Swine Influenza and You - Questions & Answers

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? -- The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu? -- First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. -- Swine Influenza and You

Swine Influenza and You - Questions & Answers - Swine Flu - -

WHO Swine influenza frequently asked questions

FT.com / Comment / Editorial - War on the cheap

Let us be clear. There are huge problems with strategy towards Afghanistan. Local political development is warped by corruption and warlordism, but also by most economic development being in the hands of NGOs and foreign aid agencies. It is hard to see how the fight against the Taliban and its al-Qaeda allies can be combined successfully with a losing war on drugs.
War on the cheap, FT

FT.com / Comment / Editorial - War on the cheap

Afghan Presidential hopeful promises Taliban talks‎
Soft diplomacy: Afghan Presidential hopeful promises Taliban talks ...

Afghanistan needs help in fight against corruption

(AP) — WASHINGTON (AP) ? The United States must do more to help Afghanistan battle the corruption undermining critical programs to rebuild the war-torn country, a top government watchdog said Thursday.
Afghanistan needs help in fight against corruption - NewsFlash ...

Afghanistan Needs Help in Fight Against Corruption, Times
Report: Afghanistan needs help fighting corruption

جلیل زلاند، آواز خوان و آهنگساز افغان درگذشت
د ګل اغا شېرزي استعفا ونه منل شوه

Interrogation Results Prompt Scrutiny Of Methods -- NPR

Morning Edition, April 30, 2009 · This is a story about two interrogation programs — one run by the U.S. military, the other run by the CIA. Interrogation Results Prompt Scrutiny Of Methods

Report: U.S. Considered Outsourcing Interrogation

Report: Afghanistan needs help fighting corruption

WASHINGTON -- The United States must do more to help Afghanistan battle the corruption undermining critical programs to rebuild the war-torn country, a top government watchdog said Thursday.

Since 2002, the United States has committed nearly $33 billion for reconstruction projects in Afghanistan. Nearly half that money has gone for rebuilding the country's army and police forces. Report: Afghanistan needs help fighting corruption

Report: Afghanistan needs help fighting corruption
Gates urges Congress to approve war money fast

روزنامه های کابل:۱۰ ثور، انتخابات ریاست جمهوری

US sees spike in Afghanistan, Pakistan attacks

WASHINGTON -- Terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan have risen sharply as extremists have consolidated and expanded operations, according to the government and independent analysts. US sees spike in Afghanistan, Pakistan attacks

Taliban threatens wave of attacks against US surge
Obama injects message of hope into 100-day speech - LATimes

Report: U.S. Considered Outsourcing Interrogation, npr

Obama Emphasizes Sharp Departures From Bush Policies -- washingtonpost

"I'm pleased with the progress we've made, but I'm not satisfied," Obama told the cheering crowd at Fox Senior High School. "I'm confident in the future, but I'm not content with the present." Obama's Opening Remarks: First 100 Days

Obama Details DeparturesFrom Bush-Era Policies
The Fix: First Thoughts Q&A Transcript 44
View All Items in This Story

Op-Ed Contributor: Falling Short on Afghanistan

A just-released report from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Finance has produced some shocking findings with disturbing implications for the future of the war-ridden country and its unstable neighborhood. Yet the report and its conclusions have failed to capture the attention of the key politicians overseeing financial and military support from Afghanistan’s allies.
Op-Ed: Afghanistan
Editorial: One Hundred

Obama ‘Gravely Concerned’ About Pakistan
Obama Says Pakistan Internal Threat Grave

Obama ‘Gravely Concerned’ About Pakistan -- NYTimes

WASHINGTON — President Obama said Wednesday that he was “gravely concerned” about the stability of the Pakistani government but that he was confident Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal would not fall into the hands of Islamic militants. Obama ‘Gravely Concerned’ About Pakistan
Obama’s First 100 Days: Then and Now

Transcript: President Obama’s 100th-Day Press Briefing (April 29, 2009)

Editorial: 100 Days
An Interview With President Obama

Obama's First Hundred Days: By The Numbers

Here's a hundred days piece that requires no heavy lifting. I won't burden you with policy initiatives, political analysis or psychological speculation. Obama By The Numbers

Your Obama Predictions Revealed
House Passes $3.4T Obama Budget

Taliban Threatens More Violence in Afghanistan

A top Taliban commander warned Wednesday that militants will carry out a wave of ambushes, suicide attacks and bombings in a new offensive against international troops.

'Afghanistan needs German help on opium war'‎

Obama welcomes Australia's decision to increase troops to Afghanistan Xinhua
Poppies a Target in Fight Against Taliban New York Times
guardian.co.uk - Washington Post - ABC Online - AFP

WHO raises pandemic alert level -- BBC

The UN's World Health Organization has raised the alert over swine flu to level five - one short of a full-blown global epidemic, or pandemic. A phase five alert means human-to-human transmission in at least two countries. WHO raises pandemic alert level

WHO chief says 'all of humanity' under threat if swine flu becomes a pandemic

درجه هشدار جهانی نسبت به آنفلوآنزای خوکی بالا رفت

U.S. Sets Fight in the Poppies to Stop Taliban -- NYTimes

U.S. Sets Fight in the Poppies to Stop Taliban

Afghanistan Cancels Public Celebration of Holiday: Officials Said To Be Concerned About Attacks

KABUL, April 28 -- The streets of the Afghan capital were deserted Tuesday in a tense, silent observance of an annual holiday that evokes an era of patriotic heroism for some Afghans and a period of brutal, devastating civil war for others.

Today, after five years of extremist Taliban rule and seven years of democracy, numerous senior leaders of the old, anti-Soviet militias hold positions of political and economic power. None has ever been held to account for the death and destruction of the early 1990s, and some are reported to have become wealthy through drug trafficking and smuggling schemes.

"To me this is the day that destroyed everything," Abdul Aziz, a Justice Ministry official and university professor, said Tuesday. "There are two dark days in the recent history of Afghanistan: the day the communists came, and today."

