Monday, February 28, 2011

Afghan parliament elects ex-warlord as speaker

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan's parliament elected a former Uzbek warlord as speaker on Sunday, .... -- Afghan parliament elects ex-warlord as speaker
Peace Council Slams Foreign Troops Behavior against Civilians
Military command in Kabul pushes back on Rolling Stone article
آغاز بازگشت داوطلبانه مهاجران افغان از پاکستان

Refugee Agency Reports ‘Humanitarian Emergency’ as Multitudes Flee Libya - nytimes

PARIS — Almost 100,000 people have fled Libya’s fighting for neighboring Egypt and Tunisia, the United Nations refugee agency said, in what it called a humanitarian emergency. -- Refugee Agency Reports ‘Humanitarian Emergency’ as Multitudes Flee Libya
Middle East Protests: A Country-by-Country Look

Majority in Poll Back Employees in Public Sector Unions - nytimes

As labor battles erupt in state capitals around the nation, a majority of Americans say they oppose efforts to weaken the collective bargaining rights of public employee unions .... - Majority in Poll Back Employees in Public Sector Unions
Discord, State by State

Gaddafi says he feels 'betrayed' by Western leaders - BBC

Colonel Gaddafi has accused Western leaders of betraying him as he responded to growing international calls to step aside. - Gaddafi speaks to BBC Watch -- Excerpts: Gaddafi interview -- Gaddafi: 'All my people love me' -- Gaddafi is 'delusional', says US

Scientists: Reconstructing Afghan Buddha possible

BERLIN -- German scientists said Monday it may be possible to reconstruct one of two giant 1,500 year-old Buddha statues dynamited by the Taliban in central Afghanistan 10 years ago, - Scientists: Reconstructing Afghan Buddha possible
US repositions troops in eastern Afghanistan

Indian budget projects economic growth - BBC

India's government has unveiled its annual budget, saying that the economy is expected to grow at 9% in 2012. - India economy to sustain growth
South Asia Libya rescue under way - Nato troops killed in Afghanistan

رییس جمهور کرزی رهسپار کشور بریتانیا گردید

حامد کرزی در جریان سفر سه روزه خویش به بریتانیا با دیوید کامرون صدراعظم، نک کلیگ معاون صدراعظم، شهزاده چارلز ولیعهد آن کشور و اعضای کمیته روابط خارجی پارلمان بریتانیا دیدار خواهد کرد....- رییس جمهور کرزی رهسپار کشور بریتانیا گردید ګران افغانستان
BBC افغانستان - حامد کرزی رهسپار بریتانیا شد‎
پاکستاني پوځیانو د ننګرهار د ګوشتې د نیولو لپاره بریدونه پیل کړي‎

Civilians under fire in Afghanistan - reuters

As civilian deaths mount in Afghanistan, the debate over the cause of those deaths continues. Deborah Lutterbeck reports. - Reuters
Civilians under fire in Afghanistan Video Reuters.com
Officer Denies Efforts to Sway Lawmakers - nytimes

Military agrees to dismiss Egypt's current cabinet

THE YOUTH coalition that launched the uprising in Egypt has announced that the ruling military council has agreed to dismiss the current government .... - Military agrees to dismiss Egypt's current cabinet
Egypt bans Mubarak from travel, freezes assets - washingtonpost
The UK vacillates on Mubarak money Daily Star
Egyptian Prosecutor Freezes Mubarak Assets - Reuters - Aljazeera

Sugary Drinks Could Drive Up Blood Pressure

Like Salt, Sugar Might Boost Blood Pressure, Researchers Say -- People with high blood pressure may have to start watching their sugar as well as their salt, new research suggests. -- Sugary Drinks Could Drive Up Blood Pressure
Sugary drinks boost blood pressure risk to heart
Do sugary drinks boost blood pressure? CNN
U.S. News & World Report - WebMD

The Middle East in crisis: Iran arrests opposition leaders - Telegraph

Iran has arrested two senior opposition leaders, ahead of protests called by anti-government groups. -- Iran arrests opposition leaders
Report: Iran opposition leaders moved to prison
West ready to use force against Gaddafi over mustard gas fears

U.S., Europe move to help Libya uprising; Gadhafi digs in - washingtontimes

TRIPOLI, Libya (AP) — The U.S. military deployed naval and air units near Libya, and the West moved to send its first concrete aid to Libya’s rebellion in the east of the country, -- U.S., Europe move to help Libya uprising; Gadhafi digs in
Egypt state TV: Mubarak, family banned from travel

U.S. Freezes a Record $30 Billion in Libyan Assets

WASHINGTON — The United States has blocked $30 billion in Libyan government assets since President Obama announced his executive order late Friday night imposing unilateral sanctions against Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi and his family, ...... - U.S. Freezes a Record $30 Billion in Libyan Assets - nytimes

Afghan President Karzai to visit Britain this week

KABUL — Afghan President Hamid Karzai will travel to Britain on Monday for a two-day visit to meet Prime Minister David Cameron and open a major museum exhibition about his country's heritage, an official has said. -- Afghan President Karzai to visit Britain this week
کرزی پر امنيتي مسایلو د خبرو لپاره برتانیا ته ولاړ
د ولسي جرګې رییس وټاکل شو
پيټرېیاس قومندانانو ته د ملکي تلفاتو د مخنيوي لارښوونه کوي

Hope for one of the Buddha statues blown up by the Taliban - Guardian

German scientists say it may be possible to reconstruct one of two giant 1,500-year-old Buddha statues dynamited by the Taliban in central Afghanistan 10 years ago. Their destruction prompted a worldwide outcry and left behind only towering cliff caverns. -- Hope for one of the Buddha statues blown up by the Taliban
Mubarak barred from leaving Egypt

