Oxfam says new U.S. strategy needed in Afghanistan

The United States must change its strategy in Afghanistan if it is to avoid a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Afghans struggling to survive and violence at its worst levels since 2001, an aid group said on Saturday.

But instead of focussing on military efforts, the United States and other donors should step up their humanitarian assistance and concentrate on long-term solutions as opposed to quick fixes, Oxfam said in its memo to Obama.
Oxfam says new U.S. strategy needed in Afghanistan - International ...
ABC News: New U.S. Strategy Needed in Afghanistan: Oxfam
Oxfam says new U.S. strategy needed in Afghanistan World Reuters

Obama backs Afghan president, reviewing strategy
Obama backs Afghan president, reviewing strategy - Yahoo! News

Claire McCaskill Lays Down Law On CEO Compensation

Senator McCaskill Slams Wall Street Over Bonuses: "These People Are Idiots"

Biden to Lead Task Force on Issues of the Middle Class

Group's Goal: Raise Standard of Living For Working Families

Biden to Lead Task Force on Issues of the Middle Class
Obama aims to boost labor, middle-class families
Wall Street Journal

Senators seeking changes to stimulus

WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans and Democrats vowed yesterday to seek significant changes to the $819 billion economic stimulus package passed by the House, foreshadowing a likely bruising debate next week on how best to end the recession.
International Herald Tribune
FACTBOC-Obama White House tightly manages message Reuters

Five Myths About the Afghanistan Escalation

As President Obama readies a plan to send more troops to Afghanistan, there's been a vigorous debate on the progressive side among those who wish to see more U.S. troops sent to Afghanistan and those who don't. On the one hand, we have a White House website that says explicitly:
Brandon Friedman: Five Myths About the Afghanistan Escalation

'Incompetent' Hamid Karzai's political future in doubt

The political future of the Afghan President will be high on the agenda for Richard Holbrooke, the new US special envoy on Pakistan and Afghanistan, who will visit the two countries for the first time in that role next week.
'Incompetent' Hamid Karzai's political future in doubt - Times Online
Democrats Have Long Called Afghanistan ‘the Central Front.' Will ...
Reuters AlertNet - FACTBOX-Possible Afghan presidential candidates

Reuters AlertNet - AFGHANISTAN: Kabul air pollution a major health ...
IRIN Asia Asia Afghanistan AFGHANISTAN: Kabul air pollution ...

Senate Once Again Passes Bill to Delay Transition to Digital TV

For the second time, the Senate unanimously passed a bill Thursday night to delay the transition to digital television by four months in order to give consumers more time to get ready.
Senate Once Again Passes Bill to Delay Transition to Digital TV
Consumers Still Urged To Get On DTV Waiting List MSNBC

President Decries 'Shameful' Bonuses For Wall St. CEOs

President Obama yesterday scolded Wall Street bankers who received millions of dollars in bonuses last year, calling the payouts "shameful" and chiding the executives for a lack of personal responsibility at a precarious time for the nation's economy.
President Decries 'Shameful' Bonuses For Wall St. CEOs
BusinessWeek - New York Times - Wall Street Journal - Reuters
Few Ways to Recover Bonuses to Bankers

Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation

WASHINGTON — President Obama signed his first bill into law on Thursday, approving equal-pay legislation that he said would “send a clear message that making our economy work means making sure it works for everybody.”

The ceremony also marked First Lady Michelle Obama’s policy debut; she spoke afterward in a reception in the State Dining Room, where she called Ms. Ledbetter “one of my favorite people.”
Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation
CNN - Reuters

A Signature With the First Lady's Hand in It

Obama said he signed the bill not only in honor of Ledbetter, "but in honor of those who came before her. Women like my grandmother who worked in a bank all her life, and even after she hit that glass ceiling, kept getting up and giving her best every day."
A Signature With the First Lady's Hand in It
View All Items in This Story

Outgoing UN envoy says US still strongest nation

UNITED NATIONS: Zalmay Khalilzad steps down as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations when Barack Obama is inaugurated on Tuesday, confident the United States even at its weakest moments remains the strongest nation in the world because of its unique combination of economic, military, political and cultural power.
Outgoing UN envoy says US still strongest nation - International ...
Outgoing U.N. envoy: United States still strongest nation ...
AP Interview: Departing US envoy to UN says even at weakest moment ...

Diplomacy and America's Purpose in the World: A Discussion with Zalmay KhalilzadOutgoing UN Envoy Says US Still Strongest Nation

Fighting Corruption From The Top In Kabul

(CBS) In a city where most government officials drive shiny new SUVs, politician Ramzan Bashardost's little car stands out, with a sign on the roof that says "I am not afraid of anyone."

"In Afghan Parliament, in Afghan justice, in Afghan court: we have corruption. The corruption becomes practically legal in Afghanistan," he said.
Fighting Corruption From The Top In Kabul

U.S. Fights Information War With Taliban
Gates Sees Long Road Ahead In Afghanistan

Dubai Ports in cautious outlook

Obama: Tough Decisions On 2 Wars Loom

(CBS/ AP) Emerging from his first Pentagon briefing as president, Barack Obama said Wednesday that his administration faces "difficult decisions" about Iraq and Afghanistan. But the new commander in chief offered no further details about his plans as the U.S. carries on wars in both countries.
Obama: Tough Decisions On 2 Wars Loom
Bush's "War On Terror" Comes To Sudden End

Outgoing UN Envoy Says US Still Strongest Nation

Gates: U.S. must avoid killing Afghan civilians

'Civilian casualties are doing us an enormous harm,' he says

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday "we are lost" unless the United States can find a way not to kill so many civilians in the pursuit of militants in Afghanistan, and that flooding the chaotic country with U.S. troops would be a disaster.

