Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Afghanistan: flawed elections could roll back progress, warns Ban

31 March 2009 – “We know from experience that the second cycle of post-conflict elections can be even more difficult than the first,” Mr. Ban said, opening the International Conference on Afghanistan in The Hague.
Afghanistan: flawed elections could roll back progress, warns Ban

Terrorism, drugs and crime thwarting Afghan development, warns Ban
More stories

IRIN Asia Asia Afghanistan AFGHANISTAN: Food aid not ...
International Relief Agency Welcomes Obama Plan for Afghanistan

Obama set for mixed Europe reception

The president will have a lot on his plate during the trip. It will provide a measure of his influence, particularly in reference to the world economy, Afghanistan, and the Muslim world.
Obama set for mixed Europe reception

Netanyahu sworn in as Israeli PM -- BBC

Mr Netanyahu said his government would "strive for peace" with the Palestinians

Israel's parliament has sworn in Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister and approved the new right-leaning coalition cabinet by 69 votes to 45.
Netanyahu sworn in as Israeli PM

Clinton Calls for Increased Aid for Afghanistan

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is urging the international community to provide more security and development aid to Afghanistan. Mrs. Clinton spoke at the start of a day-long conference about Afghanistan in The Hague.
Clinton Calls for Increased Aid for Afghanistan
International conference stresses regional dimension of ...
Voice of America

Letters: Focusing on Afghanistan and Pakistan

US to Join UN Human Rights Council, Reversing Bush Policy

UNITED NATIONS, March 31 -- The Obama administration decided Tuesday to join the U.N. Human Rights Council, reversing a decision by the Bush administration to shun the United Nations' premier rights body to protest the influence of repressive states, according to U.N. diplomats and rights activists.
US to Join UN Human Rights Council, Reversing Bush Policy
U.S. seeks seat on U.N. Human Rights Council

Obama arrives in UK ahead of G20

US President Barack Obama arrives in the UK for his first major foreign visit since taking office in January.
Obama arrives in UK ahead of G20
US President Barack
Iran and US hold 'cordial' talks

نشریات کابل: سه شنبه ۱۱ حمل
کنفرانس 'آینده افغانستان' آغاز به کار کرد
آمریکا از تصمیم دادگاه عالی افغانستان حمایت کرد

High-Level U.S. and Iranian Officials Meet -- WSJ

THE HAGUE -- Iran's deputy prime minister said Tehran was willing to work with the international community to combat rising violence and drug production in Afghanistan, but he stressed that stability in Central Asia can be achieved only ...
Iran Offers Afghan Help, Urges US Pullout

Iran Criticizes Plans to Increase Foreign Troops in Afghanistan Bloomberg
Xinhua - Times Online - Reuters - Telegraph.co.uk

Iran and US hold 'cordial' talks -- BBC

The US envoy to Afghanistan has held "a cordial exchange" with Iran's deputy foreign minister, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said.
Iran and US hold 'cordial' talks

د افغانستان لپاره د هاګ نړيوال کنفرانس پيل شو

Karzai says Afghan neighbours key to terror fight

Karzai says Afghan neighbours key to terror fight World Reuters
Karzai says Afghan neighbours key to terror fight Reuters.com

Letters: Focusing on Afghanistan and Pakistan

Letters - Focusing on Afghanistan and Pakistan

Obama Calls for Strong Message of Unity Ahead of G20 Summit

U.S. President Barack Obama is on his way to London, to start his first overseas trip as president. Mr. Obama's eight-day visit to Europe may be as ambitious as his domestic agenda.
Obama Calls for Strong Message of Unity Ahead of G20 Summit

اوباما اروپا ته خپل رسمي سفر نن پیل کړې

امریکايي څیړونکی: هاگ غونډه ښيي افغانستان سیمییز مشکل دی

امریکا د طالبانو د ځینو غړو سره د خبرو پلوي کوي

هلیری کلینتن - تقاضای کمک های امنیتی و انکشافی بیشتر برای افغانستان

Monday, March 30, 2009

No early exit from Afghanistan: NATO chief

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - International forces should not expect to withdraw from Afghanistan in the near future, NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said Monday, adding that a new U.S. strategy for the country was realistic.

"Two billion is a lot of money, but only if you look at it in isolation," he said, quoting a "very informal calculation" that the war was costing NATO and its allies about $42 billion a year.
No early exit from Afghanistan: NATO chief

World urged to help Afghanistan -- BBC

Delegates from more than 70 countries are set to meet in The Hague to discuss Afghan reconstruction, days after the US announced major policy changes.

The UN called the one-day conference amid widespread concern that not enough progress had been made since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
World urged to help Afghanistan

US to Pledge $40 Million for Afghanistan Elections

“We do not support or oppose any candidate,” Mrs. Clinton told reporters on her way to an international conference on Afghanistan that begins on Tuesday in the Netherlands. “We want to ensure the elections themselves are going to have legitimacy and credibility.”
US to Pledge $40 Million for Afghanistan Elections

World urged to help Afghanistan BBC News
Los Angeles Times - Aljazeera.net - Bloomberg - AFP

نظریات کارشناسان امریکایی در پرتو استراتیژی جدید ایالات متحده برای افغانستان

روزنامه واشنگتن پوست از اندریو بیسویچ، استاد تاریخ و روابط بین المللی در پوهنتون بُاستن نقل قول نموده است که
پست: قوای نظامی افغانستان تا هنوز به حد کافی توسعه نیافته، و مربیون امریکایی میتوانند آنها را مسلکی ساخته و در صورت ضرورت در مبارزات قوای امریکا میتواند در بخش هوائی نیز از آنها حمایت کند. استراتیژی جدید رئیس جمهور براک اوباما برای افغانستان نمایانگر بهبود قابل ملاحظۀ نسبت به روش حکومت بش در قبال ماموریت افغانستان میباشد
نظریات کارشناسان امریکایی در پرتو استراتیژی جدید ایالات متحده برای افغانستان