Lertter: It's the gun, not the headgear, that matters in Afghanistan

I hope that Congress refuses Col. Martha McSally's invitation to legislate female G.I. headgear in Afghanistan ["Should our uniform adapt to their culture?," Outlook, Feb. 20]. - It's the gun, not the headgear, that matters in Afghanistan

Anxiety on all sides of upcoming House hearing on radicalization of U.S. Muslims - washingtonpost

Yet the Scottsdale, Ariz., doctor will be the face of American Islam for a Capitol Hill moment. Other than members of Congress, Jasser is the only witness that Rep. Peter T. King (R-N.Y.) has identified so far for his upcoming hearings on radicalization of American Muslims. -- Anxiety on all sides of upcoming House hearing on radicalization of U.S. Muslims

Afghan Legislators Pick Leader - WSJ

KABUL—Afghan lawmakers ended a protracted political stalemate on Sunday by electing a little-known legislator as speaker of the parliament, which is seeking to establish itself as a counterbalance to President Hamid Karzai's authority. - Afghan Parliament Elects Speaker, Ending Stalemate
Afghan Probe Says NATO Operation Killed 65 Civilians

Sunday, February 27, 2011

رئیس مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان انتخاب شد

مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان پس از حدود یک ماه سرانجام موفق شد به جنجالها بر سر تعیین رئیس این مجلس پایان داده و عبدالروف ابراهیمی، از نمایندگان ولایت قندوز را به عنوان رئیس خود انتخاب کند. -- رئیس مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان انتخاب شد
بالاخره ريیس پارلمان از روی ناچاری برگزیده شد!
طلسم شکست؛ پارلمان صاحب رییس شد
سخنگوی ریاست امنیت ملی: حملات انتحاری از پاکستان سازمان‌دهی می‌شوند

Complete Coverage of the 2011 Oscars - ABCNews

The Winners of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards -- Complete Coverage of the 2011 Oscars
Oscars: 'King' Rules the Show
New York Times - msnbc.com - Telegraph.co.uk - Los Angeles Times

Rehman Malik Reciting Sura ikhlas Wrongly in cabinet meeting

Rehman Malik Reciting Sura ikhlas Wrongly in cabinet meeting. Report on Geo News -- and these are the leaders supporting the Taliban to fight a "jihad" in Afghanistan....wow!!! -- Rehman Malik Reciting Sura ikhlas Wrongly in ...
Rehman Malik vs Surah Ikhlas

List of 83rd annual Oscar winners - AP

List of the 83rd Annual Academy Award winners announced Sunday: - List of 83rd annual Oscar winners
Awards Tracker If I ran the Oscars:

'King's Speech' battles 'Social Network' at the 83rd Oscars

Los Angeles (CNN) -- The best picture Oscar battle Sunday pits the story of a king overcoming a speech impediment to lead his people through World War II against the saga of how a college student created Facebook, ... - 'King's Speech' battles 'Social Network' at the 83rd Oscars
The Guardian - Reuters - The Associated Press - Times of India
سخنرانی پادشاه، جوایز اصلی اسکار ۲۰۱۱ را به‌دست آورد

Exclusive: Amanpour Interviews Gadhafi's Son - "This Week"

"Listen, nobody is leaving this country. We live here, we die here," he insisted. "This is our country. The Libyans are our people. And for myself, I believe I am doing the right thing."

"It's not an American business, that's number one," said Gadhafi, who was dressed casually as he spoke with Amanpour. "Second, do they think this is a solution? Of course not." -- "Show me a single attack, show me a single bomb," he told her. -- Gadhafi's Son Says Libya Is Not America's 'Business'
Watch: Inside Gadhafi's Weird World

ننګرهاريان: وکيلان د والي د بدلون واک نه لري

دننګرهار ددوه ويشت ولسواليو زرګونه وګړو دننګرهار دولسي جرګې دځينو غړو هغه نيوکې غېرقانوني او دوکيلانو له واک پورته وبللې چې له امله يې دوى ددغه ولايت دمسولينو دبدليدو غوښتنه کړې وه

قومي استازو له سلاکاروزير اوننګرهار والي ګل اغاشيرزي سره په کتنه کې دخپل بشپړ ملاتړ په ښودلوسره دنوموړي پنځه کلن خدمتونه وستايل ، چې په وينا يې دنوموړي په ځانګړې پاملرنه دغه ولايت يومثالي ولايت ګرځيدلى .....- ننګرهاريان: وکيلان د والي د بدلون واک نه لري‎
محقق او نسيمې نيازۍ له يوبل څخه د بښنې غوښتنه وکړه ګران ...‎

Afghanistan civilian casualties spike; officials say 200 killed in 2-week period

KABUL - More than 200 Afghans were killed in attacks and military operations during the past two weeks, Afghan officials said Saturday, calling it the deadliest period for civilians since the war began. - Afghan officials report spike in civilian deaths

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Britain should pull out of Afghanistan, says Gorbachev - The Independent

The ex-Soviet leader argues the US must take some blame for fanning Islamic fundamentalism -- Gorbachev: Britain should pull out of Afghanistan
گورباچف: انگلستان بايد از افغانستان خارج شود ګران افغانستان ...‎
Revealed: Blair's secret calls to Gaddafi
What government is for : Washington is going to have to concentrate on the...