Safia Saddiqui, a legislator from eastern Afghanistan, said the only reason the holiday continues to be held is because so many ex-mujaheddin still retain powerful posts. "If they weren't in the government, I don't think the people would want to celebrate," she said.
Afghanistan Cancels Public Celebration of Holiday: Officials Said To Be Concerned About Attacks

Saudi prince says Taliban leader could be US ally‎ -- Washington Times

Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal on Sunday recommended that the Obama administration work with a top Taliban leader who is behind suicide attacks in Afghanistan and was the likely target of a U.S. missile strike just last fall.

Brent Scowcroft, national security adviser to President Gerald Ford and President George H.W. Bush, also urged the U.S. to negotiate with some members of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, during remarks following Prince Turki's. Saudi prince says Taliban leader could be US ally‎
Saudi says Pakistan can survive Taliban - Washington Times
Saudi says Pakistan can survive Taliban - Washington Times, page2

Taliban Advance in Pakistan Prompts Shift by U.S. - washingtonpost

Report: Most Americans in Areas With Unhealthy Air

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Sixty percent of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air pollution levels, despite a growing green movement and more stringent laws aimed at improving air quality, the American Lung Association said in a report released Wednesday.
Report: Most Americans in Areas With Unhealthy Air

Amnesty: Obama Sends Mixed Message on Human Rights

LONDON (AP) -- An Amnesty International report said Obama's administration had made some important decisions on torture and human rights in his first hundred days in office, but more needs to be done, especially at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Amnesty: Obama Sends Mixed Message on Human Rights

Obama Aims To Change World Perceptions Of U.S., NPR

Obama Orders Review of $329000 Air Force Flight Over New York

April 29 (Bloomberg) -- President Barack Obama ordered a review of the decision giving the go-ahead to a $329,000 publicity-photo shoot over New York City with one of the planes that serves as Air Force One.
Obama Orders Review of $329000 Air Force Flight Over New York

Official May Be Fired for Authorizing NY Flyover Washington Post
New York Times - Kansas City Star - The Associated Press

Republican senator switches party -- BBC

Mr Specter, a moderate, said that since he joined the Republicans in 1980 the party had "moved far to the right". "I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," he said in a statement announcing the switch. Republican senator switches party
سناتور جمهوریخواه آمریکا به حزب دموکرات پیوست

نبرد طالبان و ارتش پاکستان دهها هزار نفر را آواره کرده است
Tight security at Afghan ceremony
درخواست برای پیگرد 'شیخ شکنجه‌گر' در امارات
حامد کرزی نامزد انتخابات ریاست جمهوری افغانستان است

'Too late' to contain swine flu -- BBC

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs.
What is swine flu?

Q&A What swine flu is, and how its spread can be prevented

Obama initiates sweeping foreign policy changes

WASHINGTON -- In just 100 days, President Barack Obama has broken the American foreign policy mold. Obama initiates sweeping foreign policy changes

President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office

How Not to Lose Afghanistan - Room for Debate Blog

Barack Obama has said that his priority in the war on terrorism is Afghanistan, and is poised to increase troop levels there, perhaps by as many as 30,000. How should the United States deal with growing strength of the Taliban? Is increasing troop levels enough?

How Not to Lose Afghanistan - Room for Debate Blog

Pakistani leader: Bin Laden 'may be dead' _ or not

Pakistan army presses militants -- BBC

The Pakistani military is continuing to target militants in the north-west amid Western concerns over Taleban activity in the region. Pakistan army presses militants
Pakistan Taleban talks 'halted'
Shaky Sharia deal

US Lawmakers Weigh Plan to Speed Aid to Pakistan

Gordon Brown: crucible of terror threatening British streets Telegraph.co.uk
Reuters - Daily Times - BBC News - Washington Post

Brown takes new strategy to Afghanistan, Pakistan

CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Gordon Brown flew to Afghanistan and Pakistan on Monday touting a new security strategy for the region as international alarm spreads over Taliban advances.
Brown takes new strategy to Afghanistan, Pakistan

Afghan's Karzai says will amend controversial law

Why so many Americans switch religions - Christian Science Monitor

A new Pew survey suggests that many Catholics leave their church because of doctrine, whereas Protestants tend to leave because of life changes such as marriage. Why so many Americans switch religions

Poll says Half of all Americans Change Religious Affiliation Voice of America
Survey: Half of US adults have switched religions USA Today
Atlanta Journal Constitution - Washington Post - Christian Post - Boston Globe

Obama Says Swine Flu is Cause for Concern, Not Panic

President Obama says the United States is closely monitoring the spread of the new flu strain.
Obama Says Swine Flu is Cause for Concern, Not Panic

British PM Meets with Afghan President in Kabul

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul to discuss a new strategy to fight what he calls the "crucible of terrorism" in the mountainous border district with Pakistan. British PM Meets with Afghan President in Kabul‎

Australia Urged to Boost Military Commitment in Afghanistan
سفر صدراعظم برتانیه به کابل جهت مذاکره با کرزی
کاندیدای کرزی برای انتخاب مجدد

Opinion: The Vietnam War lesson we must remember when Afghanistan votes

Saigon's rigged presidential election undermined U.S. efforts decades ago; similar corruption in Kabul can only aid the Taliban today.
The Vietnam War lesson we must remember when Afghanistan votes ...

