Gates Doubts U.S.'s Afghan Strategy - WSJ

Vice President Joe Biden and some other senior administration officials want to replace the counterinsurgency approach with a "counterterror" strategy that focuses more narrowly on using drones and small teams of Special Operations forces to kill senior al Qaeda and Taliban figures. - Gates Doubts U.S.'s Afghan Strategy

Obama, McChrystal meet to review Afghanistan strategy Los Angeles Times

Several Afghan Strategies, None a Clear Choice - nytimes

WASHINGTON — The president, vice president and an array of cabinet secretaries, intelligence chiefs, generals, diplomats and advisers gathered in a windowless basement room of the White House for three hours on Wednesday to chart a new course in Afghanistan. - Several Afghan Strategies, None a Clear Choice

After Clash Over Afghan Election, U.N. Fires a Diplomat

Pakistanis Continue to Reject U.S. Partnership
Swiss Health Care Thrives Without Public Option

On War, Obama Could Turn to GOP - washingtonpost

Democrats Oppose Larger Afghan Effort - On War, Obama Could Turn to GOP

Reuters - Wall Street Journal - Voice of America
Obama Afghan review to last weeks - BBC

انتظارشكست درافغانستان؟

NATO Chief Assures Obama On Afghan War Support

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- NATO's chief has assured President Barack Obama of the alliance's commitment to the Afghan war as the U.S. administration weighs sending more troops to try to turn the tide on a resurgent Taliban.
NATO Chief Assures Obama On Afghan War Support

Can Obama Say No To His Generals On Afghanistan?

It was less than five months ago when President Obama sent Gen. Stanley McChrystal to Afghanistan as the top military commander to devise a new strategy for the flailing U.S. war effort. - Can Obama Say No To His Generals On Afghanistan? - npr

Tina Brown's Must-Reads: An Attack And A Memoir

سر منشی ناتو: مسالهء افغانستان باید به اردوی افغان سپرده شود ... - [ Translate this page ]

Saudis deny assisting Israel on Iran attack - PT

With the possibility of an upcoming Israeli attack on Iran receiving fresh media attention, Saudi Arabia denies offering overflight clearance to Israeli fighter jets. - Saudis deny assisting Israel on Iran attack PRESS TV

ANALYSIS-Israel rethinks anti-Iran warnings - Reuters
Analysis: Iran plant could defer Israel strike - AP
CNNMoney.com - Jerusalem Post - Wall Street Journal - Washington Post

U.N. Official Fired After Clashing With Boss Over Afghanistan Election - washingtonpost

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 30 -- Peter Galbraith, a former American diplomat who served as the second-highest-ranking U.N. official in Afghanistan, was fired from his job Wednesday after clashing with his boss over the outcome of the country's disputed election. - U.N. Official Fired After Clash Over Afghan Vote

Top U.S. envoy removed from Afghanistan UN job - (Reuters)
UN fires top US official at UN in Afghanistan - AP
Success Against al-Qaeda Cited

Powerful Earthquakes Batter South Pacific Islands

Devastation from two earthquakes thousands of miles apart spread throughout the South Pacific on Wednesday, leaving a swath of death, injuries and panic from Indonesia’s western coast to the far-flung islands of Samoa and American Samoa. - Powerful Earthquakes Batter South Pacific Islands

The Lede: Amateur Video of the Tsunami Damage

McCain: Time Is Running Short for Afghan Decision - nytimes

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. John McCain said Wednesday that President Barack Obama cannot give up the fight in Afghanistan, saying the region would be destabilized if the United States and its NATO allies pulled back. - McCain: Time Is Running Short for Afghan Decision

U.S. Critic of Karzai Is Fired From U.N. Mission

Michelle Obama arrives in Copenhagen for IOC vote

COPENHAGEN - Michelle Obama didn't waste any time impressing International Olympic Committee members. - Michelle Obama arrives in Copenhagen for IOC vote

Reuters - msnbc.com - Chicago Sun-Times

Powerful Earthquake Kills 75 in Indonesia, Traps Thousands

The earthquake occurred one day after an 8.0 earthquake triggered a Tsunami that struck the Pacific island of Samoa. - Powerful Earthquake Kills 75 in Indonesia, Traps Thousands

Indonesia quake kills 75, thousands trapped - AP
BBC News - Xinhua - Reuters

Tsunamis Devastate Pacific Islands

UN recalls envoy from Afghanistan - BBC

The UN has recalled one of its senior officials from Afghanistan following a row over the August presidential vote.

Peter Galbraith fell out with top UN envoy Kai Eide and angered Afghan President Hamid Karzai by reportedly calling for a complete recount. - UN recalls envoy from Afghanistan
Vote row
Reuters UK - Guardian Unlimited - Telegraph

Excerpts - Galbraith's Letter to U.N. Secretary General - Text ... - nytimes

White House Starts Review of Afghan Strategy

WASHINGTON -- White House officials said President Barack Obama will join in the discussions Wednesday, when he is expected to meet with Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, among other top officials. White House Starts Review of Afghan Strategy - WSJ.com

ناتو: مسالهء افغانستان باید به اردوی افغان سپرده شود

Tsunami Wipes Out Villages in the South Pacific -WSJ

Earthquake Sends Waves Crashing Into Samoan Islands, Leaving at Least 34 Dead; Obama Declares 'a Major Disaster' - Tsunami Wipes Out Villages in the South Pacific Wall Street Journal
Tsunami Rips Across South Pacific
Quake Near Samoa Sets Off Tsunami - nytimes