"My worry is that the Afghans come to see us as part of the problem, rather than as part of their solution. And then we are lost."
Gates: U.S. must avoid killing Afghan civilians

U.S. pays $40,000 after 15 Afghans die in raid
Analysis: Thinking small in Afghanistan
Why Gates is key to Obama's success

House passes economic stimulus bill

WASHINGTON — The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives quickly approved President Obama's $819 billion economic recovery plan Wednesday.
The vote was 244-188, mostly along party lines.

"We don't have a moment to spare," the president said earlier in the day.
House passes $819 billion stimulus bill CNN
International Herald Tribune - BBC News - The Associated Press

Obama makes stimulus pitch to business leaders
How About a Payroll Tax Stimulus? Wall Street Journal

FAREED ZAKARIA GPS: What Will Obama's Afghanistan Policy Be?

ZAKARIA: Now, pay close attention, because the man I am about to introduce could possibly be the next president of Afghanistan.

Ashraf Ghani is one of the most widely respected men in Afghanistan. He's American-educated, with a masters and a Ph.D. He served as the finance minister of Afghanistan and chief adviser to President Hamid Karzai from 2002 to 2004.

He has played key roles at the World Bank, the United Nations, and recently served as chancellor of Kabul University.
CNN.com - Transcripts
Karzai has lost legitimacy: Ashraf Ghani

Gates: U.S. must avoid killing Afghan civilians

O’Reilly: Karzai’s Concern For Civilian Causalities Is ‘Insulting’

123 Responses to “O’Reilly: Karzai’s Concern For Civilian Causalities Is ‘Insulting’”

Oh, I think Karzai DOES understand that in war, collateral damage is constantly present — he actually deals with it every day. But he also understands something O’Reilly doesn’t — that you can’t have constant collateral damage and no real damage to the intended objective and still harbor any hope of “winning the hearts and minds” of the local population.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:04 pm

Chuck Feney Says:
By O’Reilly’s standard, would he argue that the civilians dead on 9/11 were also collateral damage for US policy, and their survivors are ungrateful for the mighty American military standing on the neck of the oppressed.January 27th, 2009 at 2:06 pm

Karzai is insulting by worrying about civilian deaths - kind opf like the US worrying about citizen deaths on 9/11.
O’Reilly: Karzai’s Concern For Civilian Causalities Is ‘Insulting’

Karzai has lost legitimacy: Ashraf Ghani

WASHINGTON (PAN): Ashraf Ghani, a prospective candidate for the upcoming Afghan presidential elections later this year, Sunday said President Hamid Karzai has lost legitimacy to rule.

Ghani said the extent of corruption is massive and well documented. "This is the overall feeling (among the people). Tolerance if this weather tacitly or actively has become part of the problem," he said, adding that people do not see improvements in their lives.

"Afghan culture is very string in notions of fair play and justice. This is thousands years old. That notion of justice and fair play is deeply wounded.
CNN.com - Transcripts
The Frontier Post

Situation in Afghanistan deteriorated: White House
Afghanistan needs long term commitment: McCain

Kabul faces crisis over election delay

Afghanistan could soon face a constitutional crisis, with Hamid Karzai’s term as president of the war-torn country due to expire before new elections are held.

The president’s term ends in May under the constitution, but the Independent Election Commission said last week that polls could not be organised in time because of snow-blocked roads and security concerns.
FT.com / Asia-Pacific / Afghanistan - Kabul faces crisis over ...
Think-tank warns Afghan mission ‘faltering’ - Jan-27

Aides Say Obama’s Afghan Aims Elevate War

An election is scheduled to be held no later than the fall, under Afghanistan’s Constitution. Zalmay Khalilzad, an Afghan-American who is a former United States ambassador to the United Nations and is viewed as a possible challenger to Mr. Karzai, warned that the Obama administration must tread carefully as it recalibrated its Afghanistan policy.

“If it looks like we’re abandoning the central government and focusing just on the local areas, we will run afoul of Afghan politics,” Mr. Khalilzad said. “Some will regard it as an effort to break up the Afghan state, which would be regarded as hostile policy.”
Aides Say Obama’s Afghan Aims Elevate War - NYTimes.com
Aides say Obama to concentrate on military efforts in Afghanistan ...

Diplomacy and America's Purpose in the World: A Discussion with Zalmay Khalilzad
Outgoing UN Envoy Says US Still Strongest Nation

Obama Administration Tests New Approach to Muslim World

President Obama's administration may be placing other Middle East goals over the promotion of democracy in the region, another departure from the Bush era.
Bush Family to Leave Many Treasured Items Inside White House

Stimulus 101: What's in the bills

The plan by Obama and congressional Democrats to revive the economy is taking shape. Here's what we know so far.
Stimulus 101: What's in the bills
$825B question: How fast will it work?
GOP on stimulus: We want to be heard

Obama says country 'cannot afford inaction' on economy

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama told a group of business leaders at the White House on Wednesday that the country "cannot afford inaction or delay" on the economy at a time when people "are looking to Washington for action -- bold and swift."
In first week, Obama takes steps on ambitious agenda
Obama faces first stimulus test

Stimulus 101: What's in the bills
$825B question: How fast will it work?
GOP on stimulus: We want to be heard

Stocks stage rally

Wall Street hangs on to gains after the Fed announcement. Rally continues on optimism that the government is looking to stabilize the banking system.
Dollar Gains Versus Yen on Fed’s Resolve to Revive US Economy
MarketWatch - Reuters - BusinessWeek - Forbes

Wells Fargo Posts Loss as Wachovia Takes Toll
Wells Fargo soars despite huge loss; capital sound

Afghanistan is 'greatest' US test -- BBC

President Barack Obama's new cabinet sees Afghanistan as its "greatest military challenge", the US defence secretary has told Congress.