Rural Afghan women hungry for school‎

WHO Raises Pandemic Flu Alert Level to Phase 4

MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexico says the World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu by one level, two steps short of declaring a full-blown pandemic.
WHO Raises Pandemic Flu Alert Level to Phase 4

Congress to Probe Swine Flu Outbreak

Karzai confirms re-election bid -- BBC

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has confirmed publicly for the first time that he is going to stand for re-election in August. Karzai confirms re-election bid
UK PM visits Afghanistan troops

Gender division

ملي شورا: بهرني ځواکونه دې ملکيان نه وژني
تاکید براون به مبارزه با تروریسم در سفر به افغانستان

Obama leading US ideological shift

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Far more than anything else, President Barack Obama's first 100 days have been marked by an ideological shift to traditional Democratic policies in tackling the U.S. recession. On foreign policy, Obama has pushed for a more accommodating U.S. diplomacy.
Obama leading US ideological shift

Obama's new signature on policies -- tweaked or switched USA Today
President Obama recently released CIA documents on "enhanced ... CNN
AFP - Christian Science Monitor - Boston Herald

World Bank demands poverty action -- BBC

The head of the World Bank has warned of a "human catastrophe" in the world's poorest countries unless more is done to tackle the global economic crisis. The World Bank says an extra 50 million people are at risk of extreme poverty.
World Bank demands poverty action

Embassy of Afghanistan Legislative Update for March 2009

At this crucial moment in time, the Embassy of Afghanistan is actively engaging the U.S. Congress to provide the resources and commitment necessary to successfully rebuild Afghanistan. As part of these efforts, we will provide regular updates on legislative activity pertinent to Afghanistan and the region. / Embassy of Afghanistan Newsletter
embassyofafghanistan.org

Afghanistan submits National Civilian Surge Plan to US
Looted Afghan treasure to go on show - Telegraph
Clinton: job creation is key to Afghan stability - Forbes.com

Karzai signed law not knowing contents-campaigners

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai told women activists Sunday he had signed a law that caused an international outcry over its effect on women's rights because he had not read it properly, the activists said. Karzai signed law not knowing contents-campaigners International ...

Afghanistan counter-drug officials destroy 6.5 tons of drugs ...
Karzai signed law not knowing contents-campaigners

ANALYSIS - Split Afghan opposition helps Karzai's chances‎

KABUL (Reuters) - Supporters and foes of Afghan President Hamid Karzai agree on one thing: his rivals must unite to have any hope of mounting a serious challenge in an upcoming presidential poll, and that looks increasingly unlikely.
ANALYSIS - Split Afghan opposition helps Karzai's chances‎

Karzai signed law not knowing contents: campaigners‎
Karzai signed law not knowing contents-campaigners International ...

Pentagon preps for years in Afghanistan

U.S. Steps Up Alert as More Swine Flu Is Found

The United States declared a "public health emergency" yesterday as countries from New Zealand to Scotland investigated suspected cases of illness that they feared might be a strain of swine flu that has been identified in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
U.S. Steps Up Alert as More Swine Flu Is Found

What You Need to Know MAP: Cases in U.S.
Fears of Pandemic Grow Full Coverage

Amid US criticism, Pakistan again battles Taliban

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan sent helicopter gunships and troops to attack Taliban militants in a district covered by a peace deal after strong U.S. pressure on the nuclear-armed nation to confront insurgents advancing in its northwest.
Amid US criticism, Pakistan again battles Taliban

Holbrooke's Growing Orbit

Misconceptions About the Interrogation Memos -- Wall Street Journal

Military and CIA interrogators are trained to use creative means of deception, and to play on detainee emotions and fears. This can be a nasty business. People unfamiliar with it, therefore, might even view a perfectly legitimate interrogation of a prisoner of war that is in full compliance with the Geneva Conventions as abhorrent by its very nature.

Advisers Pressed On Memo Fallout Washington Post
Feinstein Calls for Calm so Congress Can Investigate Interrogation ... FOXNews
Washington Times - Wall Street Journal - The Associated Press
President Obama recently released CIA documents on "enhanced ... CNN

Russia military spy boss 'sacked' -- BBC

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has dismissed the head of the country's powerful GRU military intelligence service, the Kremlin has said.
Russia military spy boss 'sacked'

World moves to contain flu spread

Governments around the world rush to contain a new flu virus suspected of killing more than 100 people in Mexico.
World moves to contain flu spread
'I couldn't get out of bed'

U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency Over Swine Flu

U.S. health officials said that they had confirmed 20 cases of swine flu in the country and expected to see more as investigators track the path of the outbreak.
U.S. Declares Public Health Emergency Over Swine Flu

Flu Outbreak Raises a Set of Questions

Holding of presidential election a daunting challenge for Afghan gov't‎

KABUL, April 25 (Xinhua)-- As the registration of candidates for the Afghan presidential election began Saturday, security is being tipped as a daunting challenge that could undermine the transparency of this historic event in the post-Taliban nation.
Holding of presidential election a daunting challenge for Afghan gov't‎

روزنامه های کابل: ۶ ثور، آغاز ثبت نام نامزدان انتخابات

د نورستان ځينې ولسوالۍ له طالبانو سره دي -- BBC

د نورستان د ولايتي شورا غړي وايي د دغه ولايت يو شمېر ولسوالۍ طالبانو نيولې او په وينايې دغه ولايت د حکومت له ولکې نه د وتو له ګواښ سره مخامخ دی
خو د نورستان حکومتي چارواکي دغه څرګندونې په کله ردوي او هغه بې بنسټه بولي
رحمت الله راشدي چې ځان د نورستان د ولايتي شورا مشر بولي وايي چې د دغه ولايت يو شمېر ولسوالۍ طالبانو نيولې او ځينې نورې يې هم کلابندې دي
د نورستان ځينې ولسوالۍ له طالبانو سره دي

آموزش و پرورش افغانستان؛ مشکلات از هر سو

A top US health official warns the disease could claim American lives

The international community is better prepared than ever to deal with the threatened spread of a new swine flu virus, a top UN health chief has said.
A top US health official warns the disease could claim American lives

World 'well prepared' for virus
World Health Organization: No evidence to suggest we are dealing with bio-terrorism

Swine flu outbreak has pandemic potential, warns UN health agency

25 April 2009 – The head of the United Nations health agency today warned that the recent outbreak of a deadly new strain of the flu virus, known as swine flu, reported in parts of Mexico and the United States, has the potential to become a pandemic.
Swine flu outbreak has pandemic potential, warns UN health agency
UN food agency to reach out to 9 million Afghans in 2009

Anti-racism report adopted despite 'disinformation' campaign – UN rights chief

A Foot Extended in Friendship

Instead of using words, Overbye uses one simple tool -- a soccer ball -- to forge relationships and strengthen military efforts in an area plagued by conflict and poverty.
A Foot Extended in Friendship: To Aid Afghan Children Tormented by War and Poverty,...