Raw Video: Quake Spawns Tsunami in Samoa
Los Angeles Times - ABC Online - AFP

Obama in New Round of Meetings on Afghanistan - nytimes

WASHINGTON — President Obama met with NATO’s secretary general, who was noncommittal about a troop buildup. - Obama in New Round of Meetings on Afghanistan
Afghan Bus Blast Kills 30

China’s Ties With Iran May Snag Sanctions
Iran Insists on Its ‘Rights’ to Nuclear Program

Terrorism Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

Terrorism Suspect Pleads Not Guilty - NYtimes

His lawyer, J. Michael Dowling, entered the plea of not guilty on his behalf and squeezed his shoulder when the hearing ended. “To use a hackneyed phrase, I’d like to stop this rush to judgment, because what I’ve seen so far does not amount to a conspiracy,” Mr. Dowling said outside the courthouse.

“You can’t convict him of conspiracy on handwritten bomb materials, purchasing these products,” he said, referring to the beauty supplies. “You cannot convict him of the charge he’s indicted under on that evidence.” - New York Times
Terrorism Suspect Pleads Not Guilty - washingtonpost

Al Jazeera Video: Terror arrest puts New York Muslims on edge - 29 Sep 09
New York bomb plot suspect pleads not guilty Reuters
CNN - Los Angeles Times - AFP

From Smiling Coffee Vendor to Terror Suspect - nytimes

Nato is in Afghanistan for the long haul, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen - Times

The Nato Secretary-General assured President Obama yesterday that the alliance would stay in Afghanistan “as long as it takes to finish our job”. - Nato is in Afghanistan for the long haul, says Anders Fogh Rasmussen-Times Online
US accepts Karzai as Afghan President

Video: NATO Leader Agrees With Obama's Afghan Approach - AP
Aljazeera.net - Bloomberg - AFP - Telegraph.co.uk
NATO leader agrees war strategy should be reviewed The Associated Press

Obama in New Round of Meetings on Afghanistan - nytimes

Mr. Obama hosted a White House session with the new NATO secretary general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who remained noncommittal about the idea of sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Obama in New Round of Meetings on Afghanistan

Video: NATO Leader Agrees With Obama's Afghan Approach - AP

A hidden denial in the Afghan election GlobalPost

U.S., Allies Vow Support for Karzai - washingtonpost

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and other NATO foreign ministers, meeting Friday in New York with their Afghan counterpart, reached "consensus" that Karzai would probably "continue to be president," whether through a runoff or as the legitimate winner of more than 50 percent of votes cast in disputed - US, Allies Vow Support for Karzai‎
واشنگتن پوست: کرزی برندهء انتخابات خواهد بود

Political Browser -- The Rundown : Iran, Afghanistan Crises Test Obama
برخی اعضای جبهه ملی به اخلال وضعیت امنیتی متهم شدند - رادیو آزادی ... - [ Translate this page ]

U.S. commander offers options for Afghanistan

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, in his first major U.S. speech as secretary-general, acknowledges the need for more resources to fight the Taliban in the face of mounting Western casualties and fading public support, according to prepared remarks obtained by Reuters. - U.S. commander offers options for Afghanistan

UK can play only small role in Afghan troop surge

Germany's Merkel Reelected Easily, Will Form New Coalition

BERLIN, Sept. 27 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel secured a decisive victory in federal elections Sunday, winning enough votes to form a new ruling coalition that should give her a freer hand to govern and provide support for closer ties with Washington. - Germany's Merkel Reelected, Will Form New Coalition ...

U.S., Allies Vow Support for Karzai - washingtonpost

The United States and NATO countries fighting in Afghanistan have told President Hamid Karzai's government that they expect him to remain in office for another five-year term and will work with him on an expanded campaign to turn insurgent fighters against the Taliban and other militant groups. - U.S., Allies Vow Support for Karzai

Afghan Official Threatens to Quit After Attack
Britain's Conservatives set out Afghanistan policy‎
خبرگزاری صدای افغان (آوا) - انتخابات، یک گام مهم جهت دموکراتیزه ... - [ Translate this page ]

US 'says' Hamid Karzai likely to be re-elected‎

The United States and its allies in Afghanistan have reportedly told Hamid Karzai's government they will support his re-election as president despite allegations of widespread fraud. - US 'says' Hamid Karzai likely to be re-elected‎
داکتر عبدالله: نخواهم گذاشت اینها یک بار دیگر با سرنوشت

US 'says' Hamid Karzai likely to be re-elected‎

The United States and its allies in Afghanistan have reportedly told Hamid Karzai's government they will support his re-election as president despite allegations of widespread fraud. - US 'says' Hamid Karzai likely to be re-elected‎

Afghanistan: Mixed Signals From Administration; Support for Karzai ...‎
Obama says understands weariness with Afghan war‎

توضیحات عبدالستار سیرتدر موردبیانات خلیلزاد سپینی خبری قسمت سووم
توضیحات عبدالستار سیرتدر موردبیانات خلیلزاد سپینی خبری قسمت دووم
توضیحات عبدالستار سیرتدر موردبیانات خلیلزاد سپینی خبری قسمت اول