"President Obama has made it clear that the Afghanistan theatre should be our top overseas military priority," Mr Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Obama reaches out to Muslim world

اوباما: امريکايان د اسلامي نړۍ دښمنان نه دي
گیتس: افغانستان بزرگ ترین چالش آمریکاست
آیا فکرمی کنید که انتخاب باراک اوباما تأثیری بروضع درافغانستان وکشورهای مسلمان خواهد داشت؟
افغانستان از سخنان دبیر کل ناتو در مورد ایران حمایت کرد

On Arab TV, Obama makes overture to Muslims

WASHINGTON: Obama said he wanted to communicate to Americans "that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives"; and to Muslims "that the Americans are not your enemy."

"We sometimes make mistakes," he said, urging a return to "the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago."
On Arab TV, Obama makes overture to Muslims
Obama offers open hand to Muslims Times Online
guardian.co.uk - Reuters - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - New York Times

Obama Visits Capitol to Press Republicans on Stimulus Plan

Obama Visits Capitol to Press Republicans on Stimulus Plan

Afghan Prison Poses Problem in Overhaul of Detainee Policy

But what may be an equally difficult problem now confronts the Obama administration in the 600 prisoners packed into a cavernous, makeshift prison on the American air base at Bagram in Afghanistan.

Afghan Prison Poses Problem in Overhaul of Detainee Policy
Bagram Detention Center (Afghanistan)

Let's Rethink Military Escalation in Afghanistan Before It's Too Late

Why is our government sending an additional 30,000 US soldiers to Afghanistan? So far, not even members of the Obama administration seem able to answer this question. Last week, The Nation's Robert Dreyfuss had a chance to ask Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen why they're pushing to double our troop presence in Afghanistan.
Let's Rethink Military Escalation in Afghanistan Before It's Too Late

Gates Sets Modest Goals in Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Tuesday set forth modest goals for Afghanistan, saying that success should be defined as an Afghanistan that is not a safe haven for Al Qaeda, whose people reject the rule of Taliban insurgents and support a legitimate government.
Gates Sets Modest Goals in Afghanistan
Gates Says More Troops for Afghanistan by Summer
Afghan Prison Poses Problem in Overhaul of Detainee Policy
Gates Addresses Medical Care on the Battlefield in Afghanistan

Obama Voices Hope for Mideast Peace in Talk With Al-Arabiya TV

Obama Voices Hope for Peace in Talk With Al-Arabiya TV

Senate Approves Digital TV Delay

The Senate voted on Monday to delay next month’s transition to digital television until June 12 because some viewers would not be ready for the switch.
Senate Passes Bill to Delay Transition to Digital Television -- washingtonpost
Senate OKs 4-month delay to digital TV changeover The Associated Press
Los Angeles Times

Analysis: Thinking small in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama probably will scale back U.S. ambitions for troubled Afghanistan to redefine victory in a war that his closest military and foreign affairs advisers say cannot be won on the battlefield.
Analysis: Thinking small in Afghanistan
Torn by conflict
Nato strains

Senate Confirms Geithner As Treasury Secretary

Timothy F. Geithner was confirmed by the Senate yesterday as Treasury Secretary and will immediately face tough sledding as the Obama administration prepares to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to rescue the financial system.
Senate votes 60-34 to confirm Timothy Geithner as Treasury secretary New York Daily News
Reuters - Bloomberg - The Associated Press -
Senate confirms Geithner as treasury secretary

Nato: Afghanistan could spoil the Obama party

As Nato approaches its 60th anniversary, there are signs of tensions ahead if the concessions on security policy already put in hand by President Obama are not matched by a greater commitment to the war in Afghanistan by other member states.
Nato strains

German economy faces gloomy 2009

Germany has predicted that its economy will shrink by 2.25% in 2009, which would be its worst performance in the post-World War II era.
EU gives boost to dairy exports
Europe recovers from deadly storm

Obama must address Afghanistan crisis quickly

Can President Barack Obama succeed in that long-lamented "graveyard of empires" - a place that has crushed foreign occupiers for more than 2,000 years?
Obama must address Afghanistan crisis quickly - International ...

Sky Reporter Home: Stories, mini-documentaries, slide shows and ...

Biden: We've Inherited A Real Mess

Face The Nation: VP Says Stimulus Plan Is Off and Running, But U.S. Faces Challenges On Pak-Afghan Front, Closing Gitmo
Biden: We've Inherited A Real Mess
Face The Nation: Biden: Recovery Plan Is "Off And Running"

VP Biden: Expect More US Casualties In Afghanistan

As the U.S. military under the Obama administration increases efforts in Afghanistan and the surrounding region, there will be more American casualties, Vice President Biden said this morning on CBS' "Face the Nation."
VP Biden: Expect More US Casualties In Afghanistan
CBS, Biden: We've Inherited A Real Mess, More...

Race To Get The Afghan Army Battle-Ready

KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2009 by Elizabeth Palmer
Race To Get The Afghan Army Battle-Ready, CBS News: U.S. Training ...

Will U.S. Troops Intensify Taliban Ire?

Middle East and North Africa: Sign Treaty Banning Cluster Weapons, Human Rights Watch

The deadly weapon, which leaves behind sub-munitions that can kill for years, has been used in the region - in particular in Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Western Sahara.
Middle East and North Africa: Sign Treaty Banning Cluster Weapons

US: Steps to End Torture Set a New Course
US: Obama Expected to Order Guantanamo’s Closure
US: Obama Calls for 120-Day Halt to Guantanamo Military Commissions
US: Obama Presidency Should Reform Counter-Terror Policies

INHUMAN CALCULATIONS: Did Israel Commit War Crimes in Gaza?

Inhuman Calculations: Did Israel Commit War Crimes in Gaza?

Israel To Fight Any War Crimes Charges (CBS/AP)

The World Reacts

The day after the president's swearing-in, France's defense minister appeared to rule out sending additional troops to Afghanistan. German Chancellor Angela Merkel rather sourly wished for broad international agreement on the principle that "no single country can solve the problems of the world."
The World Reacts: Can the global euphoria over Barack Obama be used...

huffingtonpost, Richard Holbrooke Is The Wrong Man For The Job: Scott Ritter

Richard Holbrooke Is The Wrong Man For The Job: Scott Ritter ,

Read the whole story here.

