Obama Adviser Outlines Plans to Defeat Al Qaeda

The adviser, John O. Brennan, said Wednesday that military and intelligence operatives would deliver “targeted, surgical pressure” on militant groups intent on attacking - Obama Adviser Outlines Plans to Defeat Al Qaeda - nytimes
امریکا استراتیژی جدید اش را علیه تروریزم اعلان کرد - امريکا د ټروريزم ضد ستراتيژي په ډاګه کړه

د وردک ولایت په نرخ ولسوالۍ کې د حزب او طالبانو ترمنځ سخت نښته روانه ده

دافغانستان د ختیځو ولایتونو د سرحدي پوليسو قوماندان تورنجنرال امین الله امرخيل، چې د کونړ او ننګرهار پر سرحدي سیمو یې د پاکستاني ځواکونو پر بریدونو پر له پسې انتقادونه کول، نن(پنجشنبه) استعفا وکړه.- د وردک ولایت په نرخ ولسوالۍ کې د حزب او طالبانو ترمنځ سخت نښته روانه ده - نظامیان پاکستانی در پرتاب راکت بر مناطق سرحدی افغانستان دست دارند
جنرال امين الله امرخېل ولې استعفى وکړه؟

Airstrike Kills Insurgent Suspected in Planning Kabul Attack

KABUL, Afghanistan — An airstrike in southeastern Afghanistan killed an insurgent leader who was involved in organizing the suicide assault on the Intercontinental Hotel here Tuesday, NATO officials said. - Kabul Hotel Assault Organizer Killed in Airstrike

فقر و بیکاری، زمینه قاچاق علنی انسان در افغانستان

فقر و بیکاری در ولایت غزنی در مرکز افغانستان باعث شده که قاچاق انسان در این ولایت به گونه علنی رایج شود. - فقر و بیکاری، زمینه قاچاق علنی انسان در افغانستان
داماد گلبدین: حکمتیار در افغانستان است

Afghanistan: Kabul Bank chiefs arrested in fraud probe - BBC

Two former executives of the failed Kabul Bank have been arrested over huge fraud that led to its near collapse. - Fraud-hit Afghan bank chiefs held - Warrant for Afghan ex-bank chief - رؤسای سابق کابل بانک بازداشت شدند - گفت‌وگوهایی با عبدالقدیر فطرت و احمد بیگ قادریتماشا کنید13:16
Nato 'kills top Afghan militant' - ناتو فرمانده مرتبط با حمله به هتل اینترکنتینانتال کابل را کشت

Prince William, Kate arrive in Canada for visit

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Prince William and Kate arrived in Canada on Thursday for their first official overseas trip that is expected to draw excited crowds. - Prince William, Kate arrive in Canada for tour - William, Kate off to Canada, US in first tour - Yahoo!
Prince William, Kate arrive in Canada for tour - nytimes

Full text of President Obama's speech on Afghanistan - Foreign Policy

We will not try to make Afghanistan a perfect place. We will not police its streets or patrol its mountains indefinitely. That is the responsibility of the Afghan government, ... - Full text of President Obama's speech on Afghanistan The Cable - Full President Obama speech text on Afghanistan - latimes - Text: Obama’s News Conference (June 30, 2011)

Kabul Hotel Attack Raises Doubts on Afghan Forces - nytimes

“We talk about the transition to Afghan security, but the Afghan forces are not ready to take over their security and their country,”.... Kabul Hotel Attack Raises Doubts on Afghan Forces - The Lede Blog: Video of Attack on Kabul Hotel
Afghans Arrest Two Officials Over Kabul Bank Collapse

Text: Obama’s News Conference - nytimes

MR. OBAMA: Well, I didn't use “victory” in my West Point speech, either. What I said was we can be successful in our mission, which is narrowly drawn, and that is to make sure that al Qaeda cannot attack the United States of America or our allies or our interests overseas, and to make sure that we have an Afghan government that -- and an Afghan people that can provide for their own security. - Obama's News Conference -- Text of President Obama's Speech on Afghanistan
In Deficit Plan, Taxes Must Rise, President Warns

Afghan attack left mass of bodies at luxury hotel

It was one of the biggest and most complex attacks ever orchestrated in the Afghan capital and appeared designed to show that the insurgents are capable of striking even in the center of power at a time when U.S. officials are speaking of progress in the nearly 10-year war. - Afghan attack left mass of bodies at luxury hotel

Obama on Afghanistan: Strategic Drawdown or Rush for the Door?