Angela Merkel's Fight to Hold on to Power - Der Spiegel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel may look set for another term in office, but her political future hinges on the election result. If her CDU party ends up having to form another grand coalition with the center-left SPD, it will spell the beginning of the end of her political career. Angela Merkel's Fight to Hold on to Power

Where Do They Stand?: A Quick Guide to Germany's Political Parties
From Pen-Pusher to Chancellor Candidate:

Diverse Sources Fund Insurgency In Afghanistan

KABUL -- The Taliban-led insurgency has built a fundraising juggernaut that generates cash from such an array of criminal rackets, donations, taxes, shakedowns and other schemes that U.S. and Afghan officials say it may be impossible to choke off the movement's money supply. Diverse Sources Fund Insurgency In Afghanistan‎

What's the Right Strategy for Afghanistan?
Obama's choice in Afghanistan - latimes

Gadhafi Chastises U.N. for 'Inequality' - WAJ

UNITED NATIONS -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi delivered his first United Nations address and in less than a day annoyed world leaders, received a public rebuke and got into a property matter involving Donald Trump. - Gadhafi Chastises U.N. for 'Inequality'

Tent Installed on Trump Property for Gadhafi Use Now Dismantled

No Deadline Set for Decision on Troops - Bob Woodward

President Obama has not set a deadline for determining a new strategy or for committing more troops to the war in Afghanistan, despite an urgent request from his top commander, his national security adviser said Saturday. - Obama to Reassess Afghanistan War
Telegraph.co.uk
More troops sought in Afghanistan BBC News

What's the Right Strategy for Afghanistan?

Merkel centre-right hopes at risk as Germans vote

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germans began voting on Sunday in an election that looks likely to return Chancellor Angela Merkel to power but may deny her the center-right government she says is needed to revive Europe's largest economy. - Merkel centre-right hopes at risk as Germans vote

Key issues in Germany's election The Associated Press
Pittsburgh G20 summit

UN Warns Afghan Vote Results Could Spark More Violence

United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon is warning that the announcement of Afghanistan's presidential election results could spark more violence in the country. - UN Warns Afghan Vote Results Could Spark More Violence

هشدار ملل متحد در مورد احتمال خشونت بعد از اعلام نتایج انتخابات در افغانستان

نشریه امریکايی: ناکامی واقعی انتخابات افغانستان
G20 Leaders Wrap Up Their Economic Summit

Afghanistan Troop Request Splits Advisers to Obama - nytimes

WASHINGTON — As President Obama weighs sending more troops to Afghanistan, one of the most consequential decisions of his presidency, he has discovered that the military is not monolithic in support of the plan and that some of the civilian advisers he respects most have deep reservations. - Afghanistan Troop Request Splits Advisers to Obama

From Smiling Coffee Vendor to Terror Suspect
The Afghan Imperative‎ - DAVID BROOKS

From Smiling Coffee Vendor to Terror Suspect - NYtimes

For many on Wall Street — young, old, all in a hurry, the charging bulls of Bowling Green — his was the first hello of the day. Affable and rooted, he lived for 10 years in the same apartment with his family in Flushing, Queens. His father drove a cab for more than 15 years. - From Smiling Coffee Vendor to Terror Suspect

Attorney: No evidence of bomb-making by suspect - AP
The Afghan War Comes Home‎ - Newsweek
New York Times

Lessons of history: Spirit of defiance lives on in a land no - Time

Afghan history has a way of humbling the men who would be king, those who try to rule and subdue it, and Afghanistan has provided a graveyard for successive foreign armies. Cue the Kipling: - Lessons of history: Spirit of defiance lives on in a land no ...

Why Karzai May Be Obama's Best Bet in Afghanistan‎ - Time

Attorney assembling team for Zazi in New York - The Denver Post

"I can tell you that he still maintains that he is not part of a terrorist cell," Folsom said.

He declined to discuss the case in detail. But he said FBI agents found no evidence of explosive materials in Zazi's car, apartment or apartments that Zazi visited during a New York trip earlier this month.

Folsom has denied that a plea deal was in the works with the government. "This case isn't about me," Folsom said. "I'm the person representing my client's rights." - Attorney assembling team for Zazi in New York - The Denver Post

From Smiling Coffee Vendor to Terror Suspect‎ - New York Times
What's the Right Strategy for Afghanistan?

Chemical Purchases Enough for Big Bomb - WSJ

"It takes specialized equipment, it takes bench chemistry skill well beyond high school to make this stuff without blowing your head off," said Neal Langerman, chief executive officer of Advanced Chemical Safety, a consulting company in San Diego.

Still, experts said it would be very difficult to make TATP, especially from the kind of weaker chemicals sold at beauty supply stores. - Wall Street Journal

Afghan Troop Request Simmers
Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit Record High in August - AP

What's the Right Strategy for Afghanistan? washingtonpost

The Post asked foreign policy experts whether President Obama should maintain a focus on protecting the population and rebuilding the country, or on striking terrorists. Below are contributions from Jane Harman, Kurt Volker, Gilles Dorronsoro, John Nagl, Ronald E. Neumann, Meghan O'Sullivan and Carl M. Levin. - What's the Right Strategy for Afghanistan?