Karzai Warns the US, Lack of Support May Bring New Patron

The Russian government has expressed readiness for military cooperation with Afghanistan

President Karzai warned if the U.S doesn't increase military aid, he will ask other countries for support.

کرزی در باره تجهیزات نظامی به غرب هشدار داد
نامه کرزی به کرملین، درخواست کمک یا چرخش سیاست؟
توافق آلمان و روسیه برای ارسال سلاح به افغانستان

Obama's War: Fearing Another Quagmire in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Can President Obama succeed in that long-lamented “graveyard of empires” — a place that has crushed foreign occupiers for more than 2,000 years?
Afghanistan
Special Section: The Reach of War

Big beast of US diplomacy takes on Afghanistan and Pakistan ...

Big beast of US diplomacy takes on Afghanistan and Pakistan ...
US envoy Richard Holbrooke should tread carefully in Afghanistan ...

Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton Meets Afghan Women Lawyers

Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton met today at the State Department with fourteen prominent Afghan women judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. These jurists were in Washington to participate in a training program arranged by the Department’s Public-Private Partnership for Justice Reform in Afghanistan.
Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton Meets Afghan Women Lawyers
Time for a new start on Afghanistan policy - JSOnline

U.S. 'Super Envoy' Appointment Sends Strong Signal To Afghanistan, Pakistan

Veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke sees his new assignment as the Obama administration's special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan as "daunting."
U.S. 'Super Envoy' Appointment Sends Strong Signal To Afghanistan ...
Clinton Names Veteran Negotiators As Emissaries

Russia Says It's Ready To Work With U.S. On Afghanistan

Obama pushes stimulus plan, meets economic advisers

Obama touts aid plan's impact on average Americans
Washington Post - New York Times

White House Web Site: Window Into Obama's Soul?

UN Envoy Rejects Calls For New Afghan Strategies

Karzai Urges West To Review Afghan War Strategy
Who 'Owns' Afghanistan?
Analyst Says Obama Faces Long-Term Foreign Policy Challenges

U.S. 'Super Envoy' Appointment Sends Strong Signal To Afghanistan ...

Obama ready to cut Karzai adrift -- The Independent

Some policy analysts insist it is impossible to blame the Afghan president for all his country's ills. They say the international community has been ineffective, often divided and international military effort was focused on catching terrorists, not quelling an insurgency for far too long.
Obama ready to cut Karzai adrift
Bush's 'Puppet In Kabul' Will Not Go Quietly: Patrick Cockburn
Obama orders CIA to stop torturing terror suspects

Patrick Cockburn: Bush's 'puppet in Kabul' will not go quietly

In the early years of his presidency, the US cultivated the Afghan warlords as allies, ignoring the fact that popular hostility to the warlords had been one of the causes of the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s. No doubt Karzai has been ineffectual, but would anybody else do any better?
Obama ready to cut Karzai adrift
Karzai could be ousted with US nod

UN Envoy Rejects Calls For New Afghan Strategies - Radio Free ...

Obama issues US recovery pledge

US President Barack Obama has said his administration will be held accountable for the success or failure of his economic stimulus plan.
Financial team takes shape
Guantanamo closure ordered
Obama pledges 'era of openness'

Obama appoints key hotspot envoys -- BBC

US President Barack Obama has named his two key envoys - to the Middle East, and Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Richard Holbrooke has been named envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. He brokered the 1995 deal that ended the war in the former Yugoslavia.
Obama appoints key hotspot envoys
U.S. 'Super Envoy' Appointment Sends Strong Signal To Afghanistan, Pakistan

Clinton Names Veteran Negotiators As Emissaries
Interpretation Of 'War On Terror' Poses Challenge To Obama

Afghanistan's 'Guantanamo' poses new prison problem for Barack Obama

As Guantanamo Bay prepares to close, President Barack Obama will have to deal with a new problem with suspected terrorist detainees, this time at Bagram in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's 'Guantanamo' poses new prison problem for Barack Obama
New York Times - Xinhua
Obama orders Guantanamo prison closing
EU welcomes Obama decision to close Guantanamo detention camp

Karzai hails Guantanamo closure
Obama To Order Guantanamo Closed Within A Year

Afghan girls return to school after acid attacks

Obama looks for regional allies to stabilize Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama appears set to pursue a regional diplomatic strategy as much as a military one to prevent Afghanistan and Pakistan from turning into new havens for anti-US militants.
Obama looks for regional allies to stabilize Afghanistan - Yahoo! News
Petraeus briefs Karzai on US Afghanistan surge - Yahoo! News

U.S. Investigating Reported Afghan Deaths

Report Says 2 Dozen Civilians Killed; Afghans Push For More Control Over Forces
World Watch : U.S. Troops Ready For New Afghan Mission
Afghan Children Behind Bars
Obama's Presidency A 'Promising New Era' - Afghanistan


Muslim World Has High Hopes For Obama

Obama's First Day Not "Business As Usual"

President Freezes Salaries Over $100,000, Limits Lobbyists' Access And Preps To Close Gitmo

The Obama administration announced salary freezes for White House employees making over $100,000 a year, placed new limits on lobbyists' White House access and had aides circulate a draft executive order that would close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay within a year.

Obama's Agenda: the Middle East, Economy and Ethics

Obama calls Israeli and Palestinian leaders, sets new rules limiting lobbyists' influence and freezes senior staffers' pay.
The Agenda: Mideast, Economy, Ethics Rules
Obama: 'New Era of Openness'

Clinton confirmed as secretary of state

Mrs. Clinton, who replaces Condoleezza Rice as chief diplomat, was expected to be sworn in later Wednesday. A welcome ceremony at the State Department was planned for Thursday.
Clinton Confirmed as Secretary of State

On His First Full Day in Office, Obama Tackles a List of Sobering Challenges

The president also planned to meet with top military advisers to chart a rapid troop drawdown from Iraq and a way forward in Afghanistan, and with his economic team regarding the grave financial crisis preoccupying Americans.

