NATO aims to fight Afghan crooks -- without naming them‎

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Reuters) - NATO officials in Afghanistan often say the only way they will win the war is to break the grip of "malign actors" -- crooked officials and others who have soured Afghans on their government.

NATO officials' refusal to publicly accuse the "malign actors" -- their catch-all term for crime bosses, corrupt officials, drug lords and warlords -- has raised fears the new offensive will leave the crooks in place, stronger than ever.

NATO aims to fight Afghan crooks -- without naming them‎
NATO Aims to Fight Afghan Crooks - - Without Naming Them - NYTimes.com