There is a growing temptation in the United States to rush to the exit in Afghanistan. - Obama on Afghanistan: Strategic Drawdown or Rush for the Door? RAND -- How Does the Conflict in Afghanistan Compare to Counterinsurgencies of the Past 30 Years?

Petraeus’s unfinished legacy in Afghanistan

KABUL - A week ago, late on the night that President Obama announced he would be withdrawing troops from Afghanistan faster than the military had wanted, .... Petraeus's unfinished legacy inAfghanistan washingtonpost
President Obama on the Way Forward in Afghanistan The White House

As US slowly withdraws from Afghanistan, regional neighbors should step up - CSM

A US and NATO withdrawal raises the stakes in Afghanistan for Pakistan, India, China, Russia, and Iran. It's time for these regional powers to join together in a conference on Afghanistan, based on common concerns and shared interests. - As US slowly withdraws from Afghanistan, regional neighbors should step up
Taliban's Kabul raid as a Vietnam-like PR ploy

Afghanistan: Political Crisis Threatens Democratic Institutions - Eurasianet

Almost lost amid an unfolding banking scandal in Afghanistan, a confrontation between President Hamid Karzai and the country’s parliament is coming to a head, threatening - Afghanistan: Political Crisis Threatens Democratic Institutions
Karzai Opponents Forge Pan-Ethnic Alliance - WSJ

Exclusive: Inside the Afghan hotel attack

After some six hours of fighting overnight, all eight assailants who managed to penetrate the hotel’s heavy security and who were wearing suicide vests and carrying automatic rifles and rocket propelled grenades were dead. Exclusive: Inside the Afghan hotel attack - Kabul Inter-Continental Hotel Attack: Taliban ... - The Daily Beast -- Kabul Hotel Attack's Meaning for Afghan War - ‎The Atlantic

Karzai Defiant After Kabul Hotel Assault - TIME

Karzai says in Wednesday's statement that the insurgents are "enjoying the killing of innocent people" and "such incidents will not stop us from transitioning security of our country." - Karzai Defiant After Kabul Hotel Assault - The Kabul Intercontinental Attack: The Taliban's Clear Message - Afghanistan Reality Check: Five Questions for Obama -- Afghanistan World news guardian.co.uk

Afghanistan seeks foreign donors after IMF talks fail

(Reuters) - Kabul is pursuing talks with international donors for foreign aid after a breakdown in discussions with the IMF left millions of dollars in aid in limbo, Afghanistan's finance minister said on Tuesday.- Afghanistan seeks foreign donors after IMF talks fail Reuters
Global Politician - Afghanistan, , America's Dilemma

Kabul Bombing: Intercontinental Hotel Attacked by Bomber, Gunmen; Attackers Killed

Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel Attacked by Bomber, Gunmen - ABC News

Raid by Afghan Forces and NATO Ends Attack on Hotel in Kabul - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — Several heavily armed attackers stormed one of the capital’s fortified premier hotels on Tuesday night, ....Attackers Storm Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul -
Bloggingheads: Afghans and Terrorism

امریکا می خواهد مثال تاریخی بلجیم را در افغانستان عملی کند

واشنگتن تلاش ها را برای تبدیل کردن افغانستان به سویس آسیای میانه ترک نموده و اکنون می خواهد که مثال تاریخی بلجیم را در این کشور عملی کند. - امریکا می خواهد مثال تاریخی بلجیم را در افغانستان عملی کند
د افغانستان د امنیت لپاره د امریکا نوې سیاسي هڅه

Democrats pass austerity budget for California

Universities, courts and the poor would be among those losing funding in the new California budget. Officials admit the plan would not restore the state to fiscal health. - Democrats pass austerity budget for California
7 Taliban, 11 others killed in attack on luxury hotel in Kabul - CNN