Let's Beat the Extremists Like We Beat the Soviets
Obama's A-Team : Remarkable Cohesion on National Security

G-20 Takes On Bigger Role - washingtonpost

Nations to Collaborate To Ward Off Future Crises - G-20 Takes On Bigger Role

Obama's Focus Shifts From Engaging Iran
U.S., France, Britain Say Patience Is Waning

US Military Leaders Discuss Troop Needs for Afghanistan

Congressional Republicans, such as Sen. John McCain (Ariz), have urged the Obama administration not to delay a decision on the troops, but the administration has stressed patience. US Military Leaders Discuss Troop Needs for Afghanistan

Afghan Troop Request Simmers Wall Street Journal
امریکایی‌ها هم، دیر می فهمند!!
زلمي خليلزاد: افغانستان بدون ايالات متحده به پيروزي نخواهد رسيد

Karzai Backers Want More Troops - WSJ

KABUL -- Senior Afghan officials, alarmed by the Obama administration's reappraisal of its Afghanistan strategy, said an increased U.S. military commitment is needed to roll back an emboldened insurgency. - Karzai Backers Want More Troops

Commit to Afghanistan or Get Out :
We shouldn't send Americans to fight and die if we're not in it to win.

Interview: Zalmay Khalilzad - Foreign Policy
زلمی خلیل زاد: درانجام کارهای که فکر میکنیم به نفع افغانستان است سستی کرده ئیم

Iran Is Warned Over Nuclear ‘Deception’ - nytimes

PITTSBURGH — President Obama and the leaders of Britain and France accused Iran on Friday of building a secret underground plant to manufacture nuclear fuel, saying the country has hidden the covert operation from international weapons inspectors for years. - Text Video
Iran Is Warned Over Nuclear ‘Deception’
Obama, Brown and Sarkozy Say Secret Plant Violates Pact
Security Council Adopts Nuclear Arms Measure

احمدی نژاد: تاسیسات جدید غنی سازی سری نیست
هشدار تند اوباما، سارکوزی و براون به ایران

Transcript: Remarks on Iranian Nuclear Program
New world economic order takes shape at G20 Reuters

Interview: Zalmay Khalilzad - Foreign Policy

In a talk at the Foreign Policy Initiative's 2009 Forum on democracy, Khalilzad said he supported Gen. Stanley McChrystal's call for more U.S. troops in Afghanistan and said that "leaving and cutting our losses would be a huge victory for al Qaeda and the Taliban." Afghanistan, he said, would go back to the way it was before the September 11 attacks. He called instead for a counterinsurgency approach focused on protecting the Afghan people. - Interview: Zalmay Khalilzad

خلیل زاد: ادارهء اوباما و بوش در روابط شان با کرزی مرتکب اشتباه شده اند
زلمی خلیل زاد: درانجام کارهای که فکر میکنیم به نفع افغانستان است سستی کرده ئیم

له بُن نه تر نن پوری د ډاکټر ځلمۍ خلیلزاداو عمرخطاب مرکه سپینې خبری قسمت دوم
له بُن نه تر نن پوری د ډاکټر ځلمۍ خلیلزاداو عمرخطاب مرکه سپینې خبری قسمت اول

Can Obama deliver on nuclear vision? - BBC

It was the first time that a US president had presided over a United Nations Security Council meeting at summit level. - Nuclear free?

UN council endorses nuclear curbs
Obama urges world unity
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization

McChrystal Request to Reach Pentagon by End of the Week - washingtonpost

"It is simply premature to consider additional resources until General McChrystal's assessment has been fully reviewed and discussed by the president and his team," spokesman Geoff Morrell said. McChrystal Request to Reach Pentagon by End of the Week

McChrystal's Assessment (Unclassified) PDF
McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure' - Bob Woodward

واشنگتن پست: نظری بر بررسی فوری و سری مککریستل در مورد افغانستان
خلیل زاد: ادارهء اوباما و بوش در روابط شان با کرزی مرتکب اشتباه شده اند

Small window for any Afghan runoff, official warns - washingtonpost

KABUL -- An election official warned Thursday that Afghanistan has a narrow two-week window in October to hold any presidential runoff before winter snows arrive - a somber reminder of how minor delays could leave a power vacuum well into next year. Small window for any Afghan runoff, official warns

Analysis: Pakistan unlikely to cooperate with US
Tensions Hinder Pakistan Effort

تلاش امریکا برای تشکیل حکومت ایتلافی

Stop Playing Politics; Fight to Win in Afghanistan - Glenn Beck

Well, it seems the president has been too busy lately to get to that report. After all, he had to sit down this past weekend with ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, Univision and David Letterman: - Stop Playing Politics; Fight to Win in Afghanistan

Obama not 'inclined' to beef up Afghan force: US lawmaker AFP
Should Obama order a 'surge' for Afghanistan? Los Angeles Times
New York Times - San Antonio Express - Times of India

Terrorism Suspect Charged In Alleged Bombing Plot - NPR

Investigators say Zazi began buying unusually large quantities of hydrogen peroxide and acetone products from beauty supply stores in the Denver area in June. Acetone is found in nail polish remover, and hydrogen peroxide is a component in many beauty products. Terrorism Suspect Charged In Alleged Bombing Plot
Feds: Suspect hit beauty stores for bomb supplies
Los Angeles Times - CNN - Washington Post
Advantage to Feds as Zazi Case Expands CBS News

U.S. Troops Withdraw From Isolated Afghan Areas
U.S. Reassesses Taliban Role In Fight Against Al-Qaida