Is It Torture?: The Answer Lies in What We Want to Be
Ronald Reagan, Revised

Using force to suppress Afghan tribesmen is bound to fail‎

Obama's Health Fine After Trip to Mexico

''The president's trip to Mexico has not put his health in any danger,'' said spokesman Robert Gibbs. Obama's Health Fine After Trip to Mexico

Mexican States With Swine Flu Outbreaks
WHO Declares International Concern Over Swine Flu

A Glance a Past Flu Pandemics

CIA reportedly declined to closely evaluate harsh interrogations -- Los Angeles Times

Current and former US officials say the failure to carefully examine the value of 'enhanced' methods such as waterboarding -- despite calls to do so as early as 2003 -- was part of a broader trend. CIA reportedly declined to closely evaluate harsh interrogations

Spies Come Out to Criticize Memos' Release ABC News
Inside accounts of interrogation approval differ The Associated Press
msnbc.com - Chicago Tribune - Washington Post - Wall Street Journal

Swine flu outbreak declared 'public health emergency'

Mexico reports 1,300 suspected cases, including as many as 81 deaths, and takes steps to quarantine and forcibly treat patients. The U.S. confirms 11 cases, with eight more suspected.
Swine flu outbreak declared 'public health emergency' Los Angeles Times

Bloomberg - Reuters - Houston Chronicle - USA Today
Suspect Mexico flu toll hits 81 -- BBC News

Mexico flu 'a potential pandemic' -- BBC

A new flu virus suspected of killing as many as 81 people in Mexico has the potential to become a pandemic, the World Health Organization's chief says. Mexico flu 'a potential pandemic'
UK monitoring outbreak
Mexico flu: Your experiences

World Health Organization

شمار تلفات آنفلوآنزا به 81 نفر رسید

Afghan poets tackle scars of war -- BBC

The violence in Afghanistan and the Pashtun-inhabited parts of Pakistan is making itself felt on the cultural and social life of the Pashtuns.

Pashtuns (also known as Pathans, Pakhtuns or Afghans) are increasingly writing poems about the "ill fate" of their nation and the new dynamics of violence in their homeland.

It is powerful language, and reflects a strong poetic tradition in a culture that is evolving with the times. "That is why Pashto poets are writing about violence in one way or another."

Pashtuns are famous for their proud warrior tradition, but suicide attacks have never been part of it. The first suicide attack in Afghanistan, by Arabs, occurred in 2001 but the tactic remained rare until 2005. Poetry and pain

ANALYSIS: Strategy needs ‘fundamental change'‎

A “fundamental change” is needed in the US-Pakistan relationship to stem the rise of extremism in Pakistan by rebuilding trust between the allies, analysts said on Thursday.

Rather than the regional strategy advocated by the Obama administration to deal jointly with Afghanistan and Pakistan, Barno said the US should have a separate plan for Pakistan.
ANALYSIS: Strategy needs ‘fundamental change'‎

US-Pakistan Strategy Needs "Fundamental Change" - Analysts

Afghan Official Says Mosques To Be Used To Fight Illiteracy‎

KABUL -- Afghanistan said at the opening of the United Nations' Global Campaign for Education on April 22 that mosques will be used to promote education in the country, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan reports.
Afghan Official Says Mosques To Be Used To Fight Illiteracy‎

Afghan Official Says Mosques To Be Used To Fight Illiteracy

Fredrik Hiebert, Archaeologist

He rediscovered the lost Bactrian gold in Afghanistan in 2004 and is currently the curator of National Geographic's exhibition Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul touring the major museums in the United States and internationally.
Fredrik Hiebert, Archaeologist Information, Facts, News, Photos ...

Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul
Fred Hiebert Featured On NPR: Afghanistan's Hidden Treasures on Display in D.C.

Destroying Afghan opium crop: But does it help?‎

SHEWAN, Afghanistan, April 25 (Reuters) - Big red tractors plough through lush fields, ripping up white and pink opium poppy blossoms alongside a stretch of highway in western Afghanistan guarded by U.S. and Afghan troops.

"You can knock all the fields down, but you've got to give them something else because now you'll just turn them against you. You just took food out their kid's mouth ... most of these people are pretty poor," Burden added.

Destroying Afghan opium crop: But does it help?‎

The Great Game: Afghanistan‎ -- The Guardian

The Great Game and which cover Afghan history from 1842 to the present. Over the next few weeks they will be accompanied by films, exhibitions and discussions. And, having seen the dozen core dramas, which can be viewed either on a single day or separate evenings, two things strike me. The Great Game: Afghanistan‎

Film preview: The Great Game: Afghanistan Film Festival, London‎

Karzai looks strong in Afghan nominations

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan's election commission began accepting nominations on Saturday for an August presidential vote, with opponents seen struggling to settle on a candidate that can oust President Hamid Karzai.
Afghan poll nominations begin, Karzai seen strong International ...

Karzai looks strong in Afghan nominations‎, washingtonpost
Karzai Looks Strong In Afghan Nominations, nytimes

Jay Leno released from the hospital

LOS ANGELES - Comedian Jay Leno - who abruptly canceled the taping of his show after falling ill - was released from the hospital Friday, an NBC spokeswoman said.
Jay Leno released from the hospital

Jay Leno Released from Hospital People Magazine
Spokesman: Leno doing well, illness not serious The
New York Times - Los Angeles Times

US Afghan Policy Lacks Means to Win Over Afghan People

Growing Afghan anger at the hundreds of civilian casualties from U.S. airstrikes, often based on bad intelligence, has been exploited by insurgents across the country.