NATO Copter Ends Kabul Hotel Siege - WSJ

KABUL—A helicopter from the coalition led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization fired on and killed three militants on the roof of Kabul's InterContinental Hotel, ..... NATO Copter Ends Kabul Hotel Siege -- Karzai Opponents Forge Pan-Ethnic Alliance - Nominee Questions Pakistan's Battle Plan

Afghanistan: Responsible U.S. Transition Must Address Displacement Crisis -Refugeesinternational

Afghan civilians are caught in the middle of an intensifying military campaign against a fractured armed insurgency.- Afghanistan: Responsible U.S. Transition Must Address Displacement Crisis
250000 Afghans 'flee homes in two years' - aljazeera.

Afghanistan warns against "external interference" over poll

(Reuters) - The Afghan government warned the international community on Monday not to interfere in a deepening political crisis after lawmakers appealed for help over a specially formed court that overturned results for a quarter of the seats in parliament. - Afghanistan warns against "external interference" over poll

Kabul Hotel Attacked By Suicide Bombers - Sky News

Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel is under siege from gunmen, with reports of at least four suicide bombers entering the building and several dead. - Sky News
Telegraph.co.uk - Houston Chronicle - NPR - CNN International

Suicide bombers have invaded Kabul's Inter-Continental Hotel - CSM

The Inter-Continental Hotel in the Karte Parwan district was built by UK investors in the 1960s. It was looted and stripped during Afghanistan's civil war in the 1990s, underwent a multimillion dollar makeover a few years ago, and tonight was attacked by a group of armed gunmen, some reported to be wearing suicide vests. - Suicide bombers have invaded Kabul's Inter-Continental Hotel - Suicide bombers have invaded Kabul's Inter-Continental Hotel

Bombers attack luxury hotel in Kabul

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- A group of people using bombs and small arms attacked the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul Tuesday, ....Bombers attack luxury hotel in Kabul - Luxury hotel in Kabul attacked; Taliban claims responsibility CNN

Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel attacked by gunmen - BBC

A hotel popular with Westerners in the Afghan capital, Kabul, has come under attack by gunmen and suicide bombers. - At least 10 people are reported to have been killed. - Deadly attack rocks Kabul hotel - US 'in peace talks with Taliban'

Attackers in uniform add to anxiety in Afghanistan

Foreign troops say they're increasingly concerned about the 'enemy within,' as deadly assaults by men who appear to be police or soldiers become more frequent. - Attackers in uniform add to anxiety in Afghanistan

حمله کننده گان یونیفورم دار به اضطراب در افغانستان افزوده اند

وال ستریت ژورنالروزنامهء امریکایی وال ستریت ژورنال در تازه ترین مطلبش در مورد افغانستان نوشته است که پیش از اعلان آغاز خروج نیروهای امریکایی از افغانستان توسط رییس جمهور امریکا، این موضوع گفته شده بود که با وجود دیگر مشکلات، این مساله متحدان اروپایی امریکا را تشویق خواهد کرد تا سربازان شان را با عجله از افغانستان بیرون کنند. - «حمله کننده گان یونیفورم دار به اضطراب در افغانستان افزوده اند»
«جنگ افغانستان در حقیقت جنگ رای و جنگ انتخابات خواهد بود» - «ماه گذشته مرگ بارترین ماهای تلفات غیرنظامیان در افغانستان بود»

Fraud Ruling Throws Afghan Parliament Into Disarray - NPR

Those questions come as the Afghan government has been thrown into disarray. A tribunal appointed by Afghan President Hamid Karzai has revoked 25 percent of the seats awarded last September, reviving a dispute over the parliamentary elections. - Listen to the Story - Fraud Ruling Throws Afghan Parliament Into Disarray -- Arrest Warrant Issued For Top Afghan Banker

Worries Grow in Berlin about US Afghanistan Pull-Out - Der Spiegel

The German government is concerned about the US plan, announced by President Obama last week, to reduce its presence in Afghanistan. - Worries Grow in Berlin about US Afghanistan Pull-Out
Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic.