'طرح جدید ایالات متحده تا اندازۀ زیادی برای افغانها آشنا است'
اجتماع نمایندگان برای کنفرانس روز سه شنبه در مورد افغانستان
په هالېنډ کې د افغانستان په سر نړېوال کنفرانس

Afghanistan Conference Draws 80 Countries

Jones: Afghanistan Strategy A 'Three-Legged Stool'

National Security Adviser James Jones says he and President Obama will seek other nations' help in Afghanistan when they embark on a trip to Europe for a series of meetings this week.
Jones: Strategy In Afghanistan Is'Three-Legged Stool'

Afghanistan Is Focus Of Summit In The Hague
How Did Obama's Announcement Play In Kabul?
March 27, 2009Text: Obama On Afghanistan And Pakistan

Meeting to launch new commitment to Afghanistan

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- A 72-nation conference on Afghanistan will launch a broader international commitment to the security of the region, including neighboring Pakistan, special U.S. envoy Richard Holbrooke said Monday. It will be opened by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Meeting to launch new commitment to Afghanistan


The World -- Wall Street Journal
Obama team drops "war on terror" rhetoric Reuters
No early exit from Afghanistan: NATO chief
For Afghanistan, a Season of Promise and Peril: Factors Including Intensified U.S. Effort and Upcoming...

Clinton Calls Years of Afghan Aid 'Heartbreaking' in Their Futility

THE HAGUE, March 30 -- The billions of dollars spent in U.S. aid to Afghanistan over the past seven years have been largely wasted, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday.

Clinton called the amount of money spent without results "heartbreaking."
U.S. to Adjust Afghan Aid Effort
Clinton seeks Iran help on Afghanistan, no talks
Obama Says He Is Sharpening Focus of War in Afghanistan
Meeting to launch new commitment to Afghanistan

Sunday, March 29, 2009

THE WORLD FROM BERLIN: Success or Failure in Afghanistan Will Depend on Americans

In a speech Obama said the situation in Afghanistan was "increasingly perilous" and that the US must "disrupt, defeat and dismantle" the al-Qaida terrorist organization and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The president said that if the Afghan government falls to the Taliban or allows al-Qaida to go unchallenged, "that country will be a base for terrorists who want to kill us."
Success or Failure in Afghanistan Will Depend on Americans

"The Hague Gets Ready for 'Big Tent' Meeting".

Obama Says He Is Sharpening Focus of War in Afghanistan

President Obama said yesterday that his predecessor's administration had lost its "focus" on the war in Afghanistan, forcing the creation of a new strategy that is aimed narrowly at defeating the terrorists who run their operations from there and Pakistan.
Obama Says He Is Sharpening Focus of War in Afghanistan
For Afghanistan, a Season of Promise and Peril

American leverage in South Asia BBC News
روزنامه های کابل:9 حمل؛ استراتژی جدید آمریکا

Afghan court says Karzai president till August polls

KABUL, March 29 (Reuters) - Afghanistan's Supreme Court has recommended that Afghan President Hamid Karzai stay in office after his term ends on May 21 and until elections are held on Aug. 20, Afghan media said on Sunday.
Afghan court says Karzai president till August polls
ستره محکمه: کرزی په واک کې پاتې کېدای شي
حامد کرزی سه ماه بیشتر در قدرت می ماند

The Plan for Afghanistan - The Opinionator Blog - NYTimes.com
Barack Obama's plan for AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTAN

Transcript: Obama On "Face The Nation"

Bob Schieffer Interviews The President About The Economy, Afghanistan, Banks And Public Confidence

What we want to do is to refocus attention on al Qaeda. We are going to root out their networks, their bases. We are gonna make sure that they cannot attack U.S. citizens, U.S. soil, U.S. interests, and our allies' interests around the world. 1 2 3 4

Complete Transcript Of Bob Schieffer's Interview
President Obama On "Face The Nation" Sunday

Obama To Bankers: “Show Restraint”

“For the average single mom who is just barely struggling to pay her mortgage or medical bills for her kid, who's paying her taxes, who's playing by the rules and then finds out that a taxpayer-assisted firm is paying out multi-million dollar bonuses,” he said. “That's just not acceptable.”

FTN: Obama Asked Bankers To “Show Restraint”
Transcript: Obama On "Face The Nation"

Complete Transcript Of Bob Schieffer's Interview

Military buildup in Afghanistan warranted, Obama says

But, the president adds, troop levels will be watched carefully, and be accompanied by civilian and diplomatic efforts. Military buildup in Afghanistan warranted, Obama says - Los ...

Obama: America Expects Accountability From Pakistan
US to consult Pakistan on strikes BBC News
AFP - Xinhua - Reuters
How will Obama tackle militants in Pakistan?