US Amb. Rice says Afghanistan situation is complex‎

NEW YORK — U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice says the Obama administration's fresh assessment of American policy in Afghanistan is appropriate and necessary in light of an evolving and uncertain political landscape there.- US Amb. Rice says Afghanistan situation is complex‎

US Amb. Rice says Afghanistan situation is complex - Yahoo! News
ADB, UK $90M Grants to Help Afghanistan Revive War-Torn Irrigation

Obama To Push Nuclear Arms Control At U.N. Summit - npr

"The people of the world want change," Obama said. "They will not long tolerate those who are on the wrong side of history." Obama To Push Nuclear Arms Control At U.N. Summit

Obama To Push Nuclear Arms Control At U.N. Summit
Transcript: Read The Speech Sep. 23, 2009

Does the US still have a vital interest in Afghanistan?‎ Latimes

Today's topic: Does the U.S. have a vital interest in the war in Afghanistan anymore? What are we to make of President Obama's reluctance to increase troop levels there even though he has called Afghanistan a "war of necessity"? Dust-Up: Does the U.S. have a vital national interest in ...

Iran's president extols himself and denounces Israel - Los Angeles Times
AFP - The Associated Press - CNN

Dubious Afghan Vote Drove U.S. to Revisit Strategy Wall Street Journal - WSJ

The public debate in Washington over the White House's unexpected reappraisal of its Afghan strategy has focused on troop numbers and military tactics. But the Obama administration's focus is on another issue: Is Afghan President Hamid Karzai a reliable ally? - Dubious Afghan Vote Drove U.S. to Revisit Strategy Wall Street Journal

Taliban Widen Afghan Attacks From Base in Pakistan - nytimes
Voice of America - CNN - AFP - Bloomberg

Text: Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly - nytimes

In Afghanistan and Pakistan, we and many nations here are helping these governments develop the capacity to take the lead in this effort, while working to advance opportunity and security for their people. Video Text
Text: Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly (September 24, 2009)

Obama's Speech to the General Assembly: Video Text
Live Video via MSNBC: U.N. Coverage

Obama and Medvedev Discuss Iran

At U.N., Obama Sets New Tone, but Problems Are Familiar

UNITED NATIONS — The United States is ready to begin a new era of engagement with the world, President Obama said Wednesday in a sweeping address to the United Nations General Assembly in which he sought to clearly delineate differences between his administration and that of former President George W. Bush.

At U.N., Obama Sets New Tone, but Problems Are Familiar
Text: Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly

World’s poorest deserve special attention amid global crises, says Ban

23 September 2009 – At a time of multiple global crises, including those related to finances, food and flu, the poorest and most vulnerable deserve special attention by the international community, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told world leaders gathered at the United Nations today. - World’s poorest deserve special attention amid global crises, says Ban

23/09/2009 Ban issues call for unity to world leaders as UN’s annual debate begins

Greater Hardships Ahead as Global Economic Crisis Persists, Says Report of New United Nations ‘Global Impact and Vulnerability Alert System’

Obama to deliver 1st speech to UN General Assembly

NEW YORK -- President Barack Obama's vision of international diplomacy is about to get the scrutiny of the world, as his promise of a new day is slamming into conflicts of old. - Obama to deliver 1st speech to UN General Assembly

Obama star power faces new test at U.N meeting

Obama reviews options in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama has delayed a decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan because of doubts about its election and the legitimacy of its government, and is considering other options, officials said on Tuesday. Obama reviews options in Afghanistan

First, Define 'Mission' in Afghanistan
Paper delayed publication of Afghanistan story
Britain welcomes French raid on Calais migrant camp Deutsche Welle

Afghan president to skip UN meeting‎

Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan's president, has decided not to attend the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York this week, officials have said. Afghan president to skip UN meeting‎

Afghan leader backs U.S. military call for more troops - CNN.com
US faces 'nation-building' choice on Afghanistan‎

Afghanistan: No time to cut and run - hewad

Every war ends in a different fashion. The war in Afghanistan, and the greater war against Islamist terrorism, won't end (as World War II did) with a treaty signing on the battleship Missouri. They won't end (as World War I did) with a treaty signing at Versailles Hall of Mirrors.
Afghanistan: No time to cut and run - hewad.com

Obama Considers Strategy Shift in Afghan War - nytimes

WASHINGTON — President Obama is exploring alternatives to a major troop increase in Afghanistan, including a plan advocated by Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. to scale back American forces and focus more on rooting out Al Qaeda there and in Pakistan, officials said Tuesday. Obama Considers Strategy Shift in Afghan War

Congress Presses on War Plan Wall Street Journal

Obama reviews options in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama, under pressure for a swift decision on sending more troops to Afghanistan, has delayed action due to doubts about last month's election there and over the government in Kabul's legitimacy, officials said on Tuesday. Obama reviews options in Afghanistan

Frustration over Obama's Afghanistan war policy - AP
Wall Street Journal - Times Online

UN welcomes deal paving way for certification of Afghan poll results

“The final result of this election must reflect the will of the Afghan people,” Mr. Eide, who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said. UN welcomes deal paving way for certification of Afghan poll results

As UN marks International Day of Peace, Ban makes appeal for disarmament
Ban welcomes proposal for international conference on Afghanistan

Police clear French migrant camp - BBC

French police have moved in to dismantle a makeshift camp set up by migrants near the port of Calais. -- On their last night in the camp, some of those who remained said they feared for the future.