برنامه جهانی غذا در افغانستان با کمبود بودجه روبروست

برنامه جهانی غذا می گوید به دلیل کاهش بودجه این سازمان، بخشی از برنامه های خود را در حدود نیمی از سی و چهار ولایت افغانستان متوقف می کند.- برنامه جهانی غذا در افغانستان با کمبود بودجه روبروست
مجلس افغانستان خواستار محاکمه رئیس دادگاه عالی و دادستان کل شد

BBC News - Arrest warrant for ex-Afghan bank chief over 'fraud'

Afghan officials have issued an arrest warrant for the former governor of the central bank, Abdul Qadeer Fitrat. - BBC News - Arrest warrant for ex-Afghan bank chief over 'fraud' - افغانستان حکم بازداشت رئیس بانک مرکزی را صادر کرد - Afghanistan issues arrest warrant for central bank's former governor

Arrest warrant issued against Afghan banker

Move follows Abdul Qadir Fitrat's resignation as central bank governor citing threats to his life over Kabul Bank scam. - Arrest warrant issued against Afghan banker - Central & South Asia ... Afghanistan Issues Arrest Warrant for Central Bank Chief - WSJ - Afghan officials lash out at former central bank head who fled to U.S. Washington Post*

Obama's Afghanistan withdrawal: another sign of America's decline? - CSM

To the Taliban – and much of the world – the withdrawal is a sign of US weakness. The short-term benefits of abandoning counterinsurgency in Afghanistan may be politically appealing. But the long-term costs may be greater than Obama anticipates. - Obama's Afghanistan withdrawal: another sign of America's decline?Who will carry out Obama's Afghanistan exit plan? Three new guys.

Obama's Growing Trust in Biden Is Reflected in His Call on Troops - nytimes

WASHINGTON — As President Obama began mulling his next big decision on troop levels in Afghanistan last January, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. quietly flew to Kabul to meet with President Hamid Karzai and tour the battlefield with the top American commander, Gen. David H. Petraeus. - Obama's Growing Trust in Biden Is Reflected in His Call on Troops
Obama Should Follow Nixon’s Example in Vietnam

Fearful Afghan Central Banker Quits Post

KABUL, Afghanistan — Citing fear of reprisals and political interference in his investigation of the largest financial scandal in the country, Afghanistan’s Central Bank chairman announced his resignation Monday while in the United States, saying that he no longer felt safe in Afghanistan. - Fearful Afghan Central Banker Quits Post - رئیس بانک مرکزی افغانستان استعفا داد

World Food Program cuts Afghan food assistance

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.N. World Food Program announced Monday it will cut food assistance to more than 3 million Afghans in about half the country's 34 provinces because of a shortage of money from donor nations. - World Food Program cuts Afghan food assistance AJC - برنامه جهانی غذا در افغانستان با کمبود بودجه روبروست
World Food Program Cuts Afghan Food Assistance - ‎ABC News

US: Pakistan must show it wants Afghan peace

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Washington's special envoy to Afghanistan said Monday that Pakistan must prove it wants an end to the war by preventing militants from hiding out on its soil and enabling those who launch attacks on the Afghan side of the border. - US: Pakistan must show it wants Afghan peace

Border shelling overshadows U.S.-Pakistan-Afghan talks

(Reuters) - Fighting across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border will overshadow talks when the two countries meet along with the United States on Tuesday to map out plans for reconciliation with the Taliban. - Border shelling overshadows U.S.-Pakistan-Afghan talks Reuters - Afghanistan blames Pakistan for deadly rocket attacks; Pakistan denies

آیساف از حملات راکتی پاکستان بر خاک افغانستان اظهار بی خبری کرد

حدود سه هفته می شود که حملات راکتی پاکستان بر ولسوالی های سرحدی ولایات کنر و ننگرهار آغاز شده و اما نیرو های کمک به امنیت یا آیساف ازین حادثه اظهار بی خبری می کنند. - آیساف از حملات راکتی پاکستان بر خاک افغانستان اظهار بی خبری کرد
رییس جمهور افغانستان با لوی درستیز پاکستان ملاقات کرد - کرزی، زرداري او احمدي نژاد وایي د تروریزم پر ضد به ګډه مبارزه کوو - Karzai To Pakistan: End Rocket Fire