Geithner's Great Risk: 'We Do Too Little, Not That We Do Too Much'

"To get through this, governments need to act. Great obligation, responsibility for governments to act to solve these things. The market will not solve this, and the great risk for us is we do too little, not that we do too much," Geithner told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos in a "This Week" interview. Geithner on TARP Money: "We Have Roughly 135 Billion Left"

'This Week' Transcript: Timothy Geithner
Geithner on TARP Money: 'We Have Roughly $135 Billion Left'
Obama's 3-D Strategy For Af-Pak

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Pakistan remains a roadblock for US in Central Asian affairs

The United States has the cooperation of Afghanistan, which used to harbor Al Qaeda, but has limited ability to maneuver in neighboring Pakistan, where the terrorist group is now based.
Pakistan remains a roadblock for US in Central Asian affairs

Washington Post Foreign Service Washington Post
US and Iran open Afghanistan peace talks Times Online
Analysis: Americans wary about war in Afghanistan CNN International
Daily Times - Voice of America - BBC News

Obama's Afghan Strategy Raises Concerns -- NPR

President Obama's newly unveiled strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan is drawing praise for outlining clear goals in the nearly seven-year war, but it's raising concerns over what it didn't mention: the role of a strong Afghan state.

"It's not very clear what they want do about the Afghan state," he says.

U.S. distrust of the Karzai government, Dorronsoro says, has led American officials to deal directly with the heads of government ministries or with local strongmen in the Afghan provinces. He says that weakens the state, whch will need to be strong when foreign troops eventually withdraw.

"The risk is that they will build a strong Afghan army, with only a weak state to control it. Even if it's not a democratic one," he says, "you need an Afghan state."
Obama's Afghan Strategy Raises Concerns
Obama Warns On Afghanistan, Pakistan Situation
Adm. Mullen On New Afghan Strategy

The fierce debate behind Obama's Afghan plan

Biden urged caution against a quagmire; military argued for more troops
Afghan plan drew fierce debate
Obama to terrorists: 'We will defeat you'

Holbrooke, Petraeus Detail Goals of Afghan-Pakistan Strategy -- pbs
Speaking of Democracy in Afghanistan...
Clinton Says New Afghanistan-Pakistan Plan Depends on Diplomacy

Afghan president praises Obama's new war plan -- CNN

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Saturday praised U.S. President Barack Obama's new plan for the war in Afghanistan. -- Afghan president praises Obama's new war plan

Afghan strategy 'formed with great deliberation'

Karzai: Obama Plan "Better Than Expected" -- CBS

Obama zeros in on Afghanistan -- washingtontimes

President Obama said Friday that he will send more troops to Afghanistan, more money to Pakistan and push for renewed diplomatic attention to the region to combat terrorism -- moves met with a positive international response as the president prepares to travel abroad to build support for his new strategy. Obama zeros in on Afghanistan

Afghanistan plan lacking, McCain says
Karzai: U.S. plan better than expected

TOPIC A : Obama's Afghanistan Strategy

President Obama just unveiled his strategy for Afghanistan. The Post asked politicians and experts to weigh in. Below are contributions from Thomas E. Ricks, Andrew J. Bacevich, Dennis Kucinich, Sarah Chayes, Gilles Dorronsoro, Clint Douglas, John Nagl, Thomas H. Johnson, Andrew Natsios and Meghan O'Sullivan. TOPIC A : Obama's Afghanistan Strategy

Transcript: Obama Announces New Afghanistan, Pakistan Strategies -- washingtonpost

Afghan leader welcomes US review -- BBC

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says a US review of strategy in the region - announced by President Obama on Friday - was "better than we were expecting".

Mr Obama described the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan as "perilous".
Transcript: Obama Announces New Afghanistan, Pakistan Strategies -- washingtonpost

Obama breaks with Bush over Afghan approach

امريکا : اى ايس اى لا هم د اورپکو ملاتړ کوي
ارتش آمریکا: پاکستان به طالبان و القاعده کمک می‌کند
استقبال افغانستان از استراتژی جدید آمریکا

G20 demonstrators march in London -- BBC

Tens of thousands of people have marched through London demanding action on poverty, climate change and jobs, ahead of next week's G20 summit.
G20 demonstrators march in London
IMF calls for unity ahead of G20

AFGHANISTAN POLICY, PAST AND PRESENT

"Afghanistan has an elected government, but it is undermined by corruption and has difficulty delivering basic services to its people. The economy is undercut by a booming narcotics trade that encourages criminality and funds the insurgency. The people of Afghanistan seek the promise of a better future. Yet once again, we have seen the hope of a new day darkened by violence and uncertainty. . . .
AFGHANISTAN POLICY, PAST AND PRESENT

Obama Outlines Afghan Strategy: He Pushes Stability and Regional Partnerships
The Price of Realism: President Obama's plan for Afghanistan and Pakistan...
For Obama, Three Afghanistan Tests
Behind the Afghan Strategy
Afghan leader: US strategy 'better than expected'
Obama Announces New Afghanistan, Pakistan Strategies

Barack Obama unveils plan for war in Afghanistan, with a few details left to be hammered out

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama sought Friday to rally support from a skeptical public for his new strategy for the war in Afghanistan but left many of the important questions of timing and tactics to military and diplomatic strategists who are still at work on the details.
Barack Obama unveils plan for war in Afghanistan, with a few ...