US Afghan Policy Lacks Means to Win Over Afghan People

Why textbooks we paid for never reached Afghan schools‎

About 45 million books – a total value of $15.4 million, paid for by the United Nations and the aid agencies of the US and Danish governments – were scheduled to arrive before classes started in Afghanistan last March. But according to the AP, millions of those books have still not been delivered.
Why textbooks we paid for never reached Afghan schools‎

US Afghan Policy Lacks Means To Win Over Afghan People

Rethink Afghanistan videos

Rethink Afghanistan is a ground-breaking, full-length Documentary focusing on the key issues surrounding this war. Rethink Afghanistan videos

Rethink Afghanistan
Watch part one -- Part Two -- Part Three


Rethink Military Escalation in Afghanistan
YouTube - Rethink Afghanistan (Part 3): Cost of War - trailer

43 Potential Candidates For Afghan Presidency - Official

KABUL (AFP)--Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission, or IEC, said Thursday it had received inquiries from 43 potential candidates for the country's presidential election in August.
43 Potential Candidates For Afghan Presidency - Official

دکانديدانو نوم ليکنه پيل کېږي

The Obama doctrine: Listening, not just talking

WASHINGTON - If there is an Obama foreign policy doctrine that has emerged in the first one hundred days, it is a modest one, rooted in listening, not just talking.
Obama doctrine: More listening

Obama: World must resist hatred, racism
Obama vows to protect credit card users
First lady says she sneaks out for burgers

U.S. Urged To Focus On Governance In Afghanistan - Radio Free ...

Michelle Obama's popularity soars, topping recent first ladies, survey finds

WASHINGTON -- Michelle Obama has "kind of taken the country by storm."

The public's opinion of the first lady runs even higher than its opinion of the president, with a 73 percent personal favorability rating for President Barack Obama in a new Pew Research Center poll, and a 76 percent rating for the first lady.
Michelle Obama's popularity soars, topping recent first ladies ...

Poll: Public thinks highly of Obama USA Today
Poll: More Americans say US is on the right course Boston Globe
CNN - Los Angeles Times

Gates seeks to fill civilian gaps in Afghanistan

CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned on Thursday the civilian side of the Obama administration's strategy for Afghanistan is falling behind the military and may have to be bolstered by military reservists.
Gates seeks to fill civilian gaps in Afghanistan

Reservists Might Be Used in Afghanistan To Fill Civilian Jobs
US lacks civilians for Afghan 'civilian surge'

Clinton: Changing Mindset in Pakistan About Extremist Threat Will Not Be Easy

As with her appearance the previous day before the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, Secretary Clinton faced questions about President Obama's strategy to strengthen Afghanistan against a resurgent Taliban and bolster Pakistan against extremist advances.
Clinton: Changing Mindset in Pakistan About Extremist Threat Will Not Be Easy

تقاضای ایالات متحده از عساکراحتیاطی برای به دست گرفتن وظایف ملکی در افغانستان
اظهار نگرانی شدید ایالات متحده از پیشرفت طالبان درپاکستان
ملاقات احتمالی روسائی جمهور ایالات متحده، افغانستان و پاکستان


نحوه سابق استنطاق علیه دهشت افگنان مظنون در امریکا و حکومت اوباما

Pentagon chief in Taleban warning -- BBC

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has warned Pakistan that relations with the US will be threatened unless Islamabad combats the rise of the Taleban.
Pentagon chief in Taleban warning

هشدار وزیر دفاع آمریکا به پاکستان درباره طالبان
کلنټن : پاکستان ټولې نړۍ ته ' مرګونی ګواښ' دی
کلینتون: اوضاع پاکستان 'خطری مهلک' برای جهان است

UN anti-racism conference winds down amid NGO expulsions for bad behaviour

23 April 2009 – The ongoing United Nations anti-racism conference in Geneva concluded its general debate today after hearing statements on new forms of racist discrimination and expelling three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for disruptive behaviour.
HUMAN RIGHTS
UN anti-racism conference winds down amid NGO expulsions for bad behaviour

Ban calls for greater efforts to protect children in armed conflict in latest report

Democrats Have Qualms Over War in Afghanistan

“I’m sure many members have concerns, and I am one of them,” said Representative John Yarmuth, Democrat of Kentucky, “and are a little bit unclear as to what we are trying to accomplish in Afghanistan.” Democrats Have Qualms Over War in Afghanistan

Letter - The Disregard for Women's Rights in Afghanistan and ...
Pentagon Will Make Up Civilian Shortfall in Afghanistan

U.S. Questions Pakistan’s Will to Stop Taliban

Clinton: Pakistan Grasping Taliban Threat |

(CBS/AP) Pakistan is beginning to recognize the severity of the threat posed by an extremist insurgency that is encroaching on key urban areas, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday.
Clinton: Pakistan Grasping Taliban Threat
Taliban Territory Growing In Pakistan

Obama to Seek New Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Pact at May Summit‎

Anonymous Donor Gives $70M To Colleges

(AP) It's the question on everyone's lips in philanthropy: Who is the mysterious donor giving away millions of dollars to at least a dozen colleges across the country?
Anonymous Donor Gives $70M To Colleges

Education In America
College Financial Aid Queries

Obama Pushes Stronger Credit Card Rules

(CBS/AP) President Barack Obama said Thursday his administration is determined to get a credit-card law that eliminates tricky fine print, sudden rate increases and late fees that give millions of consumers headaches.

Mr. Obama said he wants legislation that will prevent consumers from facing a sudden, surprising rise in fees. He said credit-card companies must publish their forms in plainspoken language. Obama Pushes Stronger Credit Card Rules

Obama Tackled Credit Card Debt

Obama Pledges Protections For Credit-Card Users

President Obama said Thursday his administration is determined to get a credit-card law that eliminates tricky fine print, sudden rate increases and late fees that give millions of consumers headaches. Obama Pledges Protections For Credit-Card Users

Obama Pledges New Credit Card Rules
Credit Card Companies Lowering Borrowers' Limits

The Future of Afghanistan: A Conversation with Ashraf Ghani

On April 22, the South Asia Center of the Atlantic Council hosted former Afghan Minister of Finance Dr. Ashraf Ghani for a conversation on the future of Afghanistan. The Atlantic Council also unveiled its Afghanistan Report by Dr. Ghani, A Ten-Year Framework for Afghanistan: Executing the Obama Plan and Beyond.
The Future of Afghanistan: A Conversation with Ashraf Ghani

Afghanistan Report: A Ten-Year Framework for the Future Atlantic ...