President Obama's First Day
On His First Full Day in Office, Obama Tackles a List of Sobering Challenges
President Freezes Pay and Tightens Ethics Rules for Staff

Obama urges unity against 'raging storms'

New First Family Leads Celebration
Who was Michelle Obama wearing?

Obama freezes all regulations pending review

Obama pledges new start with Muslims

WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama promised to improve U.S. ties with the Muslim world in his inauguration address on Tuesday, after tensions that followed the Sept. 11 attacks and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Obama pledges new start with Muslims Reuters

Barack Obama sworn in as U.S. president, calls for 'remaking of America'

Americans need to embrace a "new era of responsibility" to remake the United States in the face of military, economic and domestic challenges, U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday in his inauguration address.
Barack Obama sworn in as U.S. president, calls for 'remaking of America'
FULL TEXT: President Barack Obama's inaugural address

Bush, wife leave Washington for Texas home after 8 years in White House

Afghans subdued but hopeful as Obama takes office | Reuters

The war in Afghanistan is set to be one of Obama's first and toughest challenges as president.
Afghans subdued but hopeful as Obama takes office Reuters
Obama seeks 'new way forward' on foreign policy - Yahoo! News
Afghan president claims defense deal with Russia - Yahoo! News

A Fresh Take on Afghanistan - WSJ.com
Obama pledges new start with Muslims Reuters

Coping with a traumatised nation

At a small, white-washed building on the outskirts of Kabul, a handful of doctors try to cope with one of Afghanistan's biggest problems. Trauma nation
Obama's South Asia challenges
US 'agrees Afghan supply route'

Karzai blames allies for problems -- BBC

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has called on his international allies to change the way the "war on terror" is being fought in his country.
Trauma nation
Karzai stands up to critics
Obama's South Asia challenges
Afghan raid upsets allies
US 'agrees Afghan supply route'

Obama vows to meet US challenges -- BBC

US President Barack Obama has used his inaugural address to pledge a "new era of responsibility" in a time of crisis at home and abroad.
Obama vows to meet US challenges
Obama speech in text and video
Obama signals a new kind of American leadership

Bush tells cheering Texans 'it is good to be home'

"Tonight I have the privilege of saying six words that I have been waiting to say for a while _ it is good to be home."
Bush tells cheering Texans 'it is good to be home'

Gone to Texas: Bush returns to state he loves

WASHINGTON (AP) — Leaving the White House for the last time on Tuesday, President George W. Bush blew a kiss out the window of his presidential limousine, a gesture that capped an eight-year administration marked by two wars, recession and the biggest terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
Gone to Texas: Bush returns to state he loves
Bush tells cheering Texans 'it is good to be home'

Politics: Obama Sworn In As Nation's 44th President

Transcript: Obama's Address
President, First Lady Walk Part Of Parade Route
MAIN REPORT PAGE

Farewell to George W. Bush is smooth, but some cracks show, LAtimes
Reuters

Transcript, Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address

Following is the transcript of President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address, as transcribed by CQ Transcriptions:
Text of the Speech
Obama Is Sworn In as the 44th President (January 21, 2009)

Speech Spanned History and Confronted Bush, DAVID E. SANGER

Obama Is Sworn In as the 44th President

Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday before a massive crowd reveling in a moment of historical significance, and called on Americans to confront together an economic crisis that he said was caused by “our collective failure to make hard choices.”
Inaugural Words: 1789 to the Present
Inauguration Pictures: Readers’ Album
Text of the Speech -- Video: The Speech

AFP: NATO leader blasts Afghan government

Karzai is due for re-election this year, and observers believe an open rift with NATO could substantially weaken him ahead of yet-to-be-scheduled polls.
AFP: NATO leader blasts Afghan government
NATO leader blasts Afghan government - Yahoo! News

Russia ready to help Afghanistan in defense field_English_Xinhua

Bush Calls World Leaders on Final Day in Office

U.S. President George Bush spent his last full day in office telephoning world leaders, and saying his final good-byes to members of his staff.
Bush Calls World Leaders on Final Day in Office
Bush family bids second sad farewell to White House

Obama inauguration: How the presidency will be handed over

Obama inauguration: How the presidency will be handed over

Was Biden offered choice of two big jobs?
Biden shushes wife after secretary of state slip The Associated Press
United Press International - New York Times

Obama calls Americans to service and optimism

Why wait? D.C. parties for inauguration
Obama calls Americans to service and optimism
Buffett: U.S. enduring ‘economic Pearl Harbor’

Obama Speech Calls for 'Era of Responsibility', ABC
Obama to Call for a New Era of Responsibility, Wall Street Journal

Afghan foreign minister unhappy with Clinton

KABUL, Afghanistan – U.S. Secretary of State-designate Hillary Clinton's use of the term "narco state" to describe Afghanistan in a recent Senate testimony has caught the attention of her Afghan counterpart.

Clinton addresses Senate floor for final time AP
The Associated Press: Afghan foreign minister unhappy with Clinton
Afghan foreign minister unhappy with Clinton

Afghan president cites Russia cooperation

Afghanistan allies 'equally responsible for dire situation'

The Afghan government says its foreign allies must share the responsibility for the country's dire situation, hitting back at NATO charges that it was almost as much to blame as insurgents.
Afghan foreign minister unhappy with Clinton - Yahoo! News
Afghanistan: We Can Do Better

Military leaders to be among Obama's first priorities ...
Military Leaders to Be Among Obama’s First Priorities - NYTimes.com

Clinton signals new line on Kabul

The presidential palace in Kabul is viewing Barack Obama’s move into the White House next week with great unease.