Video: Obama Plans Al Qaeda Defeat CBS Video: Obama Plans Al Qaeda Defeat CBS
Barack Obama unveils plan for war in Afghanistan, with a few ... Chicago Tribune
AFP - Reuters - BBC News - CNN
Behind-the-scenes push to focus goal for Afghanistan

Friday, March 27, 2009

Officials: Afghanistan strategy formed with great deliberation

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama's unveiling Friday of a new U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan was made only after a thorough interagency review of the region with input from several sources, administration officials said.
Officials: Afghanistan strategy formed with great deliberation
Pakistan's ISI still linked to militants, US says Reuters
Mr. Obama's Surge Wall Street Journal
guardian.co.uk - FOXNews - Times Online - Voice of America

Obama Plan Would Narrow War Goals in Afghanistan

Success or Failure in Afghanistan Will Depend on Americans

Success or Failure in Afghanistan Will Depend on Americans
international conference in The Hague next Tuesday.
next week's NATO summit, German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave a speech on Thursday

Transcript: Obama Announces New Afghanistan, Pakistan Strategies

In quotes: US Afghan strategy reaction

World leaders react to the announcement by US President Barack Obama of a "comprehensive new strategy" for both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
BBC News, Bloomberg
Obama Warns On Afghanistan, Pakistan Situation

امريکا افغانستان ته پوځي روزونکي لېږي
اوباما استراتژی جدید افغانستان را اعلام کرد
کنفرانس افغانستان در مسکو آغاز شد
اوباما استراتژی تازه در افغانستان را تشریح می کند

Afghan Strikes by Taliban Get Pakistan Help, U.S. Aides Say, nytimes

Obama Says Afghanistan Is 'Increasingly Perilous'

In outlining his administration's new strategy for the region, Obama said that for six years Afghanistan has been "denied the resources that it demands" because of the focus on the war in Iraq.
Obama Says Afghanistan Is 'Increasingly Perilous'
Obama: Not in Afghanistan to Control, but to Defeat al Qaeda

Video: Obama's new plans for Afghanistan France 24
Afghan president welcomes new US strategy The Associated Press
guardian.co.uk - Boston Globe - Reuters - Voice of America

Obama: Safety of world at stake in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama, saying "the terrorists who planned and supported the 9/11 attacks are in Pakistan and Afghanistan," announced a new strategy Friday to confront the growing threat in the two countries.
Watch Obama's full speech on Afghanistan, Pakistan threats »
Watch Obama tell terrorists U.S. will defeat them »
Watch Obama's remarks on the situation in Afghanistan »

Obama: Safety of world at stake in Afghanistan - CNN.com

Afghan president welcomes new US strategy

KABUL (AP) - Afghanistan's president welcomed the new strategy President Barack Obama unveiled Friday for dealing with the worsening conflict in his country, saying the plan increased the chances of successfully facing the rising threat from Taliban and al-Qaida militants.
Washington Times - Afghan president welcomes new US strategy
Transcript: Obama Announces New Afghanistan, Pakistan Strategies -- washingtonpost

Afghan Strikes by Taliban Get Pakistan Help, U.S. Aides Say, nytimes

Obama Announces Plans for More Funding for Afghan War -- washingtonpost

So I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al Qaida in Pakistan and Afghanistan and to prevent their return to either country in the future. That's the goal that must be achieved. That is a cause that could not be more just. Obama Announces Plans for More Funding for Afghan War
Transcript: Obama Announces New Afghanistan, Pakistan Strategies


President Obama unveils his "stronger, smarter" strategy for ... Times Online
Obama Announces New Strategy for Afghanistan, Pakistan Voice of America
Washington Post - guardian.co.uk - International Herald Tribune - CNN

US Congress cautiously welcomes new Afghan plan

US rethinks Afghanistan strategy -- BBC

US President Barack Obama has confirmed a fundamental rethink of US strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan to combat an "increasingly perilous" situation.
US rethinks Afghanistan strategy

New Afghan direction
Rebooting Afghan mission
New tactics, same strategy?

Text: President Obama’s Remarks on New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan -- nytimes

Good morning. Today, I am announcing a comprehensive, new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. This marks the conclusion of a careful policy review that I ordered as soon as I took office.

As President, my greatest responsibility is to protect the American people. We are not in Afghanistan to control that country or to dictate its future. We are in Afghanistan to confront a common enemy that threatens the United States, our friends and allies, and the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan who have suffered the most at the hands of violent extremists.

So today, I am calling upon Congress to pass a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by John Kerry and Richard Lugar that authorizes $1.5 billion in direct support to the Pakistani people every year over the next five years – resources that will build schools, roads, and hospitals, and strengthen Pakistan's democracy.

To achieve our goals, we need a stronger, smarter and comprehensive strategy. To focus on the greatest threat to our people, America must no longer deny resources to Afghanistan because of the war in Iraq
1 2 3 4

Text: President Obama’s Remarks on New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan
(March 27, 2009)
White Paper of the Interagency Policy Group’s Report on U.S. Policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan (March 27, 2009)

Afghan Strikes by Taliban Get Pakistan Help, U.S. Aides Say, nytimes

Obama Unveils Afghan Plan to Add Troops and Set Goals

WASHINGTON — President Obama said on Friday that he plans to further bolster American forces in Afghanistan, increase aid to Pakistan, and for the first time set benchmarks for progress in fighting Al Qaeda and the Taliban in both chaotic countries.
Obama Unveils Afghan Plan to Add Troops and Set Goals

Text: President Obama’s Remarks on New Strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan (March 27, 2009)

Obama Plans Additional Funds for Afghan War

"The president has decided he is going to resource this war properly," said a senior administration official of the plan Obama is set to announce this morning.
Obama Plans Additional Funds for Afghan War

Obama to unveil new strategy for Afghan war
Lawmakers Hear Obama Afghanistan-Pakistan Strategy
Iran to attend Afghan meet, seeks regional solution
Karzai to attend Afghanistan meeting, Ankara talks

Obama to Boost Forces in Afghanistan, Set Benchmarks

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Human Rights Watch Letter to President Barack Obama on Afghanistan