U.S. urged to focus on governance in Afghanistan

Millions Spent on Undelivered Afghan Textbooks

Millions of new textbooks promised and paid for by the U.S. and other foreign donors have not been delivered to schools in Afghanistan, The Associated Press has found.
Millions Spent on Undelivered Afghan Textbooks

Afghan Earthquakes Kill 21, Destroy Homes

Taliban Expanding in Pakistan's Northwest

Release of Interrogation Memos May Lead to Wider Inquiry

After the release of new details on the approval of harsh U.S. interrogation tactics, two lawmakers weigh in on whether any of the officials involved should be investigated.
Release of Interrogation Memos May Lead to Wider Inquiry

Senate Report Reveals More Details on Interrogation Tactics
Read the Senate Panel Report on Detainee Treatment [PDF]

Inquiry Into Torture Memos Appears Inevitable -- NPR

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Wednesday said Obama believes that the release of the memos should provide a moment to "reflect, but not a moment for retribution."
Inquiry Into Torture Memos Appears Inevitable

Queen Rania: World Cannot Afford To Be Cynical -- NPR

The queen, who is Palestinian, has used her position to talk about a range of issues, from finding peace in the Middle East to educating women and girls, and addressing stereotypes about Muslims. Queen Rania: World Cannot Afford To Be Cynical

King: Core Middle East Problem Must Be Resolved

Clinton Meets Congress On Foreign Policy Aims
Senate Report Links CIA To Military's Harsh Tactics

U.S. May Fill Afghan Civilian Posts With Military Personnel

WASHINGTON — In announcing a new strategy last month, President Obama promised “a dramatic increase in our civilian effort” in Afghanistan, including “agricultural specialists and educators, engineers and lawyers” to augment the additional troops he is sending.
U.S. May Fill Afghan Civilian Posts With Military Personnel

Times Topics: Afghanistan
Taliban Seize Vital Pakistan Area Closer to the Capital
Pentagon Will Make Up Civilian Shortfall in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Report: A Ten-Year Framework for the Future

On April 22, the South Asia Center of the Atlantic Council hosted former Afghan Minister of Finance Dr. Ashraf Ghani for a conversation on the future of Afghanistan. The Atlantic Council also unveiled its Afghanistan Report by Dr. Ghani, A Ten-Year Framework for Afghanistan: Executing the Obama Plan and Beyond.

Chairman of the Institute for State Effectiveness and former Afghan Minister of Finance Dr. Ashraf Ghani outlines a medium-term framework for state-building in Afghanistan for the Atlantic Council in A Ten-Year Framework for Afghanistan: Executing the Obama Plan and Beyond. Afghanistan Report: A Ten-Year Framework for the Future

U.S. urged to focus on governance in Afghanistan -- washingtonpost

U.S. urged to focus on governance in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ashraf Ghani, a contender in August presidential elections, credited President Barack Obama with taking steps to create a "second chance" to build a stable Afghanistan after lost years since the U.S. invasion in 2001.

"To commit more forces in this time is an act of both courage and statesmanship," the former World Bank and U.N. official said in remarks at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington.

Ghani, author of a new Atlantic Council report on Afghanistan, said, however, that "forces in themselves are not the answer. It is the strategy that is going to use them that is the issue."

"The game changer is to produce a legitimate election that the next government of Afghanistan can have a mandate," said Ghani, who is seen as an outside contender in the August 20 presidential vote. U.S. urged to focus on governance in Afghanistan

Afghanistan Report: A Ten-Year Framework for the Future -- Dr. Ashraf Ghani

General: Insurgents targeting southern Afghanistan

AP IMPACT: Textbooks bogged down in Afghanistan

KABUL -- Millions of new textbooks promised and paid for by the U.S. and other foreign donors have not been delivered to schools in Afghanistan, The Associated Press has found. Other books were so poorly made they are already falling apart.

AP IMPACT: Textbooks bogged down in Afghanistan

Congress Debates Fresh Look Into Interrogations -- washingtonpost

Congress Debates Fresh Investigation Of Interrogations

Harsh Methods Approved as Early as Summer 2002

UN conference: Economic crisis could fuel hatred

GENEVA (AP) — The world racism conference looked beyond the Middle East on Wednesday to concerns over the economic crisis, with speakers warning that increased joblessness could lead to greater intolerance of foreigners if governments fail to act.
UN conference: Economic crisis could fuel hatred

World Economy To Drop For First Time In Decades, IMF Says

Clinton says Pakistan abdicates to Taliban and extremists

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday Pakistan's government had abdicated to the Taliban by agreeing to Islamic law in part of the country and that the nuclear-armed nation posed a "mortal threat" to world security.
Clinton says Pakistan abdicates to Taliban and extremists

Bergen: Pakistan lacks strategy to deal with Taliban -- CNN
Clinton: Pakistan 'mortal threat' to world United Press International
Global Security Newswire - AFP - Washington Post - The Associated Press

AFGHANISTAN: PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS REVEAL COMPLEXITIES IN THE AFGHAN POLITICAL SYSTEM

One of the chief weaknesses of President Hamid Karzai’s administration in Afghanistan is that its authority does not extend across the entire country. It is ironic, then, that one of Karzai’s main challengers in Afghanistan’s upcoming presidential election asserts that the incumbent has too much power concentrated in his hands.
EurasiaNet Eurasia Insight - Afghanistan: Presidential Politics ...

Afghan Citizen: Who will be the next president of Afghanistan?