Hillary Clinton, who is set to become US secretary of state in a matter of days, this week labelled Afghanistan a “narco-state” whose government was “plagued by limited capacity and widespread corruption”.
FT.com / US / Politics & Foreign policy - Clinton signals new line on Kabul

Clinton promises pragmatic diplomacy -
Ideology pushed aside by pragmatism -

Clinton Bids Farewell to Senate Colleagues

FORMER SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D-N.Y.): Thank you Mr. President
Clinton Bids Farewell to Senate Colleagues - washingtonpost.com
Biden and Clinton Say Goodbye to Senate - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com
Biden Bids Farewell to Senate Colleagues

Miliband regrets 'war on terror' -- BBC

The idea of a "war on terror" is a "mistake", putting too much emphasis on military force, Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said.

Writing in the Guardian, Mr Miliband said the idea had unified disparate "terrorist groups" against the West.

"Terrorism is a deadly tactic, not an institution or an ideology."

Bush backs record in final speech

President George W Bush has strongly defended his record in office in his final TV address to Americans.

Sorting Out A Clear Strategy For Afghanistan

Morning Edition, January 16, 2009 · The United States invaded Afghanistan just over seven years ago. The immediate goal — to rout the Taliban and al-Qaida from their strongholds — was achieved in good time. But that didn't mean there was a military victory.
Sorting Out A Clear StrategyFor Afghanistan

Memo To The President
MAIN REPORT PAGE

Conversations: What's Next For Afghanistan?
Will Obama Bring Change To Afghanistan, Pakistan?

Obama Supports Postponing DTV to June

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration would support a proposal in Congress to delay the nation's scheduled transition to digital-only television to June, transition co-chairman John Podesta said in a letter to Congress Friday.
Obama Supports Postponing DTV to June
Obama Reiterates Call to Delay DTV Transition

In Farewell, Bush Says He Acted in Best Interest of U.S. -- washingtonpost

Last night, President Bush said goodbye.
View All Items in This Story

Pentagon Sending Navy "Seabees" to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - About 500 Navy construction engineers will go to Afghanistan next month to build facilities for thousands of extra U.S. troops expected to deploy there in coming months, the Pentagon said on Friday.

President Bush’s Last Televised Address

Following is the prepared text of President Bush's address, as provided by the White House.
Text: President Bush’s Last Televised Address (January 15, 2009)

Bush Bids Nation Farewell VIDEO Q&A Text , washingtonpost

A Somber Bush Says Farewell to the Nation

WASHINGTON — President Bush said goodbye to the American people on Thursday night, declaring in his final address to the nation that while he had had some setbacks during his turbulent eight years in office, “I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right.”
Text: President Bush’s Last Televised Address (January 15, 2009)

Bush Ends With a Whimper, washintonpost
farewell address

Looking back, looking forward: Bush says goodbye

Looking back, looking forward: Bush says goodbye
Bush defends foreign policy in final legacy tour

Biden, Clinton Say Farewell to Senate Colleagues
Senate panel backs Clinton as secretary of state

Biden Bids Farewell to Senate Colleagues

House Democrats Present $825 Billion Stimulus Package

Democrats Finishing Up Stimulus Proposal

Afghans Feel Ill Effects of Rising Air Pollution

Morning Edition, January 15, 2009 · Air pollution in the Afghan capital of Kabul is so serious that President Hamid Karzai has declared a state of emergency.

Experts say Kabul is rapidly becoming one of the world's worst cities for air pollution, and nowhere is it more polluted than in a neighborhood near the presidential compound.
Afghans Feel Ill Effects of Rising Air Pollution

Britain urges Europe to do more in Afghanistan

Afghan President's Critics Read Much Into Biden 'Tough' Talk

The Karzai-Biden meeting in general was depicted by the sources familiar with its substance as one intended to improve bilateral cooperation that was conducted by a long-serving chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Karzai Critics Read Much Into Biden 'Tough' Talk - RadioFreeEurope ...
Afghan President's Critics Read Much Into Biden 'Tough' Talk , 15 ...

Biden: Afghanistan war will get worse

WASHINGTON - Freshly returned from a tour of war zones and global hotspots, Vice President-elect Joe Biden told President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday that "things are going to get tougher" in Afghanistan.
Biden: Afghanistan war will get worse

Top Afghan general killed in helicopter crash

KABUL, Afghanistan - A top Afghan army general was killed Thursday in a helicopter crash in western Afghanistan, and two British troops died in a blast in the country's south, officials said.
Biden: Afghanistan war will get worse
Newsweek: Adm. Mullen on Pakistan, Afghanistan
Inside Afghanistan

Bush says goodbye looking back and forward

WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush's farewell speech is more than a goodbye to the nation that elected him twice. It is his last chance in office to define his tumultuous presidency in his own, unfiltered terms — a mission that will keep his fire burning even after he fades off to a quieter life.
Bush to Say Goodbye to Nation Tonight
Bush holds final news conference

On the record with Pres. Bush, First Lady Laura Bush

Clinton Expresses Plans For New World Approach

NPR.org, January 13, 2009 · Secretary of State nominee Hillary Clinton began Tuesday to outline some of the incoming Obama administration's plans for dealing with some of the nation's biggest international challenges.
Clinton Expresses Plans For New World Approach

Bush Will Soon Call Dallas 'Home' Again

President George W. Bush's Legacy

Bush's Last Press Conference -- washingtonpost

In his last scheduled press conference, President Bush started off this morning with some kind words for the press corps. "I'm interested in answering some of your questions, but mostly I'm interested in saying thank you for the job," he said.
White House Briefing: The Bush Verdict Is In
Bush's Last Press Conference
Bush's End Days
The Bush Verdict Is In

Afghan Conflict Will Be Reviewed

Instead, Obama's national security team expects that the new deployments, which will nearly double the current U.S. force of 32,000 (alongside an equal number of non-U.S. NATO troops), will help buy enough time for the new administration to reappraise the entire Afghanistan war effort and develop a comprehensive new strategy for what Obama has called the "central front on terror."
Obama team to review Afghanistan conflict: paper
U.S. Construction in Afghanistan Sign of Long Commitment

Israel faces heat over white phosphorus

GENEVA - The comments came after a human-rights organization accused the Jewish state of using the incendiary agent, which ignites when it strikes the skin and burns straight through or until it is cut off from oxygen. It can cause horrific injuries.