Number of Afghanistan refugees has doubled in 2011 - CNN

They are the faces of civilians caught in the crossfire in Afghanistan. Facing internal conflict, the number of people fleeing their homes in Afghanistan has more than doubled compared to this time last year, says Refugees International, an advocacy group for displaced persons. - Number of Afghanistan refugees has doubled in 2011 - Global Human Traffiking Watch

A gamble that may not pay off - The Eonomist

It is true that Afghanistan looks like a failure beside the dream of 2001, when NATO invaded. It will continue to be plagued by violence and insurgency. -- The president is at risk of running down American forces in Afghanistan too fast -- Neither a picnic nor a Switzerland

NationalJournal - Missed Direction

Washington is obsessed with U.S. progress in southern Afghanistan. But the real fight is in the east. - NationalJournal- Missed Direction - U.S. Focus Shifts to Eastern Afghanistan
A New Push for Talks With the Taliban — Diplomatic Memo nytimes

Karzai accuses Pakistan of firing rockets BBC

Officials say the attacks have been concentrated in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar from where Nato forces have withdrawn. - Karzai: Pakistan firing rockets
Karzai accuses Pakistan of firing 470 rockets into Afghanistan over 3 weeks; 36 killed - washingtonpost

Obama criticized by both parties over Afghanistan

"I had hoped that they could take more troops out sooner," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaking on CNN's State of the Union. - Obama criticized by both parties over Afghanistan USA TODAY
Intelligence shift shows change in Afghan war aims AP

Afghan Girl Tricked Into Carrying Bomb, Officials Say - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — Insurgents tricked an 8-year-old girl in a remote area of central Afghanistan into carrying a bomb wrapped in cloth that they detonated remotely when she was close to a police vehicle, the Afghan authorities said Sunday. - Afghan Girl Tricked Into Carrying Bomb, Officials Say - 'استفاده از دختر هشت ساله' در بمبگذاری در افغانستان
Car Bomb Blast at Afghan Hospital Kills at Least 20

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' jacket sells for $1.8 million at auction

The red and black jacket, winged shoulders and all, that the late pop star wore during his zombie-ridden "Thriller" video fetched a $1.8 million bid at this weekend's Julien's auction in Beverly Hills, California, according to the auctioneer's website. - Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' jacket sells for $1.8 million at auction

Afghanistan War: A Decade On, No Clear Answers

Afghans are dying by the thousands in a conflict which began to free them from al-Qaida whose leaders are mostly hiding in Pakistan – a nominal American ally. - Afghanistan War: A Decade On, No Clear Answers - Story: 35 die as bomber destroys Afghan medical center
After a decade of war, no clear answers and no sign that fighting ... washingtonpost

Fresh Bin Laden leads: Army decries NYT report as ‘smear campaign’

The Pakistan Army condemned on Friday a report in The New York Times that a cell phone found in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden contained contacts to a militant group with ties to Pakistan’s top spy agency. - Fresh Bin Laden leads: Army decries NYT report as 'smear campaign ...
Seized Phone Offers Clues to Bin Laden's Pakistani Links - nytimes

امریکا باید مسیر تلاش هایش را در افغانستان تغییر دهد

سیاست مداران امریکایی عوض مجبور ساختن افغانستان به نمونه و سبک غربی، آنها باید به بازسازی آن بخش های جامعهء افغانی توجه کنند که زمانی کارا و فعال بود. این گونه برخورد شاید با جریان فعلی کاهش نیروها وفق نداشته باشد، اما این یگانه طریقهء رسیدن به ثبات و امنیت پایه دار است.- «امریکا باید مسیر تلاش هایش را در افغانستان تغییر دهد»
کدام کشور ها مخالف امضای پیمان ستراتیژیک بین افغانستان و امریکا اند؟