هواپیمای ساقط شده افغانستان 'اسناد جعلی داشته است'

وزارت ترانسپورت و هوانوردی (حمل و نقل) افغانستان می گوید هواپیمای مسافربری یک شرکت خصوصی این کشور که اوایل سال جاری خورشیدی سقوط کرد، اسناد جعلی داشته است. -- هواپیمای ساقط شده افغانستان 'اسناد جعلی داشته است'
امنیت پروازها در افغانستان؛ آیا کسی به فکر مسافران هست؟
امنیت مکالمات تلیفونی در خطر است

Sen. Sanders: Afghanistan is a backward country - The Hill's Floor

"It is one of the most backward countries in the entire world," said Sanders. "Massive poverty, great deal of illiteracy, corruption; it's not an easy place in which to work." -- Sen. Sanders: Afghanistan is a backward country
Sen. Sanders discusses trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan - WCAX

Once Upon a Time in Afghanistan… Foreign Policy
Images of old Afghanistan depict better times - ABC7
Images of old Afghanistan depict better times for the war-torn ... - Cheryl Jennings

At War: A Year at War: The Afghan Partners

In a dangerous country, Afghan police officers have perhaps the most dangerous jobs. They do not direct traffic, walk beats, write tickets and investigate crimes the way police officers in most countries do. -- At War: A Year at War: The Afghan Partners - nytimes
Sealing the deal in Afghanistan – The Express Tribune
Obama Says Qaddafi Must Leave ‘Now’ - AP

Kadafi blocks off Libyan capital after night of violence stuns residents - latimes

Moammar Kadafi uses tanks to deny entry into Tripoli while reportedly deploying mercenaries and supportive civilians to raid homes and clear the streets of protesters. - Kadafi blocks off Tripoli after a night of violence stuns residents
Security Council Calls for War Crimes Inquiry in Libya - nytimes
U.S. tells Gaddafi it is time to go as revolt closes in - reuters

تهدیدی که افغانستان به آن روبروست در سرحدات جغرافیایی یک کشور محدود نمی شود

وزیر دفاع افغانستان دیروز در انستیتیوت صلح ایالات متحده طی سخنرانی گفت، تهدیدی که افغانستان به آن روبروست در سرحدات جغرافیایی یک کشور محدود نمی شود و از این رو به یک برخورد ستراتیژیک جهانی و تلاش های همه جانبه و منسجم نیاز دارد. - تهدیدی که افغانستان به آن روبروست در سرحدات جغرافیایی یک کشور محدود نمی شود
امریکا در مورد اتهامات استفاده از شیوه های روانی بالای سناتوران امریکایی در افغانستان تحقیق می کند

Obama signs temporary extension of Patriot Act

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama has signed a three-month extension of key surveillance provisions of the Patriot Act. -- Obama signs temporary extension of Patriot Act
Anxiety on all sides of upcoming House hearing on radicalization of U.S. Muslims

Iran adding advanced equipment to uranium plant, U.N. nuclear watchdog says

Iran appears to be preparing to scale up its production of enriched uranium with advanced new equipment, -- U.N.: Iran adding equipment to uranium plant
U.S. report finds Iran still debating building nuclear bomb

U.S. economic recovery threatened by events in Midwest, Middle East - washingtonpost

Just when the economic recovery seemed to gain momentum, two new threats have emerged that could undermine it. One has flared in the Midwest, the other in the Middle East. - U.S. economy faces threats from home and abroad
Twin forces affecting the economy

William and Kate return to St Andrews University

Prince William and fiancee Kate Middleton have returned to St Andrews University, where they first met. -- William and Kate return to St Andrews University
'Like a fairytale' - BBC
William and Kate return to St Andrews University

Friday, February 25, 2011

Gates warns against Iraq, Afghanistan-style wars

"In my opinion, any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should 'have his head examined,' as General MacArthur so delicately put it," Gates said. - Gates warns against Iraq, Afghanistan-style wars - Hindustan Times
Gates warns against future land wars like Iraq, Afghanistan - latimes
New York Times - DigitalJournal.com - AFP

Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat

Robert Blackwill’s “Partition as Plan B” article appearing in the current issue of Foreign Affairs is unconvincing and if implemented would have devastating consequences.

The British wanted to annex Afghanistan and use it as a stepping stone to advance into Central Asia. When the British realized they were at an impasse, they caved in and marked the spikes of the Hindu Kush Mountains as the barrier that would shield their sphere of influence. With Russia and Britain mired in a stalemate and both powers contending against the French in Europe, they figured partition would not work so they agreed on modern Afghanistan serving as a buffer state.

Let’s entertain, for a moment though, the trade-offs if Blackwill’s utopian wish of partitioning Afghanistan were to come true. By withdrawing from southern Afghanistan, the Taliban, already having made inroads into the area for the past several years, despite the presence of western and Afghan security forces, would quickly fill the power vacuum. A de facto partition would also permit Al Qaeda to re-group and take up residence in the terrorist-sanctioned state, just as they did once before. Can you just imagine what a nation governed by radical Islamists on both sides of the Durand Line would look like? .... More -- Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat

Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs - Robert D. Blackwill
Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs

حامد کرزی دلیل کشتار مردم ملکی را ناقص بودن ستراتیژی ناتو خواند

رییس جمهور افغانستان یک بار دیگر روی مبارزه مشترک در مقابل تروریزم در خارج از مرز های افغانستان تاکید کرد و گفت، تروریست ها در دهات و قصبات افغانستان نیستند و باید نیروهای بین المللی به لانه های تروریستان در خارج از کشور توجه بیشتر کنند..... - حامد کرزی دلیل کشتار مردم ملکی را ناقص بودن ستراتیژی ناتو خواند
«تهدید تجزیهء پاکستان، از مناطق قباییلی نه، بلکه از پنجاب آغاز خواهد شد»
ولسمشر کرزي د ناټو ستراتيژي د ملکي تلفاتو لامل وباله
پیام رادیویی رییس جمهور !‎