Council on Foreign Relations Crisis Guide: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Great wealth of Afghan elite sows bitterness

Seven years after the fall of the Taliban and the establishment of a civilian-led, internationally backed government, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with rates of unemployment, illiteracy, infant mortality and malnutrition on a par with the most impoverished nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Most homes lack light, heat and running water; most babies are born at home and without medical help.

Now, according to U.N. figures, the populace is getting even poorer. A combination of drought, soaring food prices, scarce jobs and meager wages has meant that about 5 million Afghans -- far more than in any recent year -- are slated to receive emergency food aid. Many families spend up to 80 percent of their income on food.
Wealthy Afghan elite sows bitterness
Inside Afghanistan
Obama: U.S. will not torture

جسد داوود خان رسماً به خاک سپرده می شود -- BBC

مقامهای افغان می گویند مراسم رسمی به خاکسپاری جسد محمد داوود، نخستین رئیس جمهوری این کشور و اعضای خانواده او را به زودی برگزار می کنند
شناسایی جسد نخستین رییس جمهوری افغانستان
'شناسایی' اجساد اعضای خانواده داوود خان
جمهوری افغانستان سی و پنج ساله شد

English takes hold in Afghanistan -- BBC

Impoverished Afghanistan is slowly reopening itself to the world and English has become the key.
What's in a sign?

Viewpoint: The end of the neocons? BBC

Jonathan Clarke, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs looks back at the rise and fall of the neocons, who encouraged George Bush to invade Iraq.
Bye bye neocons

Study: Can more sleep help fight off colds?

Are you getting enough sleep? If not, it could be hurting your health. A new study suggests that people who lose just a bit of sleep, or those who have poor quality sleep, are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a cold virus than those who get more shut-eye.

Poor Sleep Before Rhinovirus Exposure Linked to Lower Resistance ... Medscape
Reuters - U.S. News & World Report - Washington Post

BOND REPORT: Treasurys Down After Bernanke Says Fed May Buy U.S. Debt

Treasury prices were little changed Tuesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said more government action would be needed to strengthen the financial system.

Bush Awards Freedom Medals to Three U.S. Allies in Terror War

Former Australian Leader John Howard Accepts Medal of Freedom

U.N. council backs Ban at start of Gaza peace trip

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council gave its backing to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as he set off on Tuesday for a weeklong Middle East trip to try to bring about a ceasefire in the 18-day-old conflict in Gaza.

Clinton Says U.S. Must Not ‘Give Up’ on Mideast Peace

U.S. Construction in Afghanistan Sign of Long Commitment

The Army is building $1.1 billion worth of military bases and other facilities in Afghanistan and is planning to start an additional $1.3 billion in projects this year, according to Col. Thomas E. O'Donovan, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan District.

U.S. Construction in Afghanistan Sign of Long Commitment ...
Obama agrees to major US force increase in Afghanistan: report ...

How US tries to limit civilian deaths in Afghanistan

A record number of US troops – and Afghan civilians – died in 2008. Frustration mounts over fighting Taliban insurgents among villagers.

How US tries to limit civilian deaths in Afghanistan - Yahoo! News
Letters - What Are Our Goals in Afghanistan?

The Aimless War: Why Are We in Afghanistan?

The Aimless War: Why Are We in Afghanistan? - TIME
The Aimless War: Why Are We in Afghanistan? - Yahoo! News
Major Push Is Needed to Save Afghanistan, General Says

Bush Takes Farewell Flight to Honor Dad

Bush Takes Farewell Flight to Honor Dad
A presidential welcome for USS George H.W. Bush - Yahoo! News

U.S. VP-elect Biden meets leaders in Afghanistan

KABUL (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden met Afghan President Hamid Karzai and military leaders on Saturday in Afghanistan, which will become a top foreign policy priority of the new administration.
U.S. VP-elect Biden meets leaders in Afghanistan Reuters
Biden in Afghanistan to meet leaders - Yahoo! News

د اوباما مرستيال جو بايډن کابل ته تللی دی
جو بایدن معاون اوباما وارد کابل شد

برف سنگین و گرسنگی در افغانستان
'9 میلیون نفر' در افغانستان به کمک غذایی نیاز دارند
نشریات کابل: شنبه ۲۱ جدی

US VP-elect Biden promises help in Afghan visit

Biden meets leaders in Afghanistan
US VP-elect Biden promises help in Afghan visit

Bush, issue by issue
IG Faults Oversight Of Security Contractors: State Dept. Might Have Violated Rules
Analysis: Bush legacy _ grim times, gloomy nation

Obama Says Stimulus Will Redound to Private Sector

President-elect Barack Obama, seeking to quiet concerns that his economic stimulus package would lead to an unsustainable expansion of the public workforce, said today that 90 percent of the 3 to 4 million jobs created or saved by his plan would be in the private sector.
Obama Emphasizes Benefits of Stimulus Plan

Biden Arrives in Afghanistan to Discuss War

KABUL, Afghanistan — Mr. Biden and Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, met Gen. David D. McKiernan, the top commander here, and William B. Wood, the American ambassador, before a visit with American troops. They met later with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan.
Major Push Is Needed to Save Afghanistan, General Says
Letters - What Are Our Goals in Afghanistan?
The Afghan Quagmire

U.S. Rejected Aid for Israeli Raid on Iranian Nuclear Site

An unnecessary war -- By Jimmy Carter

I know from personal involvement that the devastating invasion of Gaza by Israel could easily have been avoided.An unnecessary war

Miami Herald Latin Americans leaders slam Israel over actions in Gaza - 41 mins ago
ABC Online Gaza propaganda war - 1 hr ago

Stocks knocked by recession fears

Wall Street slumps after weak job reports, company profit warnings and slumping oil prices.
Stocks knocked by recession fears
Democrats: Stimulus by mid-February

Tracing The Highs And Lows Of The Bush Presidency

Tracing The Highs And Lows Of The Bush Presidency
Undecided We Stand: Debating Bush's Legacy

Israel bombs Gaza into the night -- BBC

Israeli planes leafleted southern Gaza by day, warning of imminent attacks, and the sounds of war could be heard from the border by nightfall.

