barack Obama plans to push ahead with a middle-class tax cut soon after taking office, his choice for White House chief of staff said yesterday.

Rahm Emanuel also hinted that Obama would not postpone a tax increase for families earning more than $250,000 a year despite the deepening economic gloom. He said Obama's proposals would reduce taxes for 95 percent of working Americans by an average of $1,000 each, resulting in "a net tax cut" for the overall economy.
An Obama Tilt in Campaign Coverage
Obama Positioned to Quickly Reverse Bush Actions

جنگ افغانستان: میراث پیچیده اوباما -- BBC

باراک اوباما، در حالی رئیس جمهوری آمریکا می شود که به اعتقاد کارشناسان اهداف هفت سال پیش جنگ نیروهای ائتلاف به رهبری امریکا در افغانستان، یعنی از بین بردن طالبان و تشکیل یک حکومت مرکزی مقتدر در این کشور، روز به روز غیرواقعی تر و بعیدتر به نظر می آید.
جنگ افغانستان: میراث پیچیده اوباما

نشریات کابل: پنجشنبه، شانزده عقرب
بارک اوباما و انتظارات مردم افغانستان
کرزی خواستار تغییر استراتژی آمریکا علیه تروریسم شد
واکنش جهان به پیروزی اوباما

زندگی زبانها (2 ) زبان نورستانی --- BBC

نورستانی
عزیز الله شلماج، از کارمندان اداره نصاب تعلیمی ( برنامه درسی) وزارت معارف افغانستان می گوید زبان نورستانی، تاریخ پنج هزار ساله دارد.
او می افزاید: "زبان نورستانی از زمان باختر، از دوران پکتها آغاز می شود. نورستانی ها اولاد ( فرزندان) الینایاها اند که از همسایگان ده قبیله پکتها می باشد. که از همان زمان موجود بوده و با این زبان افهام و تفهیم شده است."

"مارگین استرن در زمان امیر امان الله خان به نورستان رفت و روی زبان نورستانی کار کرد و متوجه شد که زبان نورستانی بیشتر نزدیک به دیگر زبان های افغانستان است تا زبان یونانی و در مقاله ای که نوشت و در اروپا منتشر شد این غلطی خاور شناسان را اصلاح کرد و گفت که نورستانی ها شاخه ای از تبار اریایی ها است و در همان زمانی که شاخه هندی ها از آریایی ها جدا شدند نورستانی ها نیز همزمان از این شاخه جدا شدند. ولی آنان به هندوستان نرفتند و در همین کوهپایه ها جابجا شدند و به مرور زمان این زبان به لهجه های مختلف صحبت می شده است."
زندگی زبانها (2 ) زبان نورستانی
سال زبانها؛ نگاهی به برخی زبانهای رایج افغانستان
تجلیل از روز جهانی زبان مادری در کابل

US diplomat says relations with Afghanistan good

A top American diplomat said Saturday he did not believe tensions over civilian casualties have damaged relations between the U.S. and Afghanistan.
U.S. acknowledges 37 Afghan civilians killed in fighting last week ...

U.S. acknowledges 37 Afghan civilians killed in fighting last week

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan, and Istanbul, Turkey -- The U.S. military acknowledged Saturday that 37 civilians were killed and 35 injured during fighting last week in Kandahar province between insurgents and coalition forces.
U.S. military acknowledges dozens of Afghan civilian deaths in the ...

Palin Takes Aim At "Cowardly" Critics (CBS/AP)

Alaska Gov. Denounces Anonymous Campaign "Jerks" For Spreading Rumors
Palin Takes Aim At "Cowardly" Critics

Barack Obama will want more European soldiers to fight in Afghanistan

Barack Obama will want more European soldiers to fight in ...

Bush, Obama Focus on Economy in Radio Addresses

Bush readies Afghanistan options for Obama -- Robert Burns

The Bush administration, in the midst of a wide review of its war strategy in Afghanistan, is likely to recommend soon to the incoming Obama administration that the U.S. push for further expansion of the Afghan army as the surest path to an eventual U.S. withdrawal, the Associated Press has learned.

Harsh Words About Obama? Never Mind Now

That whole anti-American, friend-to-the-terrorists thing about President-elect Barack Obama? Never mind.

There is a great tradition of paint-peeling political hyperbole during presidential campaign years. And there is an equally great tradition of backing off from it all afterward, though with varying degrees of deftness.
Harsh Words About Obama? Never Mind Now

The New Team -- NYTimes

As he prepares to take office, President-elect Barack Obama is relying on a small team of advisers who will lead his transition operation and help choose the members of a new Obama administration. Below is a series of profiles of potential members of the administration.
The New Team
Obama Team Weighs What to Take On in First Months

Paul Krugman: The Obama Agenda
Harsh Words About Obama? Never Mind Now

Friday, November 07, 2008

Afghanistan will be a major challenge for Obama: Powell

WASHINGTON, Nov 6: Former US secretary of state Colin Powell warned on Thursday that the Afghan war would be the second biggest challenge for President-elect Barack Obama after his inauguration on Jan 20.