Russian parliament ratifies US Afghan transit deal

MOSCOW -- Russia's lower house of parliament ratified an agreement Friday to allow the United States to ferry troops and supplies across Russian territory for military operations in Afghanistan. -- Russian parliament ratifies US Afghan transit deal
In one of final addresses to Army, Gates describes vision for military's future
Taliban in PR Scramble After Attacks - wsj

Gaddafi forces fire on protesters in Tripoli; defiant leader urges thousands of supporters to take up arms - washingtonpost

BENGHAZI, LIBYA - Government paramilitary forces opened fire Friday on protesters who swarmed the streets of Tripoli .... - Libyan ruler clings to power amid worsening violence
U.N. rights council condemns crackdown in Libya
Who's who in Moammar Gadhafi's family tree - CTV News
One month later, Egyptians rally to protect victory

بحران در مجلس نمایندگان، قدرت سیاسی و خواسته های قومی

بحران موجود درانتخاب رئیس مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان، آیینه ای است که ماهیت سیاست ورزی و هویت سیاستمداران این کشور را بر می تاباند و نشانه ای است هویدا از شناسنامه ساختار قدرت و تجربه مدیریت امروز در این سر زمین. -- مجلس نمایندگان؛ نزاع قدرت و خواسته های قومی
ادامه بحران در مجلس نمایندگان

Gaddafi son says fighting limited, sees end soon

(Reuters) - A son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi tried on Friday to minimize the extent of fighting with rebels who have seized much of the country, - Gaddafi son says fighting limited, sees end soon
Gaddafi vows to fight as opposition closes in
AFP - New York Times - CNN International

Study says US wasted billions in Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Corruption and waste has cost the US government billions of reconstruction dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an official study on wartime contracting released on Thursday - Study says US wasted billions in Iraq, Afghanistan
US oversight of war-zone contractors labeled weak
Threat to girls' education in Afghanistan: report

Attack Video Shows Taliban Horrors - Extremely Graphic Video of the Kabul Bank Shooting

Last Saturday, a gang of gunman marched into the Kabul Bank in Jalalabad, in eastern Afghanistan, and massacred up to 60 unarmed civilians in cold blood. Dozens more victims suffered grievous wounds. The brutal Feb. 19 attack was staged as workers were gathered in the bank to withdraw their pay. - Attack Video Shows Taliban Horrors - The Daily Beast
Taliban Attack Video Shows Danger with U.S. Negotiations - The ...

د جلال اباد دبريد ويډيو دبريد کوونکي پر ضد د خلکو غوسه راوپاروله

د جلال اباد ښار دکابل بانک پر څانګۍ د ډله ييز ځانمرګي بريدکوونکيو خپره شوې ويډيو د ډېرو خلکو له خوا د فيس بوک ويبپاڼې له خوا غندل شوې ده. -- د جلال اباد دبريد ويډيو دبريد کوونکي پر ضد د خلکو غوسه راوپاروله ...‎
پیام رادیویی رییس جمهور !‎
یک مقام امریکایی: در افغانستان پایگاه می سازیم!‎

Extremely Graphic: Videos for Jalalabad Kabul bank shooting -

This is the reality of living with terrorist .... - Jalalabad Kabul bank shooting
YouTube - Bad Attack In Kabul Bank In Jalalabad Province.mp4
YouTube - Taliban kill innocents in attack on Kabul Bank branch in ...
Sharq News 20 FEB 2011 ( Shaiq Network)
پیام رادیویی رییس جمهور

Afghan intelligence official killed in suicide bombing - latimes

The Taliban claims responsibility for the attack in Kandahar province, near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, which also injured about two dozen people, officials say. - Afghan intelligence official killed in suicide bombing
Pakistan arrests US contractor - guardian

Afghan security worst for 10 years, says UN

Security in the country is at its lowest level for a decade and two-fifths of the country is off-limits, a departing United Nations official claimed yesterday. - Afghan security worst for 10 years, says UN

Thursday, February 24, 2011

4 Reasons Home Prices Are Likely To Fall Further

It's been almost five years since the housing bubble peaked, and the bust isn't over yet. - 4 Reasons Home Prices Are Likely To Fall Further
Crisis In The Housing Market
Home Prices Set To Fall Further: Richard Fairbank, Capital One CEO

Kabul Seeks Control Of Women's Shelters - NPR

But women's advocates in Kabul are concerned that government control will mean government interference. - Kabul Seeks Control Of Women's Shelters
General Reportedly Used Psy-Ops On American VIPs

Huckabee sees no endgame in Afghanistan

"What's the endgame we're playing here?" he told reporters at a session hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. "I can't see a conclusion." -- Huckabee sees no endgame in Afghanistan
General ordering probe into report of mind tricks
Pakistan's intelligence ready to split with CIA
Military to investigate claim psy-ops was used to influence U.S. senators

Details of bomb plot in U.S. by Saudi national

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Saudi-born student was arrested in Texas on Wednesday on charges he plotted to build and detonate bombs inside the United States. -Factbox: Details of bomb plot in U.S. by Saudi national
FBI: Saudi weighed targeting Bush home
New York Times - Bloomberg - Christian Science Monitor - The Guardian

Chris Coons: Mideast Protests Haven't Reached Afghanistan - huffingtonpost

WASHINGTON -- While the protests in the Middle East continue to spread, with citizens now controlling Libya's second-largest city, the turmoil is taking more of a back seat in the politics of Afghanistan, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Monday. -- Chris Coons: Mideast Protests Haven't Reached Afghanistan
Afghanistan : Pictures, Videos, Breaking News
At Conservative Gathering, Skepticism Of Afghan War Takes Center Stage

Gates Welcomes Afghan Leaders for Inaugural Forum - American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates welcomed Afghanistan’s defense and interior ministers to the Pentagon today ....- Gates Welcomes Afghan Leaders for Inaugural Forum, U.S. Department ...
Defense.gov News Article: Gates Welcomes Afghan Leaders for ...

Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat

Robert Blackwill’s “Partition as Plan B” article appearing in the current issue of Foreign Affairs is unconvincing and if implemented would have devastating consequences.

Let’s not be Pollyannaish by banking on false hope and wishful thinking. Blackwill’s alternative is neither a quick fix nor something new. It closely resembles what the British and Russian empires during the nineteenth century experimented with, in the so-called “Great Game,” but failed miserably in trying to accomplish.

Flash forward to today, in the “New Great Game,” and you now have many more stakeholders vying for monopoly over the resource-rich and geo-strategically positioned Afghanistan. Partitioning Afghanistan into mini-states would upset the regional power balance and endanger the world’s only non-nuclear state that is encircled by nuclear-armed neighbors. Allowing the Taliban to annex Afghan territories will trigger global shocks and benefit the terrorist cause. ... More - Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat
Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs - Robert D. Blackwill

Suicide bomber kills 30 in Afghanistan's north

The blast at an Afghan government administrative center kills civilians waiting for ID cards or other documents, officials say. It follows a string of insurgent attacks aimed at so-called soft targets. - Suicide bomber kills 30 in Afghanistan's north - latimes
Afghanistan says 50 civilians killed in Western battle with insurgents
Taliban gunmen and bombers storm bank in Afghanistan, kill 18

Iran's repressive regime cannot last - The Guardian

Not only is the green movement alive, it is also showing resilience and stamina and making progress - Iran's repressive regime cannot last
Iranian warships cross Suez canal
Middle East unrest adds to pressure on world food prices

نگرانی سازمان ملل از وخامت امنیت امدادرسانی در افغانستان

یک مقام ارشد سازمان ملل با اشاره به وخامت وضع امنیتی در افغانستان می گوید امدادرسانان تنها به سی درصد خاک این کشور دسترسی دارند.-- نگرانی سازمان ملل از وخامت امنیت امدادرسانی در افغانستان
ایکنبیري: د افغانستان هوايي ځواک تجهیزوو لومړى پا ڼه Pashto‎
پر دايمي اډو جوړولو دوه اړخيزې خبرې روانې دي - كورني خبرونه

Saudi king offers benefits as he returns from treatment

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has announced increased benefits for his citizens, as he returned after months abroad getting medical treatment. -- BBC News
Winds of change reach Saudi King National Post
Christian Science Monitor - Reuters - Wall Street Journal

Welcome from Ambassador - Embassy of Afghanistan

The full diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1934. --- The first visit by the Afghan Head of State to the U.S. took place in September 1963, when His Majesty King Zahir Shah, the Father of the Nation, was invited by President John F. Kennedy.

Press Release: Afghanistan's New Ambassador Presented His Credentials to President Obama (Read More...)

Plan B in Afghanistan | Foreign Affairs

Summary: There are no easy or cost-free ways to escape the current quagmire in Afghanistan. More - Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs - Robert D. Blackwill
Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat
Afghanistan Partition 'Plan B' Only Benefits the Enemy - OhMyGov

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat

Robert Blackwill’s “Partition as Plan B” article appearing in the current issue of Foreign Affairs is unconvincing and if implemented would have devastating consequences. --- Blackwill’s proposal for the US to surrender Afghanistan’s south, retreat to the north, and then resume an aerial campaign into a newly created Pashtunistan just shows how ill-informed he is about Afghanistan.

Separating Afghanistan along racial lines is not going to end the US quagmire or reduce the costs in executing the war. Afghans will not accept the breakup of their ancient and multi-ethnic nation that they have fought hard, throughout their history, to keep intact. Implementing a plan that divides Afghanistan will tragically turn Afghan moderates toward supporting the insurgency against U.S. and allied forces.

A de facto partition would also permit Al Qaeda to re-group and take up residence in the terrorist-sanctioned state, just as they did once before. Can you just imagine what a nation governed by radical Islamists on both sides of the Durand Line would look like?

Losing Afghanistan would be a catastrophic loss to the international community, a grave threat to US security interests, and signal of mission accomplished to terrorists worldwide. Let’s not even contemplate Plan B since the losses would be unacceptable and the wins beneficial only to the other side. ....... More

Afghanistan Partition ‘Plan B’ Only Benefits the Enemy - Nemat Sadat
Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs - Robert D. Blackwill

Obama Condemns Libya Amid Stalled Evacuation

WASHINGTON — President Obama broke four days of silence on Wednesday to “strongly condemn” the Libyan government’s violent crackdown on protesters ..... - Obama Condemns Libya Amid Stalled Evacuation - nytimes
Obama’s Speech on Libya (Text)

GOP's Islam debate -- washingtonpost

Former Arkansas governor and 2012 presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee found himself in hot water this week after he called Islam the "antithesis of the gospel of Christ" and.... -- The GOP's Islam issue
Scare tactics and self-defeatism -- Muslim-bashing the GOP's sell?
Muslim freedom, American ignorance

NATO: Afghan attrition remains stubbornly high

BRUSSELS -- Attrition rates in Afghan security forces remain stubbornly high, but there is no shortage of recruits so NATO still expects to meet its goal of having ..... - NATO: Afghan attrition remains stubbornly high - AP
Tensions rise over Afghan civilian deaths
Afghan security at worst state since Taliban: UN

U.S. will need new strategy in Mideast - Fareed Zakaria

We are in the midst of a revolution in the Middle East, one that has unleashed long-suppressed forces that will continue to send shock waves across an arc of countries from Morocco to Iran. - U.S. will need new strategy in Mideast
For the Mideast, a code for rising democracies