Karzai: Pakistan Firing Rockets Into Afghanistan

President Hamid Karzai on Sunday accused Pakistan of firing 470 rockets into two eastern Afghan provinces over the past three weeks, a deadly rain of artillery that Afghan officials said killed 36 people, including 12 children. - Karzai: Pakistan Firing Rockets Into Afghanistan - ‎ABC News
Afghanistan news, all the latest and breaking Afghan news - Telegraph

Hamid Karzai: Pakistan Firing Missiles Into Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai accuses Pakistan of firing 470 rockets into two of its eastern border provinces in a three-week barrage. - Hamid Karzai: Pakistan Firing Missiles Into Afghanistan - Karzai: Pakistan firing rockets into Afghanistan AP
میرمن هیلری کلنتن: امريكا قدرت دفاعی افغانستان را براي مقابله با بازيگران منطقوی بالا مي‌برد »

America's risky withdrawal from Afghanistan: An aggressive retreat

It is a decision that inevitably adds a new element of risk to realising America’s (and NATO’s) declared objective, namely to create the conditions that will allow all combat operations to be handed over to Afghan national forces by 2014. - America's risky withdrawal from Afghanistan - The Economist

Listen up, America! Global reactions to Obama's Afghanistan speech

On Wednesday night, President Obama announced plans to bring home 33,000 U.S. troops from Afghanistan by fall 2012. - Listen up, America! Global reactions to Obama's Afghanistan speech
GPS this Sunday: Hamid Karzai, Greece and updating the U.S. Constitution

Analysis: No turning back for Obama on Afghan war

"We won't try to make Afghanistan a perfect place," the president said in his speech. "We will not police its streets or patrol its mountains indefinitely. That is the responsibility of the Afghan government."- Analysis: No turning back for Obama on Afghan war AP
Analysis: No turning back for Obama on Afghan war - CBS News

What has the war in Afghanistan really achieved?

The negatives column in the Afghan war's balance sheet does not get any shorter. So far, the conflict has lasted nine years, eight months and 17 days, cost the lives of 2,547 coalition troops, and between 14,000 and 34,000 civilians, created millions of refugees, and opened up a black hole in Western economies that has sucked in more $500bn dollars. Afghanistan costs the US around $10bn (£6.3bn) a month; and Britain will pay £4.5bn this year. - What has the war in Afghanistan really achieved? - The Independent

UN Sees Decline In Afghan Opium Production But Predicts Rise

The 2011 World Drug Report, which was released on June 23 at UN headquarters in New York, found that some 210 million people took illicit drugs last year, an estimate it said was probably too low.- UN Sees Decline In Afghan Opium Production But Predicts Rise
Afghanistan: UN deplores deadly bombing of hospital

نگرانی شدید افغانستان از ادامه حملات راکتی پاکستان در افغانستان

وزارت امور خارجه افغانستان می گوید: این وزارت دو بار از طریق اعلامیه مطبوعاتی نگرانی عمیق خویش را در خصوص ادامه حملات راکتی کشور پاکستان در سرحدات افغانستان و بخصوص در ولایت کنر و ننگرهار این کشور منتشر کرده است.- نگرانی شدید افغانستان از ادامه حملات راکتی پاکستان در افغانستان‎
اسامى وکلاى که ولسى جرگه را ترک مينمايند مشخص گرديد - تيم پژواک
تهران امروز میزبان کنفرانس بین المللی مبارزه علیه تروریزم است‎

Hamid Karzai on U.S. aid to Afghanistan

Tune in to "Fareed Zakaria GPS" this Sunday at 10 a.m. ET for an exclusive and rare interview, - Hamid Karzai on U.S. aid to Afghanistan - Karzai stands by "occupation" comment - Hamid Karzai resigned to troop withdrawal

US envoy bound for Afghanistan ahead of drawdown- AFP

WASHINGTON — The US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan was headed for Kabul for regional talks in the wake of President Barack Obama's announcement of a US drawdown from the country. - US envoy bound for Afghanistan ahead of drawdown - US envoy bound for Afghanistan ahead of drawdown

Afghanistan: Deadly attack on Logar hospital

A deadly car bomb has hit a hospital in Afghanistan's eastern Logar province, with women, children and elderly among the casualties. - Deadly bomb hits Afghan hospital BBC
اسامی نامزدان برنده و بازنده پارلمان...