Dear President Obama,

We write to you regarding the new US policy towards Afghanistan, which we understand you are announcing tomorrow. Human Rights Watch has worked on Afghanistan for many years, publishing many reports on the human rights situation.
Human Rights Watch Letter to President Barack Obama on Afghanistan

Afghanistan: New US Policy Should Stress Human Rights

Afghanistan: New US Policy Should Stress Human Rights

Promoting the Rule of Law and the Protection of Civilians a Priority

(New York) - The United States should make protecting human rights a priority in its revised policy toward Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to President Barack Obama.
Afghanistan: New US Policy Should Stress Human Rights

Human Rights Watch Letter to President Barack Obama on Afghanistan

UN report calls for end to arbitrary detention in Afghanistan

26 March 2009 – A new United Nations report, revealing that Afghans are often detained without lawful reason, recommends a range of changes to laws and procedures of the criminal justice system in the country.
UN report calls for end to arbitrary detention in Afghanistan

Ban arrives in Moscow ahead of Afghanistan conference
Ban taps US negotiations expert to fill Afghanistan post

White House Plans Extensive Afghan Escalation

Wall Street Journal -- The Obama administration's strategy calls for building more effective local and provincial governments across Afghanistan, a significant shift away from the Bush administration's efforts to build a strong Afghan central government in Kabul.

U.S. boosting force in Afghanistan - washingtontimes
Taliban leader plans to reclaim Afghanistan, US says - Los Angeles Times
Obama to Set Benchmarks in Fight Against Militants - New York Times
Change of plan -- BBC

President Obama to bolster troop surge with civilian officials in radical strategy for Afghanistan

Times Online -- President Obama will lay out today his strategy for Afghanistan that will include a surge of US troops and civilian officials, a doubling the size of the country's own security forces, as well as increased aid to combat militants in neighbouring Pakistan.
BBC News - Bloomberg - Times Online - Wall Street Journal
Spy Chief Seeks Added Intelligence In Afghanistan

Obama goes online for town hall meeting

(CNN) -- President Obama hosted what amounted to an interactive fireside chat Thursday, answering questions from people around the country in the first online town hall discussion ever hosted at the White House.
Obama goes online for town hall meeting
Obama says US automakers to get "some" aid Reuters

Obama telephones Afghan president

KABUL, Afghanistan: President Barack Obama telephoned Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, on Thursday to share the main elements of the American strategic review of policy in Afghanistan and the war on Islamic militants, a statement from the presidential palace here said.
Obama telephones Afghan president - International Herald Tribune

Obama Telephones Afghan President
Telegraph.co.uk - Reuters - AFP

Karzai denies corruption claims
Karzai declares assets to offset corruption smear Reuters

Karzai declares assets to offset corruption smear

KABUL (Reuters) - Karzai, who said that he earns 24,350 afghanis ($487) each month, has faced criticism from both Afghans and his Western backers for failing to curb corruption, which is seen as rampant in Afghanistan.

The Afghan leader also said he had a Frankfurt-based bank account which contained $10,000 at the time he opened it, when he was fighting with the mujahideen against the Taliban about 11 years ago. Karzai added he has not checked his balance since then.
Karzai declares assets to offset corruption smear Reuters

Obama telephones Afghan president - International Herald Tribune
Obama Telephones Afghan President - NYTimes.com

Karzai denies corruption claims

Afghan President Hamid Karzai says claims of widespread corruption in his government are politically motivated.

Mr Karzai said he earned $500 (£345) a month, had savings of $10,000 in a bank in Germany and had no assets.

"Foreigners have defamed Afghanistan so badly in terms of corruption. But it's not as serious as they think," he told reporters in Kabul on Thursday.
Karzai denies corruption claims
Karzai declares assets to offset corruption smear Reuters
Obama in telephone talk with Afghan president on new strategy

کرزی: دارایی شخصی ام فقط ده هزار دلار است
کرزی: فساد در منابع کمک کننده به افغانستان بیشتر است

Envoy choice cites urgency of boosting war effort

WASHINGTON -- The nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan said Thursday that the U.S. and its allies must act fast to pour more money, troops and civilian expertise into the war.

"Time is of the essence," Eikenberry said. "There will be no substitute for more resources and sacrifice."
Envoy choice cites urgency of boosting war effort
Bio information on Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry

Obama in telephone talk with Afghan president on new strategy

Lawmakers to Hear Obama Afghan-Pak Strategy

President Obama has invited a group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers to the White House this afternoon to brief them on the administration's emerging Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy.
Lawmakers to Hear Obama Afghan-Pak Strategy
Afghan intel chief: Pakistan spies support Taliban

U.S., Pakistan drawing up new drone targets: report
Potential Afghan Reconstruction Challenges Cited

Karzai denies corruption claims

Obama in telephone talk with Afghan president on new strategy

KABUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- U.S. president Baracked Obama Thursday in telephone talk with Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai said Washington has finished its strategy on the war on terror in Afghanistan, said a statement issued by Afghan presidential office.
Obama in telephone talk with Afghan president on new strategy

Afghan envoy: Pakistan spy agency may have Taliban ties AFP
Afghan intel chief: Pakistan spies support Taliban The Associated Press
Reuters India - Reuters - CBS News - Washington Post

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

In Afghan War, U.S. Dominance Increasing

After years of often testy cooperation with NATO and resentment over unequal burden-sharing, the United States is taking unabashed ownership of the Afghan war.
U.S. Role in Afghan War Grows

NATO needs better Afghan coordination, Obama says
Obama, Seeking a Stronger NATO, Meets With Its Secretary General
U.S. outlines new Afghan strategy to NATO allies
U.S. wants Afghanistan exit strategy