Nearly 700 Palestinian and 11 Israeli lives are said to have been lost since the offensive began 12 days ago.
Vatican deplores Gaza situation
Israel bombards Gaza, US backs ceasefire plan Reuters
Jerusalem Post, The Associated Press

Playing for keeps -- By Michael O'Hanlon

Collapse especially burdens those who serve
Playing for keeps - Opinion - USATODAY.com

To Serve Twin Needs, White House Unveils a China Accord

The Bush White House has adopted a two-china policy.

Laura Bush unveiled not one but two new sets of china yesterday:

Gates says Afghan surge may cost $5.5 billion in fiscal 09

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates has told Congress that a planned buildup of U.S. forces in Afghanistan could add $5.5 billion to U.S. war costs in the current federal fiscal year, officials said on Wednesday.
Gates says Afghan surge may cost $5.5 billion in FY09
Gates estimates 2009 war costs at $136 billion

Presidents Past, Present and Future

President-elect Barack Obama met in the Oval Office today with President Bush and three former occupants of the White House: former Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.
Obama Has Lunch With 4 Presidents

Obama Says He Will Seek to Rein In Retiree Spending
Obama Is Reported Set to Revise Counterterrorism Efforts

The Afghan Quagmire
Grief and Rage at Stricken Gaza School

Biden to Head to Asia for Congressional Trip

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Joe Biden is heading to Southwest Asia just days before becoming vice president, a visit that signals the new administration's plans to make the troubled region an immediate priority.

To protect his security Biden aides won't say which countries he plans to visit, but the geographic description suggests destinations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan or India.
Biden to Head to Asia for Congressional Trip

Bomb, Negotiate, Repeat: The Long War in Afghanistan

Israel: Gaza Ground Offensive Raises Laws of War Concerns

(Jerusalem) – As an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza gets underway, both Israeli and Palestinian forces must address heightened civilian protection concerns because of likely combat in densely populated urban areas, Human Rights Watch said today.
Israel: Gaza Ground Offensive Raises Laws of War Concerns
Israel: Allow Media and Rights Monitors Access to Gaza

Days of War, Days of Rage, SPIEGEL

Obama says US economy 'very sick' -- BBC

US President-elect Barack Obama has described America's economy as "very sick" and has said that the situation was worsening.

US media reports say he is planning a stimulus package worth more than $800bn (£551bn), including $300bn of tax cuts.

"We have to act and act now to break the momentum of this recession.
No comment

Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens -- BBC

Aid agencies say the already fragile humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has deteriorated dramatically since Israel began its military offensive.
Gaza conflict: Reaction in quotes
Who is a civilian?

2008 A Deadly Year For Afghan Civilians

Weekend Edition Sunday, January 4, 2009 · Last year was the most violent year in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban, with civilians often paying the highest price. About 1,200 men, women and children considered non-combatants were killed in 2008.

"Afghans are very, very angry, but surprisingly, their anger is directed mainly at Western forces because many people here believe the West is leaving a trail of innocent victims in their war on terror," Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, who reports for NPR from Afghanistan, tells Liane Hansen.

Afghanistan Is Not Iraq. It’s Harder.

Afghan corruption: Everything for sale

KABUL: When it comes to governing this violent, fractious land, everything, it seems, has its price. Want to be a provincial police chief? It will cost you $100,000.

People pay bribes for large things, and for small things, too: to get electricity for their homes, to get out of jail, even to enter the airport.
Afghan corruption: Everything for sale - International Herald Tribune

Obama Considers Major Expansion in Aid to Jobless

Obama Considers Major Expansion in Aid to Jobless
Obama Plan Includes $300 Billion in Tax Cuts

Pentagon Chief Sees Opportunities In Russia and the War on Terrorism

But Gates told Rose that he sees opportunities in new dealings with Moscow. "Russia, for example, supported the renewal of the U.N. resolution on Afghanistan," he emphasized. "Russia is very worried about the drugs coming out of Afghanistan and has been supportive in terms of providing alternative routes for Europeans in particular to get equipment and supplies into Afghanistan."
Obama picks former Clinton aide Panetta for CIA
Panetta to Be Named C.I.A. Director, Newsweek - NPR
Gaza Hospital Fills Up, Mainly With Civilians

Obama Launches Stimulus Campaign on Hill

Obama seeks major tax cuts in stimulus plan

جبهه ملی افغانستان حملات اسرائیل به غزه را محکوم کرد

جبهه ملی افغانستان، عمده ترین تشکل متنقد دولت افغانستان که اکثر اعضای آن را مجاهدین سابق تشکیل می دهند، حملات اسرائیل به غزه را محکوم کرده و خواستار توقف فوری آن شده اند.
برهان الدین ربانی، رهبر جبهه ملی گفت که شورای امنیت سازمان ملل متحد و کشورهای اسلامی باید در زمینه جلوگیری از ادامه این حملات، اقدامات جدی را روی دست گیرند.
نگاهی به جنگ تبلیغاتی اسرائیل با حماس
تظاهرات ضد اسرائیلی در افغانستان
نشریات کابل: دوشنبه شانزده جدی

Diplomats Urge Mideast Truce
Bush Blames Hamas for Starting Gaza Conflict