مردم قتل‌عام می‌شوند؛ نامزدان معترض پایکوبی می‌کنند

سکوت نهادهای مدنی، احزاب سیاسی، تیکه‌داران قومی، علمای دین، نمایندگان مجلس و تمام آنانی‌که برای حق خود صدای رسایی دارند، نشان‌گر این است که یا آنان هم از این قتل‌ها لذت می‌برند و یا هم مرعوب طالبان شده‌‌اند. -- مردم قتل‌عام می‌شوند؛ نامزدان معترض پایکوبی می‌کنند
صلح با جانیان سادیست تسلیم‌طلبی است
یک هیات ده‌نفری شورای عالی صلح عازم ترکیه شد
۴۰ نفر کشته در حمله شبه‌نظامیان در ننگرهار افغانستان

Cell Phone Use Affects Brain Glucose Metabolism

February 23, 2011 — Use of a cell phone for as little as 50 minutes at a time appears to affect brain glucose metabolism in the region closest to the phone's antenna, a new study shows. - Cell Phone Use Affects Brain Glucose Metabolism - Medscape
Health Buzz: Cell Phones Cause Brain-Activity Changes
DailyFinance - TIME - CBS News - PCWorld - Washington Post

وزارت خارجهء ایران بطور مداخله جویانه در مورد امضای پیمان ستراتیژیک در بین امریکا و افغانستان ابراز نگرانی کرد

تهران - سخنگوی وزارت امور خارجهء ایران بطور مداخله جویانه، از خبر منتشره در مورد امکان امضای پیمان ستراتیژیک در بین امریکا و افغانستان ابراز نگرانی کرد.- وزارت خارجهء ایران بطور مداخله جویانه در مورد امضای پیمان ستراتیژیک در بین امریکا و افغانستان ابراز نگرانی کرد
تجهيز مخالفين از سوی کشور هاى همسايه - خبرهای داخلی - کابل‎

FBI Accused of Violating Muslims' Rights at Mosque

Two civil liberties groups have sued the FBI, claiming that one of the agency's former informants was ordered to target Muslims for surveillance when he infiltrated a California mosque. - FBI Accused of Violating Muslims' Rights at Mosque - AP
Los Angeles Times - Forbes - OCRegister

Lawsuit alleges FBI violated Muslims' freedom of religion - washingtonpost

An FBI informant who infiltrated a California mosque violated the constitutional rights of hundreds of Muslims by targeting them for surveillance because of their religion, the ACLU and a Muslim group said in a lawsuit Tuesday. - Lawsuit: FBI violated Muslims' freedom of religion
Muslim advocacy group to announce class action suit against FBI
FBI accused of violating Muslims' rights at mosque - AJC
Lawsuit contends FBI violated rights of hundreds of Muslim Americans - latimes

Mobiles phones 'affect the brain' - BBC

A study by the National Institutes of Health in the US suggests that mobile phones could have an effect on the brain. They reported higher sugar use in the brain, a sign of increased activity, after 50 minutes on the phone. -- Mobiles phones 'affect the brain'
Study links cellphone usage to metabolism in brain cells Boston Globe
Los Angeles Times - BusinessWeek - Washington Post - Wall Street Journal

Unfriendly Fire - German Troops Slam Afghan Training after Deadly Attack

Doubts about methods used to train Afghan soldiers are growing among German troops after a deadly shooting last Friday, which killed three. - German Troops Slam Afghan Training after Deadly Attack
Why Germany Must End its Deployment in Afghanistan
Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic.

UN ambassadors clash over condemnation of Gaddafi - guardian

Russia and China show reluctance to join other security council members' plan to put pressure on Libyan leader -- UN ambassadors clash over condemnation of Gaddafi
Mikhail Gorbachev lambasts Vladimir Putin's 'sham' democracy
'Gaddafi is not a president. He is a leader of a revolution' – video

US: Lack of Paid Leave Harms Workers, Children - Human Rights Watch

Weak Laws, Discrimination Bad for Families and Business --- "Despite its enthusiasm about ‘family values,' the US is decades behind other countries in ensuring the well-being of working families," Walsh said. -- US: Lack of Paid Leave Harms Workers, Children
World Report 2011: Afghanistan

Afghan plan poses threat to women's shelters

Women's groups say putting the shelters under strict government control would have a catastrophic effect on their ability to protect the abused. The government accuses the shelters of mismanaging donated foreign money. - Afghan plan poses threat to women's shelters - latimes
Afghan plan poses threat to women's shelters - Chicago Tribune
Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs - Robert D. Blackwill

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Well: Cellphone Use Tied to Changes in Brain Activity

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have found that less than an hour of cellphone use can speed up brain activity in the area closest to the phone antenna, raising new questions about the health effects of low levels of radiation emitted from cellphones. - Well: Cellphone Use Tied to Changes in Brain Activity
Home Prices Slid in December in Most U.S. Cities, Index Shows

Billionaire Brothers’ Money Plays Role in Wisconsin Dispute - nytimes

WASHINGTON — Among the thousands of demonstrators who jammed the Wisconsin State Capitol grounds this weekend was a well-financed advocate from Washington ..... - Billionaire Brothers’ Money Plays Role in Wisconsin Dispute
Editorial: Spreading Anti-Union Agenda

New Zealand rescue teams scramble to find quake survivors - latimes

The shaking from the earthquake that hit Christchurch was among some of the strongest ever recorded. Officials say 75 are dead and 300 remain missing. - New Zealand rescue teams scramble to find quake survivors
New Zealand quake smashes buildings and cars, killing 65

Suicide attack in Afghanistan's north signals broader reach of Taliban

A suicide bomber attacked a crowd of Aghans waiting to get government identification cards and other official documents today, killing at least 31 people in the north’s traditionally quiet Kunduz Province. -- Suicide attack in Afghanistan's north signals broader reach of Taliban
Afghanistan says 50 civilians killed in Western battle with insurgents