One resident, Bashir, a 24-year-old English teacher from northern Afghanistan, told the AFP news agency he had paid $15,000 (10,000 euros; £9,000) to travel to Europe through Pakistan and Istanbul. Police clear French migrant camp

France to close migrant 'jungle'
تصفیۀ پناهگاۀ مهاجرین افغان توسط پولیس فرانسه
UK 'should help' Calais migrants
France to close migrant 'jungle'

Lawyers question decision to talk with FBI - The Denver Post

"Sometimes on rare occasions, you let your client talk to the FBI, but only after you have done all of your homework," Recht said.

Attorney David Lane said there is no clear-cut rule about allowing clients to talk to law enforcement, but it is an extremely risky move. - Lawyers question decision to talk with FBI

Evidence in Colorado-NYC terror investigation might be sealed DP
Terror probe widens in US Los Angeles Times
TIME

News Analysis: In Afghanistan Assessment, a Catalyst for Obama

WASHINGTON — President Obama could read the grim assessment of the Afghanistan war from his top military commander there in two possible ways. Afghanistan could be lost in a year: US commander
Los Angeles Times - New York Times - Bloomberg

تقاضا برای بتعویق انداختن درخواست ازدیاد عساکر در افغانستان
Tolafghan: دحامدکرزې دکابینې احتمالي لست ترتیب شو
مطبوعات امریکا: ستراتیژی نظامی در افغانستان

French ex-PM on trial over smears - BBC

The former French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, has gone on trial charged with plotting to discredit President Nicolas Sarkozy.

"I will come out of this a free man and exonerated," said Mr de Villepin, dressed in a dark suit and tie, looking tanned and relaxed. "I know that truth will prevail." French ex-PM on trial over smears

Murky tale behind French PM's trial
Profile: Dominique de Villepin

Clinton: Afghan Strategy Won't Change Until Election Decided

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discusses U.S. commander in Afghanistan Gen. Stanley McChrystal's assessment of the war, the U.S. stance on the Karzai government and the U.N. General Assembly meeting. Clinton: Afghan Strategy Won't Change Until Election Decided

Questions Remain on Arrests of Terror Suspects in New York, Denver - PBS

واشنگتن پست: نظری بر بررسی فوری و سری مککریستل در مورد افغانستان

Terrorism scholars: Blown case sped up arrests - Washington Times

Three face charges of lying in suspected bomb plot probe

But authorities have also said they had not uncovered any evidence related to the timing, location or target of the planned attacks, and have stressed the plot posed no imminent threat.
Terrorism scholars: Blown case sped up arrests - Washington Times

US Resident Held Without Bail in Terrorism Case Washington Post

Why is the president hesitating on more troops to fight his 'war of necessity'? , WSJ

I'm lost on President Barack Obama's Afghanistan policy—along with most of Congress and the U.S. military. Not quite eight months ago, Mr. Obama pledged to "defeat" al Qaeda in Afghanistan by transforming that country's political and economic infrastructure, training Afghan forces and adding 21,000 U.S. forces for starters. - Wall Street Journal

US says Pakistan, Iran helping Taliban, latimes

US in Afghanistan failure warning - BBC
فرمانده ارشد آمریکایی: 'افغانستان به سربازان بیشتری نیاز دارد'
مک کرېسټل: که ځواکونه ډېر نه شي، ماتې حتمي ده

More Troops? A Tough Choice On Afghanistan Looms

Here's a look at what the report says, the early reaction to its findings, and what it means for the U.S. effort in Afghanistan: More Troops? A Tough Choice On Afghanistan Looms - NPR

Deaths Prompt Italy To Rethink Troops In Afghanistan
Foreign Policy: Woodward Discloses Troops Needed
McChrystal's Report: 'Fish-Or-Cut-Bait Moment'?

US Senator urges Afghan ramp-up to fight war - AFP

WASHINGTON — The United States should focus on training and equipping Afghanistan's security forces as it weighs what troop levels are needed to fight the war there, Democratic Senator Carl Levin said Monday. US Senator urges Afghan ramp-up to fight war

Unplugged: McChrystal's Warning In Afghanistan - CBS News Video

Christian Science Monitor - guardian.co.uk
McChrystal's Assessment (Unclassified) PDF - washingtonpost

Moment of truth nears for Obama on Afghan war

Alzheimer's Disease Is Sharply Rising, But You Can Lower Your Odds

Research is mounting that diet, exercise, and social and mental engagement play a protective role - Alzheimer's Disease Is Sharply Rising, But You Can Lower Your Odds

As world population 'grays,' Alzheimer's cases soar: report AFP
Atlantic Online - Wall Street Journal (blog) - Globe and Mail

COMISAF Initial Assessment (Unclassified) -- Searchable Document - washingtonpost

The Department of Defense on Sunday evening released a declassified version of Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal's assessment of the war in Afghanistan. - McChrystal's Assessment (Unclassified) PDF

McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure'
Changes Have Obama Rethinking War Strategy

واشنگتن پست: نظری بر بررسی فوری و سری مککریستل در مورد افغانستان

General Calls for More U.S. Troops to Avoid Afghan Failure - NYtimes

The grim assessment is contained in a 66-page report that the commander, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, submitted to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Aug. 30, and which is now under review by President Obama and his top national security advisers.