Obama to Host Talks With Afghan, Pakistani Presidents‎

The presidents of Pakistan and Afghanistan will travel to Washington early next month for meetings with President Obama as the administration struggles against daunting hurdles to implement its new strategy for the region.
Obama to Host Talks With Afghan, Pakistani Presidents‎

The Associated Press: Obama official: US gives sensitive info to ...
Obama official: US gives sensitive info to Afghans

Clinton warns of Iran sanctions -- BBC

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned that Iran faces "very tough sanctions" if it rejects offers of engagement over its nuclear programme.
Clinton warns of Iran sanctions

اختصاص بودجه برای کمک به آسیب دیدگان آفات طبیعی -- BBC

یک سخنگوی دفتر ریاست جمهوری افغانستان گفت که این پول حدود پانزده میلیون افغانی (واحد پول افغانستان) است که در اختیار خانواده های آسیب دیده در ولایات مختلف افغانستان قرار خواهد گرفت
اختصاص بودجه برای کمک به آسیب دیدگان آفات طبیعی
کرزی د طبيعي افتونو له زيانمنو سره مرسته کوي

تلفات و خسارات ناشی از سیلاب در افغانستان
زمین لرزه در افغانستان تلفاتی داشته است

Afghans get first national park -- BBC

Afghanistan has established its first national park in a spectacular region of deep blue lakes separated by natural dams of travertine, a mineral deposit.

Band-e-Amir is visited by thousands of Afghans and pilgrims, though foreign tourism stalled with the increase in violence since 1979.
Afghans get first national park

Kidnappers Seize Father Of Afghan Minister - CBS News

Kidnappings of wealthy Afghans have spiked over the last year, often carried out by criminals and militants seeking money or political leverage.
Kidnappers Seize Father Of Afghan Minister - CBS News

Joint Chiefs Head: Afghan Violence To Rise
Earthquakes Kill 21 In Afghanistan

Merkel Says German Economy May Be Bottoming Out

German Chancellor Angela Merkel struck an upbeat note on the economy on Monday, saying the downturn may have bottomed out. Her remark coincides with an optimistic outlook from the German engineering federation, which sees a turnaround starting in mid-2009.
Merkel Says German Economy May Be Bottoming Out

Plunging Exports: Economy Worst Since World War II Says Merkel (03/11/2009)

Politics: Harman 'Outraged' Over Alleged Wiretapping

All Things Considered, April 21, 2009 · This week, Congressional Quarterly and later The New York Times reported that the National Security Agency had recorded a telephone conversation between Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) and someone who was seeking Harman's support for leniency for two pro-Israel lobbyists accused of espionage.
Harman 'Outraged'By Wiretap Reports

Interrogation Policymakers Might Still Face Charges

Rep. calls alleged wiretap 'abuse of power' -- CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A key Democrat who reportedly was overheard on a National Security Agency wiretap discussing a deal with a suspected Israeli agent has called the wiretap an "abuse of power."
Rep. calls alleged wiretap 'abuse of power'

Obama defends interrogation memo release

Walnuts may prevent breast cancer -- BBC

The nuts contain ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that may all reduce the risk of the disease.

Previous research has suggested eating walnuts at the end of a meal may help cut the damage that fatty food can do to the arteries. It is thought that the nuts are rich in compounds that reduce hardening of the arteries, and keep them flexible. Walnuts may prevent breast cancer

Walnuts May Help Keep Breast Cancer at Bay U.S. News & World Report
Walnuts May Help Prevent Breast Cancer WKBW-TV
Forbes - Science Daily (press release)

Obama invites Israeli, Egyptian and Palestinian leaders for talks / Los Angeles Times

The leaders will come separately to the White House over six weeks to work on concrete steps toward peace, the president says after meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II.
Obama invites Israeli, Egyptian and Palestinian leaders for talks -- LAT

Barack Obama begins push for Middle East peace guardian.co.uk
Reuters - Ha'aretz - CNN - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

Israel Puts Iran Issue Ahead of Palestinians

Ban, UN rights chief hail adoption of outcome document at anti-racism conference

21 April 2009 – Top United Nations officials welcomed today’s adoption of an outcome document, emphasizing the need to address all manifestations of intolerance with greater resolve, on the second day of the world body’s anti-racism Durban Review Conference.
Ban, UN rights chief hail adoption of outcome document at anti-racism conference

SECRETARY-GENERAL HEARTENED BY CONSENSUS ON DURBAN REVIEW CONFERENCE OUTCOME; HOPES THOSE WHO DID NOT PARTICIPATE WILL SOON REJOIN FIGHT AGAINST RACISM

U.S. Based Afghan To Contest Afghan Presidential Elections

One American Afghan Sarwar Ahmadzai who had been in the United States for past two decades intends to run for the presidential polls set for August 20 in his motherland, a local newspaper reported Wednesday. U.s. Based Afghan To Contest Afghan Presidential Elections
U.S. based Afghan to contest Afghan presidential elections - Topix

Afghan Leaders Facebook
LARAWBAR.COM Comparing Afghanistan with Iraq - 2008-12-30 ...

Afghan govt: No breakthroughs in militant talks

A spokesman for the Taliban, Qari Yousef Ahamdi, said the Taliban hasn't held any negotiations with Afghan officials. "It is just propaganda," he said. "No level of commanders have had negotiations. The Taliban have said several times that we won't do any negotiations while American and NATO forces are present in Afghanistan."