Libya protests: UN Security Council condemns crackdown - BBC

The UN Security Council has condemned the Libyan authorities for using force against protesters, calling for those responsible to be held to account. - Libya protests: UN Security Council condemns crackdown
Wall Street Journal - Globe and Mail - MiamiHerald.com

Gaddafi refuses to leave power, vows to die a 'martyr' in Libya

SANAA, YEMEN - Libyan strongman Moammar Gaddafi on Tuesday defiantly rejected opposition demands that he give up power, .... - In defiant speech, Libyan leader rejects demands he step down
Gaddafi scandals throughout the years

نشست بورد انتقال مسوولیت های امنیتی به قوای افغان در کابل راه انداز شد

در این نشست داکتر اشرف غنی احمدزی مسوول بورد مشترک روند انتقال در حالیکه نمایندهء خاص سرمنشی سازمان ملل، قوماندان عمومی نیروهای امریکایی و ناتو و نمایندهء ملکی ناتو در افغانستان حضور داشتند گفت که روند انتقال مسوولیت های امنیتی به نیروهای افغان طوری تنظیم شده که در زمان معین به پایان خواهد رسید....- نشست بورد انتقال مسوولیت های امنیتی به قوای افغان در کابل راه انداز شد
اشرف غنی: انتقال مسئولیت یک پروسه سرتاسری است!
وصایای احمد شاه بابا به ولیعهدش تیمورشاه

Monday, February 21, 2011

Innocent Civilians or Taliban Insurgents?

It is difficult to convince a village that the troops are there to help when they have just flattened everything for a kilometer around. - Innocent Civilians or Taliban Insurgents? GlobalPost
Suicide bomber kills 30 in Afghanistan's north - latimes
Rumsfeld: Obama 'trying to apologize for America'

How Obama Lost Karzai - Foreign Policy

A few weeks before the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, an exiled Afghan leader I had known for nearly 20 years paid a visit to my home in Lahore. His name was Hamid Karzai, and his problem, he told me, was that he was rapidly losing faith in the West's concern for his country.

Once again, Karzai now appears mistrusting of the West's long-term commitment to his country. He considers the Americans to be hopelessly fickle, represented by multiple military and civilian envoys who carry contradictory messages, work at cross-purposes, and wage their Washington turf battles in his drawing room, at his expense, while operating on short fuses and even shorter timetables. ..... - How Obama Lost Karzai - By Ahmed Rashid Foreign Policy
اوباما چگونه کرزی را از دست داد؟

Plan B in Afghanistan Foreign Affairs - Robert D. Blackwill
A World Without Islam (Foreign Policy)

Christchurch quake: 65 dead -- nzherald

Prime Minister John Key has told reporters that the death toll from today's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it could quite possibly double. - Christchurch quake: 65 dead
Christchurch earthquake: 'Dead bodies lying around'
Strong Earthquake Hits New Zealand New York Times
Reuters - ABC News - Radio New Zealand

Deadly quake strikes New Zealand

(CNN) -- A 6.3-magnitude earthquake ripped through Christchurch, New Zealand, on Tuesday afternoon, causing multiple fatalities as it toppled buildings onto buses, buckled streets and damaged cathedrals, authorities said. - Deadly quake hits New Zealand
Deadly quake rocks New Zealand, topples buildings Reuters
Asia Down; New Zealand Hit By Quake - WSJ - New York Times
Christian Science Monitor - Radio New Zealand

ملا سلام ضعیف در لندن، سفر شخصی یا تلاش سیاسی

در همین حال یک مقام آگاه افغان گفت، در روزهای اخیر شماری از مقام های امنیت ملی افغانستان نیز در لندن بوده اند و با مقام های امنیتی امارات متحده عربی و مقامهای بریتانیایی دیدارهایی داشته اند. این مقام افغان از تائید یا رد حضور آقای ضعیف در این گفت‌و‌گوها، خودداری کرد. .... .ملا سلام ضعیف در لندن، سفر شخصی یا تلاش سیاسی
افغانستان و کمینگاه‌ های دولت ملی
هشدار وزارت فرهنگ افغانستان به تلویزیون های خصوصی

Petraeus's comments on coalition attack reportedly offend Karzai government

KABUL - To the shock of President Hamid Karzai's aides, Gen. David H. Petraeus suggested Sunday at the presidential palace that Afghans caught up in a coalition attack in northeastern Afghanistan might have burned their own children to exaggerate claims of civilian casualties, according to two participants at the meeting. - Petraeus's raid remarks called offensive
Afghan officials: 65 killed in raid - washingtonpost

Europe Focuses on Flow of Migrants - nytimes

BRUSSELS — Two days of meetings of European Union ministers meant to address broad themes of change in the Middle East were dominated by short-term issues, particularly the possibility of increased migration from North Africa if regional unrest grows - Europe Focuses on Flow of Migrants
Complete Coverage: Middle East Protests
Libya: Saif al-Islam Gaddafi's defiant speech - Telegraph

At War: Glimpses of the Soviets in Afghanistan

Soft power, hard power, and between. Afghanistan has long been resistant to foreigners’ intentions for it, be they cynical or sincere. This, of course, is not a new observation. -- At War: Glimpses of the Soviets in Afghanistan - nytimes
Afghans see warlord footprints in new police force - AP
The 'Long War' May Be Getting Shorter - nytimes

Egypt requests freeze on Hosni Mubarak's foreign assets - BBC

However, Mr Mubarak's legal representative on Monday denied reports that the former president had grown wealthy while staying in office. - Egypt seeks Mubarak assets freeze
Cairo Seeks Freeze on Former Officials' Assets
Egypt Freezes Mubarak's Assets - ABC News
Egypt's Prosecutor Seeks Freeze of Mubarak's Foreign Assets ...
Hosni Mubarak In Failing Health: Saudi Report