General Calls for More U.S. Troops to Avoid Afghan Failure
PDF Text-Only

Italy Mourns 6 Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure' - washingtonpost

Top U.S. Commander For Afghan War Calls Next 12 Months Decisive - McChrystal: More Forces or 'Mission Failure'

Changes Have Obama Rethinking War Strategy
McChrystal's Assessment (Unclassified) PDF

Changes Have Obama Rethinking War Strategy - washingtonpost

From his headquarters in Kabul, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal sees one clear path to achieve President Obama's core goal of preventing al-Qaeda from reestablishing havens in Afghanistan: "Success," he writes in his assessment, "demands a comprehensive counterinsurgency campaign." - Changes Have Obama Rethinking War Strategy

McChrystal's Assessment (Unclassified) PDF

US in Afghanistan failure warning - BBC

The US mission in Afghanistan will "likely result in failure" unless troops are increased within a year, the top general there has said in a report. - US in Afghanistan failure warning

Winning hearts and minds
US commitment to Afghanistan
Three Afghans held over US 'plot'
اوباما: بر اساس مصالح سیاسی درباره افغانستان تصمیم نمی گیرم

Dementia burden 'underestimated'

The future global burden of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia has been underestimated, say UK experts. A report from King's College London suggests more than 115 million people across the globe will suffer from dementia by 2050. BBC NEWS Health Dementia burden 'underestimated'
Call for dementia research boost

اوباما: بر اساس مصالح سیاسی درباره افغانستان تصمیم نمی گیرم

US commander warns of "failure" in Afghanistan: report

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan says in a confidential assessment of the war that without additional forces the mission "will likely result in failure," the Washington Post reported on Monday. - US commander warns of "failure" in Afghanistan: report

McChrystal Assessment Paints Dire Picture of Afghan War - WSJ
General Warns of Afghan Loss Without More US Troops - nytimes
Washington Post - The Associated Press - AFP

Muslims celebrate feast ending daily Ramadan fasts

Afghanistan: the options and recommendations - Richard Beeston, Foreign Editor

Amid disputed election results and a resurgent Taleban, what can Britain do to rescue its campaign in Afghanistan? Afghanistan: the options and recommendations

Can Britain still win war in Afghanistan?
It's time for a 'political surge' in Afghanistan, say Lib Dems - guardian.

CIA to expand presence in Afghanistan - latimes

Reporting from Washington - The CIA is deploying teams of spies, analysts and paramilitary operatives to Afghanistan, part of a broad intelligence "surge" that will make its station there among the largest in the agency's history, U.S. officials say.

U.S. officials have also been alarmed by a more sophisticated suicide attack: sending multiple fighters armed with guns to carry out coordinated assaults before detonating their bombs.
CIA to expand presence in Afghanistan

President Obama: ‘Skeptical’ on More Troops for Afghanistan

President Obama supported a flexible timeline for withdrawing troops from Iraq. Now some of his fellow Democrats like Senators Russ Feingold, Diane Feinstein, and Byron Dorgan are calling for the same in Afghanistan. - President Obama: ‘Skeptical’ on More Troops for Afghanistan

GOP seeks Afghan war info, Gates urges patience - washingtonpost
وزیر دفاع امریکا ازهمه می خواهد نفس عمیق کشیده، منتظر باشند

Obama Won’t Say if More Troops to Be Sent to Afghanistan - nytimes

WASHINGTON — With the administration intensively reviewing its military strategy, President Obama on Sunday would not tip his hand on whether he would approve sending more troops to Afghanistan. - Obama Won’t Say if More Troops to Be Sent to Afghanistan

Federal Agents Arrest 3 Men in Terror Inquiry
Arrests Made In Terrorism Probe
Reasons For Afghan Men's Terror-Related Arrests Detailed By Justice Dept.

Obama extends greetings on Muslim holiday‎

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is extending greetings to Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr (ayd ahl-FIH'-tur), which marks the end of the holy monthlong fasting time known as Ramadan. Obama extends greetings on Muslim holiday‎

Obama extends greetings on Muslim holiday - Yahoo! News
وزیر دفاع امریکا ازهمه می خواهد نفس عمیق کشیده، منتظر باشند

Gates responds to missile critics - BBC

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has rejected the claim that a decision to shelve a plan for missile defence in Europe was a concession to Russia. - Gates responds to missile critics

Gates lashes out at critics of US missile plan Washington Post
New York Times - Los Angeles Times

ناتو از منطقه 'برگ متال' در شرق افغانستان خارج شد

A Farmers Market Fit For A First Lady

A particularly high-profile market opened in Washington, D.C., this week. It's just two blocks from the White House. The first customer was the first lady. - Listen to the Story
A Farmers Market Fit For A First Lady

Fraud Looms Over Afghan Elections : NPR

Host Scott Simon speaks to Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and the United Nations. - Listen to the Story

Fraud Looms Over Afghan Elections : NPR

In Congress, 'A Lot Of Angst' Over Afghanistan
Is The White House Delaying Action On Afghanistan?
U.S. Official Clashes With U.N. Over Afghan Poll Fraud

Victory in Afghanistan 'is vital' - BBC

Defeat for allied forces in Afghanistan would have an "intoxicating impact" on extremists around the world, the new head of the British Army has warned. Victory in Afghanistan 'is vital'

ولف: اهداف امریکا در افغانستان باید مشخص گردد

سنای امریکا: شکست احتمالی در افغانستان

Afghanistan's 'Disposable Sons' - GUNNAR HEINSOHN

To understand why the U.S. and NATO—after eight years of hard fighting—face mounting losses in Afghanistan, we must look beyond the battlefield.