Obama Defends Push to Cut Tax Deductions for Charitable Gifts

Obama said the change would help equalize the tax break for those donating to charity. "When I give $100, I'd get the same amount of deduction as when some -- a bus driver who's making $50,000 a year, or $40,000 a year -- give that same $100," he said, adding that the provision would affect about 1 percent of Americans.
Obama Defends Push to Cut Tax Deductions for Charitable Gifts
President Shifts Emphasis From Wall Street to Budget

Obama defends his strategy
Administration Wants to Expand U.S. Control of Financial System

Afghan Strikes by Taliban Get Pakistan Help, U.S. Aides Say -- NYTimes

WASHINGTON — The Taliban’s widening campaign in southern Afghanistan is made possible in part by direct support from operatives in Pakistan’s military intelligence agency, despite Pakistani government promises to sever ties to militant groups fighting in Afghanistan, according to American government officials.
Afghan Strikes by Taliban Get Pakistan Help, U.S. Aides Say

Obama Says a Way Out of Afghanistan Is Needed
White House to Keep Agencies’ Focus on Terrorism

10 Things You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease and other dementias do a number on the mind and body of the individual with the disease and can also take a major toll on the health and finances of the individual's family.
10 Things You Should Know About Alzheimer's Disease

Why I Got My DNA Tested for Alzheimer's ABC News
Alzheimer's cases growing Chicago Sun-Times
MiamiHerald.com - Reuters - USA Today - SeniorJournal.com

Obama, Seeking a Stronger NATO, Meets With Its Secretary General

President Obama met with North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in the Oval Office today, and afterward said he is confident that the alliance can be more effective in battling the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan.
Obama, Seeking a Stronger NATO, Meets With Its Secretary General

Netanyahu 'will be peace partner' -- BBC

Israel's next prime minister, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, has said his incoming government will be a "partner for peace" with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu 'will be peace partner'

Czech PM attacks Obama spending

Mirek Topolanek was speaking in the European Parliament, in his capacity as current holder of the EU presidency.
Czech PM attacks Obama spending

US 'wants more financial rules'
Full Transcript of Obama's Press Conference

رئیس اتحادیه اروپا: برنامه اقتصادی اوباما راهی به سوی جهنم است
اوباما می گوید شاهد نشانه های بهبود اقتصادی است

Obama Calls for Fast Action to Fight Recession

US President Barack Obama has called on the leaders of the world's biggest economies to agree on immediate action to boost demand at the G-20 summit in London next week. The call comes as Berlin concedes that economic contraction will be worse than expected.
Obama Calls for Fast Action to Fight Recession
Financial Crisis Caused by a 'Culture of Complicity'

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Gorbachev Bids Goodbye to Unrestrained Capitalism

The former Soviet President sees financial collapse and escalating violence in Afghanistan as a deserved blowback against the United States.
Gorbachev Bids Goodbye to Unrestrained Capitalism
Afghanistan on the Brink: The West Stares into the Abyss

UK 'in Afghanistan for long term'

British forces may be in Afghanistan for another five years while civilians could stay more than 20 years, the new UK ambassador to Afghanistan has said.
UK 'in Afghanistan for long term'

Living in fear

IMF announces new lending reforms

The International Monetary Fund has announced major reforms of its lending procedures to member states.
IMF announces new lending reforms

Model railway's global uber-view

Eating Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Life

MONDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Diets high in red meat and in processed meat shorten life span not just from cancer and heart disease but from Alzheimer's, stomach ulcers and an array of other conditions as well, a U.S. National Cancer Institute study has found.
Eating Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Life ABC News

Are You Eating Too Much Meat?
Death link to too much red meat BBC News
WQAD - Washington Post - CNN - WebMD

Sources: Obama to roll out Afghanistan plan Friday

WASHINGTON -- The final recommendations are still under wraps, but they also are expected to call for increasing Afghan security forces and bolstering the country's fragile local and national governments.
Sources: Obama to roll out Afghanistan plan Friday

Karzai to attend Afghanistan meeting, Ankara talks
Even as the Afghan war rages, the talking starts -- The Observer

Obama Mounts Defense Of Economic Policies

During press conference, president focuses on efforts to revive economy, seeks to demonstrate firm grasp of challenges facing financial system.
Obama Mounts Defense Of Economic Policies
Full Transcript of Obama's Press Conference

Obama Says Economic Recovery Will Take Patience -- npr
'Global War On Terror' Is Given New Name

President Obama’s News Conference

Following is a complete of President Obama’s prime-time press conference on March 24, as transcribed by Federal News Service.
Transcript: President Obama’s News Conference

Obama Tries to Rally Nation to His Agenda

Obama: US will stay on offense in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing completion of a revamped strategy in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama on Tuesday said the United States will "stay on the offensive" to dismantle terrorist operations in the country even as it rethinks its goals in trying to end the seven-year-old war.
Obama: US will stay on offense in Afghanistan
Rudd, Obama discuss economy, Afghanistan ABC Online
Voice of America - The Australian

U.S. to unveil Afghanistan review plans on Friday Reuters
Netanyahu: Coalition with Labor will bring stability to Israel
Gorbachev Bids Goodbye to Unrestrained Capitalism

Karzai, Opponents Clash Over Afghan Election

Throughout Afghanistan's history, the handover of power has been anything but peaceful — and many observers worry this year will be no different.
Karzai, Opponents Clash Over Afghan Election
White House Crafts New Afghanistan Policy