Afghan suicide bomber in Kunduz 'kills dozens'

At least 30 people are killed after a suicide bomber targeted a government building in northern Afghanistan, officials say. - 'Dozens killed' in Afghan suicide blast - BBC

Cholesterol 'does not predict stroke in women'

The report in Annals of Neurology recommends using a different type of fat in the blood, non-fasting triglycerides, to measure the risk. - Cholesterol 'poor stroke marker'
Spice drug fights stroke damage
Oscars 2011 -- King's Speech leads Oscars field

Afghan officials allege that 65 civilians were killed in U.S. military operation

KABUL - Afghan government officials alleged Sunday that a U.S. military operation in the remote mountains of northeastern Afghanistan killed 65 innocent people, ... - Afghan officials allege 65 civilians killed

Secretary Clinton's Speech at the Asia Society

The Taliban and al-Qaida are distinct groups with distinct aims, but they are both our adversaries and part of a syndicate of terror that must be broken. - Remarks at the Launch of the Asia Society's Series of Richard C ... - state.gov
U.S. Following Three-Part Strategy in Afghanistan, Clinton Says
Marc Grossman New U.S. Representative for Afghanistan, Pakistan

Sunday, February 20, 2011

No Place To Call Home In Kabul -- rferl.

A lack of affordable housing has become one of the biggest social problems in Kabul, as the population of the city rises rapidly due to ever-increasing migration. -- Afghans Struggle To Afford Rents
Afghan, U.S. officials discuss to strengthen banking sector in ...

New U.S. Af-Pak Envoy Brings Different Diplomatic Style To Holbrooke's Old Job

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has chosen a retired senior diplomat and former ambassador to Turkey as the Obama administration's new special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. - New US Af-Pak Envoy Brings Different Diplomatic Style To ...
Marc Grossman chosen as new US envoy to Afghanistan, Pakistan
Comment: U.S.-Taliban Talks - The New Yorker

Afghan leader says U.S. bases depend on neighbors

That deteriorating relationship comes at the same time as Russia tries to increase its influence in Afghanistan, where Soviet troops fought a disastrous Cold War conflict that was followed by civil war in Afghanistan and contributed to the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991. - Afghan leader says U.S. bases depend on neighbors - (Reuters)
U.S. launches diplomatic "surge" to end Afghan war

Libya protests: Gaddafi's son warns of civil war

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son, Sayf al-Islam, has warned that civil war could hit the country.-- Gaddafi's son warns of civil war - BBC
Qaddafi’s Son Warns of Civil War as Libyan Protests Widen - nytimes

دکابل نړېوال هوايي ډګر به د اروپا په معیار برابر شي

کابل (نوید احمد) - دجرمني پولیسو هڅه پیل کړې ترڅو دکابل دنړیوال هوایي ډګر دپولیسو کاري وړتیا اوامکانات داروپا دځینو هوایي ډګرونو دپولیسو په معیار برابر کړي. په همدې هدف دسې شنبې په ورځ په کابل کې دجرمني دسفیر او دافغانستان دسرحدي پولیسو دقومندان ترمنځ داوږدمهاله همکاریو یو تړون هم لاسلیک سو. -- دکابل نړېوال هوايي ډګر به د اروپا په معیار برابر شي ګران ...‎
آغاز پرواز های بین المللی از میدان هوایی هرات‎
- افغان هوايي ځواک په سلګونو الوتکو ته اړتیا لري‎

Afghan Army Gets Training In Reading And Writing

After 30 years of war, most Afghan men know how to handle a rifle. For the same reason, most of them can't read. -- Listen to the Story
Afghan Army Gets Training In Reading And Writing
One Man Says No To Harsh Interrogation Techniques
'New Yorker': U.S. In Talks With Afghan Taliban

زرداري : بېنظير بوټو پر جلال اباد د ١٩٨٩ کال د بريد مخالفت کړى و

ولسمشر اصف علي زرداري په يوې وينا کې په ډاگه کړې ده چې د پاکستان ادارو له ډاکټر نجيب سره په سوله ييز ډول د مسايلو حل رد کړ او پر جلال اباد يې د مجاهدينو بريد غوره وبالۀ خو د وخت لومړۍ وزيرې بېنظير بوټو وويل چې " لړم په لړم " بايد ونه وژل شي - زرداري : بېنظير بوټو پر جلال اباد د ١٩٨٩ کال د بريد مخالفت کړى و‎
انتحار کننده گان در کابل بانک ننگرهار تبعه پاکستان ثابت شدند ...‎

Saudi Arabia says it's ready to help Bahrain's rulers

MANAMA, BAHRAIN - Saudi Arabia on Sunday said it stands ready "with all its capabilities" to shore up Bahrain's ruling royal family if a standoff with..... Saudi Arabia says it's ready to help Bahrain's rulers
Reuters - AFP - Bloomberg - Wall Street Journal - Egyptian Chronicles

Myths about 'unwinnable' Afghanistan -- CNN

"Even though Afghanistan has suffered severe internal wars and coups, falling victim to the entire gambit of 20th-century ideologies, the country and its people have shown remarkable resilience."

In fact, warlords received dollar-backing long before any serious investment in rebuilding and developing the country ever got under way. As the International Crisis Group said recently, "selecting some of the most violent and corrupt people in the country, stoking them up with suitcases of cash and promises of more to come and then putting them in charge was never a recipe for stability, never mind institution building." -- View full text of article.

Myths about 'unwinnable' Afghanistan -- Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Myths About "Unwinnable" Afghanistan - Council on Foreign Relations