Thus, the Western nations try to turn the international war, for which they do not have enough manpower, back into a civil war in which it will fall on the Afghans themselves to consume recent and coming youth bulges. Gunnar Heinsohn: Afghanistan's 'Disposable Sons' - WSJ.com

guardian.co.uk - Reuters India
CIA Adding Bases in Afghanistan as Taliban Gains, Panetta Says‎

As UN marks International Day of Peace, Ban makes appeal for disarmament

18 September 2009 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on nations to intensify efforts to reduce stockpiles of weapons capable of inflicting large-scale devastation and death, as the United Nations held a series of events worldwide to observe the annual International Day of Peace.

“As long as such weapons exist, no one is safe,” said Mr. Ban after ringing the UN Peace Bell in a ceremony at UN Headquarters. “On this International Day of Peace, I have a simple message for all: We Must Disarm! We must have peace.” 18/09/2009 As UN marks International Day of Peace, Ban makes appeal for disarmament

On International Day of Peace, Secretary-General Shares Hope That Next Generation of Students Will Be Unable to Imagine Nuclear-Weapon Threat

Afghanistan's Turbulent History - WSJ

See major political events up through the 2001 U.S. invasion. Afghanistan's Turbulent History

BBC NEWS South Asia Afghanistan's turbulent history
(http://online.wsj.com/public/page/afghan-elections.html)

New evidence of widespread fraud in Afghanistan election‎ - guardian.co.uk,

NATO Wants to Link Missile-Defense Shield With Russia - WSJ

BRUSSELS -- Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization should eventually link up their missile-defense systems, and Russia should "make its voice heard" in development of the Western alliance's new security strategy, said Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO's new secretary-general, in his first major speech. NATO Calls for Fresh Start With Moscow

CIA Chief: Karzai Apparent Afghan Election Winner

In an exclusive VOA interview, CIA director Leon Panetta says that even if suspect ballots are discounted, President Hamid Karzai will in all likelihood win re-election. - CIA Chief: Karzai Apparent Afghan Election Winner‎

Ex-CIA chiefs urge Obama to drop abuse investigation - Reuters
New York Times - ABC News - Kansas City Star

Afghanistan's Turbulent History

Karzai Rebuts Allegations of Fraud in Afghan Vote - WSJ

KABUL -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai said he has seen little evidence of fraud in his re-election bid, saying he was "rather shocked" by a European Union report this week that said as many as a third of the ballots cast in his favor were suspect. Karzai Denies Afghan Vote Fraud

حامد کرزی: با تشکیل حکومت ایتلافی موافق نیستم - رادیو آزادی ... - [ Translate this page ]
کرزی: متهم کردن افراد انگیزه های سیاسی دارد - رادیو آزادی / رادیوی ... - [ Translate this page ]

US Lawmaker Urges Creation of Bipartisan Panel to Support Afghanistan Policy

GOP seeks Afghan war info, Gates urges patience - washingtonpost

House Minority Leader John Boehner said at a Capitol Hill press conference that the U.S. and NATO battlefield commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, was not being allowed by the administration to testify to Congress. GOP seeks Afghan war info, Gates urges patience

Chicago Tribune - The Press Association - guardian.co.uk

Afghan leader: Election 'true and fair' - washingtonpost

KABUL -- President Hamid Karzai called Afghanistan's disputed election "true and fair" and said he would not accept a second round of voting simply to satisfy critics claiming massive fraud, after European monitors said more than a quarter of the votes were suspect. Afghan leader: Election 'true and fair'

GOP seeks Afghan war info, Gates urges patience
You Say AfPak; I Say PakAf

Afghan Blast Raises New Doubts in Europe - nytimes‎

“We are all convinced that it would be best for everyone, whoever they are, to remove our conspicuous presence from Afghanistan quickly,” Mr. Berlusconi said. - Afghan Blast Raises New Doubts in Europe‎

Car bomber targets Italian convoy in Kabul, killing 16 Los Angeles Times

ICOS Formula for Interim Government

ICOS calls for an interim administration that would govern until a second round of voting, based on the following formula: Political Quagmire in Afghanistan - International Council on ...

Afghanistan needs interim government: think-tank International ...

GOP seeks Afghanistan info; Gates urges patience - washingtonpost

WASHINGTON -- Republican lawmakers are turning up the pressure for more information over the direction of the stalemated war in Afghanistan. GOP seeks Afghanistan info; Gates urges patience
Obama Says He Won't Rush Troop Decision : Senators Displeased Over Lack of Details

Afghan president defends vote, admits some bias
First Full Afghan Tally Gives Karzai 54% of Vote
امنيت افغانستان را تنها افغان ها تامين مي كنند ویسا خپلواکه ملی ... - [ Translate this page ]

Karzai criticizes western media for "biased" reports‎

KABUL, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Afghan president Hamid Karzai on Thursday criticized western media for what he described biased propaganda on the election. "We are hopeful that our foreign friends respect the will and votes of the people of Afghanistan. - Karzai criticizes western media for "biased" reports‎

Afghanistan needs interim government: think-tank International ...
Karzai warns West over Afghan vote fraud claims - CNN
Times Online - Washington Post - guardian.co.uk