Western officials in plot to dilute powers of President Karzai

از دیگر رسانه ها: نکات اساسی استراتژی جدید آمریکا
واکنش آمریکا به گزارش گاردین

Treasury Chief Seeks Wider Power to Seize Troubled Firms

WASHINGTON — The crisis surrounding the American International Group was a near-tragedy that underlines the need for broad new government authority to regulate or even take control of financial institutions other than banks, the government’s top fiscal officials told lawmakers on Tuesday.
Treasury Chief Seeks Wider Power to Seize Troubled Firms

Combat and Community -- DAVID BROOKS

Before the Soviet invasion in 1979, Afghan towns had three parallel authority structures: the tribal elders, the religious clerics and the government representatives. The Soviets decimated the tribes and the indigenous government. That left only the mullahs, and their sudden unchecked prominence helped explain the rise of the Taliban.
Combat and Community


For Timeliness, Robert Greenwald’s Afghanistan Documentary Is ...
NATO’s Mission

Analysis: US leaders say Afghan war stalemated

WASHINGTON -- When President Barack Obama presents his overhaul of U.S. strategy and goals in the Afghanistan war in the coming days, it's a safe bet that he will not claim America and its allies are winning the seven-year-old conflict.
Analysis: US leaders say Afghan war stalemated

Monday, March 23, 2009

Key Afghan leaders cast wide net of blame

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN — Influential Afghan leaders, including four potential candidates for Hamid Karzai's job as president, have issued a declaration criticizing the mistakes of the international community and harshly condemning "corruption" of their own government.
globeandmail.com: Key Afghan leaders cast wide net of blame
Afghanistan: Ensuring Success
Dari Press Release / English Press Release

Foreign Service Jobs in Afghanistan to Grow

The State Department will significantly expand its presence in regional capitals in western and northern Afghanistan in coming months, part of the Obama administration's plans for a "surge" in civilians going to the country.

"As part of our expanding efforts in Afghanistan," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in a cable sent Saturday to all Foreign Service officers, "the Department intends to create 14 additional FS positions in Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif."
Foreign Service Jobs in Afghanistan to Grow

U.S. wants Afghanistan exit strategy
U.S. outlines new Afghan strategy to NATO allies

UN mission in Afghanistan to lead civilian aid

Obama ponders Afghan 'exit plan' -- BBC

President Barack Obama has said that the US must have an "exit strategy" in Afghanistan, even as Washington sends more troops to fight Taleban militants.
Obama ponders Afghan 'exit plan'

US envoy weighs Afghan challenge
New tactics, same strategy?

د امريکا پر نوې تګلارې څرګندونې
آمریکا 'استراتژی خروج' از افغانستان را بررسی می کند

US Afghan plan must have 'exit strategy': Obama

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President Barack Obama said the United States must have an "exit strategy" in Afghanistan even as it expands its military, diplomatic and economic fight against a Taliban insurgency.

"What we're looking for is a comprehensive strategy," Obama said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS television's 60 Minutes show.
US Afghan plan must have 'exit strategy': Obama
US Afghan plan must have 'exit strategy': Obama - Yahoo! Canada News

Negotiating with the Taliban -- CFR
Breaking the Stalemate in Afghanistan

U.S. outlines new Afghan strategy to NATO allies

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States met NATO allies on Monday to outline its strategy review for Afghanistan after President Barack Obama said it would contain an exit strategy and greater emphasis on economic development.
U.S. outlines new Afghan strategy to NATO allies Politics Reuters

US Afghan plan must have 'exit strategy': Obama

Holbrooke Rejects Report On Sidelining Karzai

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -- A senior U.S. official has rejected a newspaper report claiming that Washington and its European allies sought to create a new chief executive or prime ministerial role in Afghanistan to rival President Hamid Karzai.
Holbrooke Rejects Report On Sidelining Karzai - Radio Free Europe ...

US will appoint Afghan 'prime minister' to bypass Hamid Karzai ...
Jason Burke: Who wants an Afghan 'prime minister'? Comment is ...

UN Rights Expert Accuses Israel of War Crimes

By Lisa Schlein A special UN investigator says Israel's military assault on the densely populated Gaza Strip appears to constitute a war crime.
UN Rights Expert Accuses Israel of War Crimes
UN reports say Israel targeted civilians in Gaza Reuters
Soldiers did not act in cold blood: Israeli general ABC Online
AFP - BBC News - Jerusalem Post - CNN

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Obama On 60 Minutes: Interview Highlights

Talking about Afghanistan, and what America's mission there should be, Obama said, "Making sure that al Qaeda cannot attack the U.S. homeland and U.S. interests and our allies. That's our number one priority. And in service of that priority there may be a whole host of things that we need to do. We may need to build up economic capacity in Afghanistan. We may need to improve our diplomatic efforts in Pakistan."
White House Interview

Obama On 60 Minutes: Interview Highlights
Obama On AIG Anger, Recession, Challenges

Behind the Afghan Strategy -- Jim Hoagland

You will hear a lot about President Obama putting his stamp on the war in Afghanistan over the next two weeks. But you won't hear the whole story. Smart generals and smart ambassadors don't upstage the boss, and Gen. David Petraeus and diplomat Richard Holbrooke are as smart as they come.
Behind the Afghan Strategy

Opium fight a huge waste of money, US envoy admits smh.com.au
General Urges Confidence in Ability to Supply Troops in Afghanistan
In Afghanistan, US military's `Help Wanted' sign

Opium fight a huge waste of money, US envoy admits

BRUSSELS: US efforts to combat the Afghan opium trade, a main source of funds for Taliban-led insurgents, have been wasteful and Washington plans to revamp its strategy, a regional envoy says.