Afghan govt: No breakthroughs in militant talks

Senate Proposal Could Put Heavy Restrictions on Internet Freedoms

A proposed bill that would give the president widespread power to shut down the Internet in the event of a cyberattack could have sweeping implications on civil liberties.
Senate Proposal Could Put Heavy Restrictions on Internet Freedoms

Obama does not rule out charges over interrogations

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama left the door open on Tuesday to prosecuting some U.S. officials who laid the legal groundwork for harsh interrogation of terrorism suspects during the Bush administration. Reuters
Obama Open to Inquiry in Interrogation Abuses
Obama: Be careful with any CIA investigations USA Today
msnbc.com - Reuters - Wall Street Journal - Baltimore Sun

European Nations May Investigate Bush Officials -- Washington Post

AFGHANISTAN: Five million children not in school‎

KANDAHAR, 21 April 2009 (IRIN) - Razia, aged 10, cannot go to school because doing so is deemed too risky for girls in the southern province of Kandahar, and because her father believes only boys should attend school.
AFGHANISTAN: Five million children not in school‎

Cheney enters 'torture' memos row -- BBC

Former US Vice-President Dick Cheney has urged the CIA to release memos which he says show harsh interrogation techniques such as water-boarding work. Cheney enters 'torture' memos row

CIA torture exemption 'illegal'
Q&A: Water-boarding
Obama reaffirms support for CIA

اوباما: سیا از افشای اشتباهات دلسرد نشود

Islam a political target in Norway -- BBC

With less than six months to go until Norway's general election, increasing tensions over immigration and Islam appear likely to play a significant role in the vote.

Political target
Anti-Islamic rhetoric rises ahead of Norway's election
Norway rated most peaceful nation

UN agencies launch much needed literacy programmes across Afghanistan

20 April 2009 – The United Nations today announced the launch of a literacy initiative in Afghanistan, which has some of the lowest rates of reading and writing in the world.
UN agencies launch much needed literacy programmes across Afghanistan

New Afghan law could curtails rights to education, gender equality – UNESCO head
Education must be keystone of crisis recovery – UN Assembly President

IEC: Presidential candidates should obtain 10,000 signatures, give up foreign nationality

"Anyone who wants to contest the upcoming presidential elections has to obtain 10,000 signatures and handed it over as supportive document to IEC and give up his or her foreign nationality," a senior official of the Commission Zukria Barikzai said at a press conference.
IEC: Presidential candidates should obtain 10000 signatures, give ...

Hamid Karzai: US talks with the Taliban will fail without Afghan help‎

Israel Recalls Ambassador After Swiss Leader Meets with Ahmedinejad

Israel's government saw the meeting between the Swiss leader and Mahmoud Ahmedinejad as an insult and recalled its ambassador to Switzerland to show its
UN Holds Anti-Racism Conference Amid Controversy, Boycotts

Israel Recalls Ambassador After Swiss Leader Meets with Ahmedinejad
Clinton Renews Call on Iran to Free Roxana Saberi
Iran Careful in Response to US Criticism of Saberi Case

McCain On Mohammed Waterboarding: 'It's Unacceptable...It's Unacceptable' (VIDEO)

UN Race Conference Undermined by Western Withdrawals -- HRW

US, Other Governments Cannot Take ‘Yes’ for an Answer
UN Race Conference Undermined by Western Withdrawals

US: Attend Conference on Racism
Don't Let Any Nations Derail UN Racism Conference
US: Investigate Those Responsible for Authorizing Torture

Iran's Leader Sparks Western Walkout at UN Meeting

Iran's president slams Israel, sparking Western walkout, clown protest at UN racism conference
Iran's Leader Sparks Western Walkout at UN Meeting

Karzai objects to direct US talks with Taliban

Waterboarding More Frequent, Memos Suggest

(CBS/AP) The U.S. waterboarded suspected terrorists far more than previously acknowledged, including a total of 266 times for two al Qaeda operatives, according to recently released CIA memos. Waterboarding More Frequent, Memos Suggest

Memo: Two al Qaeda leaders waterboarded 266 times CNN
FOXNews - AFP - Christian Science Monitor - Los Angeles Times

U.N. Official: No Pass For Torturers

Tajikistan, U.S. Afghan transit deal expected soon

DUSHANBE (Reuters) - The Central Asian country of Tajikistan will soon allow the United States to send non-military cargo through its territory for troops fighting in neighboring Afghanistan, a U.S. envoy said on Monday.
Tajikistan, U.S. Afghan transit deal expected soon

Extremist Tide Rises in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, April 19 -- A potentially troubling era dawned Sunday in Pakistan's Swat Valley, where a top Islamist militant leader, emboldened by a peace agreement with the federal government, laid out an ambitious plan to bring a "complete Islamic system" to the surrounding northwest region and the entire country.
Extremist Tide Rises in Pakistan:

Bin Laden deputy slams Obama plan for Afghanistan
Islamists Aim to Install Religious Law in Pakistan

در روزنامه های امریکا: ثبات در افغانستان برای امریکا چه اندازه اهمیت دارد؟

تردی روبِن، نویسنده در روزنامۀ فلدلفیا که این مطلب را حین سفر به افغانستان و پاکستان نوشته است میگوید، در بین تمام موضوعاتی که در اجندای سیاست خارجی رئیس جمهور براک اوباما شامل است، مهمترین آن مسلۀ افغانستان و پاکستان میباشد.
در روزنامه های امریکا: ثبات در افغانستان برای امریکا چه اندازه اهمیت دارد؟
در روزنامه های امریکا: ثبات در افغانستان برای امریکا چه اندازه اهمیت دارد؟

مک کرنن: ‎د ولسي وګړو په مرګ ژوبله بښنه غواړم

Walkout at Iran leader's speech -- BBC

Diplomats have walked out of a speech by the Iranian president at a UN anti-racism conference after he described Israel as a "racist government". Walkout at Iran leader's speech
Fault lines split racism summit

اخلال در سخنرانی احمدی‌نژاد در نشست دوربان
انتقاد اسرائیل از حضور احمدی‌نژاد در نشست دوربان

Mental damage from CIA tactics is disputed -- LATimes

Justice Department memos say no permanent harm was inflicted from interrogation techniques, but some doctors and psychologists disagree. Mental damage from CIA tactics is disputed
Memos reveal harsh CIA interrogation methods

Ex-CIA chief: Obama risks national security CNN
Official: Obama doesn't want interrogation charges The Associated Press
New York Times - TIME - ABC News - Atlanta Journal Constitution
Planner of 9/11 attacks waterboarded 183 times-NYT