The first challenge, of course, would be dealing with the economic crisis, said Mr Powell in interviews to various US news outlets. But Mr Obama would also need to pay “a lot of time and attention” to the war in Afghanistan, he added.

ANALYSIS-U.S. war aims in Afghanistan grow doubtful Reuters
Analysis: U.S. reviewing Afghanistan policy - CNN.com
Bush study favors bigger army presence in Afghanistan, report ...

Obama Says Speedy Action Needed on Economy

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama called on Friday for the Bush administration and Congress to enact an economic-stimulus package, and he pledged to confront the country’s economic crisis “head on” the moment he is sworn in on Jan. 20.
Obama Says Speedy Action Needed on Economy

Obama calls for swift action on economy
Obama’s Transition Economic Advisory Board

Karzai opens Kabul air terminal -- BBC

Mr Karzai called on passengers and staff to look after the terminal, which cost $35m (£22m), funded by Japan. Officials say it can handle a million travellers a year, from domestic and international flights.
Karzai opens Kabul air terminal

AP Exclusive: Bush study favors bigger Afghan army

Obama Convenes Economic Advisers

CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama convened a new economic advisory board to meet here on Friday as he moves to swiftly fill top administration posts and form his response to the economic crisis.
Live Blogging the Obama News Conference

Obama Urges Swift Action on Economy -- washingtonpost
Obama Holds First News Conference as President-Elect

AP Exclusive: Bush study favors bigger Afghan army

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration, in the midst of a wide review of its war strategy in Afghanistan, is likely to recommend soon to the incoming Obama administration that the U.S. push for further expansion of the Afghan army as the surest path to an eventual U.S. withdrawal, The Associated Press has learned.

Obama receives congratulations from world leaders
Among Young Muslims, Mixed Emotions on Obama

Bush, Obama to Meet Monday at White House

President Bush will meet with President-elect Barack Obama in the Oval Office on Monday to discuss the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other challenges the new administration will face in January, officials said yesterday.

First lady Laura Bush also will give Michelle Obama a tour of the White House residence that afternoon, Bush administration officials said.
Obama Gets First In-Depth Intelligence Briefing
Obama Transfer-of-Power Plan Unfolding

Among Democrats’ Leadership Questions: What to Do With Lieberman?

Lieberman is not sure which direction he is going in the Senate leadership.

Obama, Assembling Team, Turns to the Economy

The Huffingtonpost

Click here: Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post

CHAPTER 1: How He Did It -- Newsweek

President Obama 44 takes the White House with the promise of change
Secrets of the 2008 Campaign
The Long Run

Thursday, November 06, 2008

US envoy says Afghanistan to be at heart of Obama's foreign policy

Kabul, Nov 6 (ANI): Afghanistan will be at the heart of US president-elect Barack Obama's foreign policy, and the new incumbent in the White House will have a greater engagement with the war-torn country, said US envoy in Kabul William Wood.

The US ambassador also predicted "new interesting initiatives to build on the rapidly improving relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan".

Wood said that Obama left Afghanistan reconfirmed in his dedication to the future of the country. "That commitment extends from security to development, to governance, to human rights, so that Afghanistan will be a safer, more prosperous and happier country for all of its citizens," added Wood.

Meanwhile, Afghans welcomed Obama's election victory, saying they looked forward to a "greater focus and new strategy" on the war with Taliban insurgents that has killed at least 4000 people this year alone.
US envoy says Afghanistan to be at heart of Obama's foreign policy ...

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Afghan war to loom large for Obama -- LATimes

Reporting from Kabul, Afghanistan -- President-elect Barack Obama will inherit a war in Afghanistan that is certain to play a central role in his presidency, a conflict whose cost in blood and money is escalating even as many Afghans speak of a growing sense of peril in their daily lives.

Afghans followed the American presidential race with a great deal of interest. In a country with one of the world's highest illiteracy rates, relatively few people interviewed could identify both candidates by name, usually referring to "the young one" and "the old one" -- or to Barack Obama, who is much better known here, and "that other one." But many Afghans knew that both John McCain and Obama had called for an increased number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan -- a notion that is generally applauded, despite anger over the record number of accidental civilian deaths so far this year at the hands of coalition forces.

Obama faces daunting wartime transition

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama will quickly face big decisions on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as the United States undergoes its first wartime change of administration since the Vietnam era.
Afghanistan welcomes Obama win, wants new strategy

Reaction to Obama elected 1st black US president
Obama faces dangerous crises from day 1

The World Welcomes Obama's Victory

A Log Of Reactions From Around The Globe To Barack Obama's Election Win
Afghanistan welcomes Obama win, wants more focus
U.S. strike kills Afghan wedding party goers - International ...

Karzai demands Obama end civilian deaths

WECH BAGHTU, Afghanistan -- The Afghan president congratulated Barack Obama and called on him Wednesday to halt civilian casualties as villagers said U.S. warplanes bombed a wedding party, killing 37 people _ most of them children.
Karzai says air strike kills 40 in Afghanistan
Afghanistan welcomes Obama win, wants more focus