"The United States alone is spending over $US800 million [$1.17 billion] a year on counter-narcotics. We have gotten nothing out of it, nothing," Richard Holbrooke told senior world politicians and experts on Saturday.

Opium fight a huge waste of money, US envoy admits smh.com.au
US envoy unveils outlines of new Afghan strategy - Yahoo! Canada News
US envoy unveils outlines of new Afghan strategy — EUbusiness.com ...

Alternative strategies to Obama's Afghan agenda

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Barack Obama hopes his new Afghanistan strategy will replicate the US success in Iraq of co-opting Islamic hardliners, but even the president himself warns the task will be tougher.

Obama's Afghan task 'tougher' than Iraq - Yahoo! Canada News
Alternative strategies to Obama's Afghan agenda -- chicagotribune.com

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Restrictions Put on Stimulus Funds

President Obama announced guidelines Friday aimed at preventing waste and limiting the influence of lobbyists on the $787 economic stimulus package.
Restrictions Put on Stimulus Funds
Los Angeles Times

White House considers reforms for nonbank finance firms

برخورد دو کشتی نیروی دریایی آمریکا در تنگه هرمز

Friday, March 20, 2009

Women Make Gains, But Still Struggle in Afghanistan

Much has improved for Afghan women and girls in the areas of education and community support since the removal of the Taliban regime in 2001, but incidents of violence and traditional practices such as forced marriages continue. Margaret Warner reports from Afghanistan.
Women Make Gains, But Still Struggle in Afghanistan

Obama seeks vastly expanded Afghan security force to help ...

Obama Announces Guidelines to Limit Lobbyists' Influence on Stimulus Effort

President Obama today announced "unprecedented restrictions" aimed at deterring lobbyists from influencing projects under a massive economic stimulus plan and vowed that recovery efforts will not become "an excuse for waste and abuse."
Obama Urges Sensible Spending


E.U. Leaders: No More Spending on Stimulus
For Iran, a Holiday Greeting
Obama Seeks Vastly Expanded Afghan Security Force to Help Stabilize the Nation

Obama offers Iran 'new beginning'

US President Barack Obama has offered "a new beginning" of engagement with Tehran in an unprecedented direct video message to the Iranian people.
Between the lines
Obama's new Afghan strategy


Talking to the Afghan Taleban
Allies facing Afghan 'stalemate'
US spills Afghan war into Pakistan

A F G H A N I S T A N : E N S U R I N G S U C C E S S

15 March Kabul /Dubai: Afghanistan faces a dangerous and challenging time. Our people long for security, economic empowerment and political stability. While these goals seemed within reach in the years immediately after the fall of the Taliban, the progress we have made is being seriously threatened today. Some voices around the world are saying that we -- Afghans --are not capable of building an effective state, that we are not ready to pursue a democratic order, or that we are not prepared to join the modern world.
Dari Press Release / English Press Release

Declaration-English
Declaration-Dari
Declaration-Pashto

Our Must-Win War: The 'Minimalist' Path Is Wrong for Afghanistan

Later this month, the Obama administration will unveil a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan. This comes as most important indicators in Afghanistan are pointing in the wrong direction.

As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama called Afghanistan "the war we must win." He was absolutely right. Now it is time to win it -- and we and many other members of both political parties stand ready to give him our full support in this crucial fight.
Our Must-Win War: The 'Minimalist' Path Is Wrong for Afghanistan
Obama's new Afghan strategy


Allies facing Afghan 'stalemate'
Obama Seeks Vastly Expanded Afghan Security Force to Help Stabilize the Nation

U.N. says fears of unfair Afghan poll well-founded

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Opposition fears of an unfair election in Afghanistan this year are well-founded, and a rigged poll would fuel political instability and undermine support for democracy, a top U.N. envoy has warned.

Afghanistan is suffering its worst violence since U.S.-led forces toppled the Taliban in 2001, with the Islamist insurgency steadily increasing and spreading from the south and east.
U.N. says fears of unfair Afghan poll well-founded
UN envoy says donor aid is fragmenting Afghanistan


US to attend Afghan meeting in Russia
Road Map for Afghanistan

Op-Chart - The States of Iraq and Afghanistan - Op-Ed

While the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have their own particular dynamics, there is still much to learn from the comparison.
Op-Chart - The States of Iraq and Afghanistan - Op-Ed

Letters: On Torture and the Rule of Law
Obama offers Iran 'the promise of a new beginning'
Reuters - The Associated Press

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Afghanistan presidential hopefuls: List of candidates could be long

KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai, the suave, sharply dressed leader whose visage is so closely associated with Afghanistan, faces a hard road to re-election this year.
Afghanistan presidential hopefuls: List of candidates could be long
Afghanistan War ‘Absolutely Winnable,’ Top Commander Says
US spills Afghan war into Pakistan

د کانديدانو د نومليکنې لپاره نيټه اعلان شوه
تاریخ ثبت نام نامزدهای انتخابات افغانستان اعلام شد
بازنگری سیاست آمریکا در افغانستان و پاکستان

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Obama Seeks Vastly Expanded Afghan Security Force to Help Stabilize the Nation

WASHINGTON — President Obama and his advisers have decided to significantly expand Afghanistan’s security forces in the hope that a much larger professional army and national police force could fill a void left by the central government and do more to promote stability in the country, according to senior administration and Pentagon officials.
Obama Seeks Vastly Expanded Afghan Security Force to Help Stabilize the Nation