Afghans Killed In Suicide Bomb Attack On Clinic AP

A suicide car bomber blasted a small clinic Saturday in eastern Afghanistan, causing the building to collapse as mostly women and children lined up for vaccinations, maternity care and other services. - Afghans Killed In Suicide Bomb Attack On Clinic
Among The Costs Of War: $20B In Air Conditioning -- Troop Withdrawal Disappoints Military Advisers

Reality Checking Obama on Afghanistan: Five Questions on Ending the War - TIME

First, credit where it's due: President Barack Obama has burst the spin bubble by telling Americans that the U.S. military has largely achieved that which can be achieved militarily in Afghanistan, and by admitting that the Taliban will be part of Afghanistan's political future. - Reality Checking Obama on Afghanistan: Five Questions on Ending ...

Mullen Sees Risk in Obama's Afghanistan Withdrawal

The nation's top military officer and its top diplomat made clear Thursday that President Barack Obama rejected the advice of his generals in choosing a quicker path to winding down the war in Afghanistan. - Mullen Sees Risk in Obama's Afghanistan Withdrawal
Petraeus says won't resign over Afghan troop plan - France to pull 100s of troops from Afghanistan AFP

Leslie H. Gelb -- Shove It, Karzai!

Thus, the next year should be devoted solely to buttressing America’s interests, not Karzai’s. U.S. troops must start coming out in accordance with America’s needs, while making clear that we are prepared to help those Afghans who want to retain their independence of the Taliban and fight for that independence. Karzai’s words should be a wakeup call for America. - Shove It, Karzai! -The departing U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan had
'Mission Accomplished'- Obama didn't say it, but he should have. Leslie H....

A summit in Tehran trumps the US

Almost directly in proportion to the nosedive in Washington's ties with its allies in Kabul and Islamabad, Iran has stepped up its political and diplomatic activity over the Afghan problem and the regional situation. - A summit in Tehran trumps the US Atimes
Losers and winners in Afghanistan

Afghans fear U.S. drawdown will allow Taliban to regroup - latimes

Afghans don't have much confidence in the country's inexperienced security forces. - Afghans fear U.S. drawdown will allow Taliban to regroup - Obama thanks soldiers at Ft. Drum for Afghanistan efforts

Peter Falk dies at 83; actor found acclaim as 'Columbo'

The actor who became an enduring television icon portraying Lt. Columbo, the rumpled raincoat-wearing L.A. police homicide detective, died at his Beverly Hills home - Peter Falk, TV's 'Columbo,' dies at 83 - Peter Falk, TV's 'Columbo,' dead at 83

Petraeus Says Afghan Pullout Is Beyond What He Advised - nytimes

WASHINGTON — Gen. David H. Petraeus, the top American commander in Afghanistan, said Thursday that President Obama’s new schedule for drawing down forces there was “more aggressive” Petraeus Says Afghan Pullout Is Beyond What He Advised - Karzai Welcomes Withdrawal, but Many Afghans Are Wary

Karzai on U.S. aid to Afghanistan

Editor's Note: Tune in to "Fareed Zakaria GPS" this Sunday at 10 a.m. ET for an exclusive and rare interview with the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai. - Karzai on U.S. aid to Afghanistan -Karzai Welcomes Withdrawal, but Many Afghans Are Wary nytimes -Let's face up to reality about Karzai - The Boston Globe - Afghan opposition leader: Karzai hinders peace

Obama Discusses U.S. Troop Pullout Plan, Reconciliation Talks, Pakistani Role

WATCH: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks with Voice of America's Andre De Nesnera - Obama Discusses US Troop Pullout Plan, Reconciliation Talks, Pakistani - مصاحبۀ اختصاصی صدای امریکا با بارک اوباما، رئیس جمهور ایالات متحده
اوباما: رییس جمهور کرزی عین منافع ستراتیژیکی را دارد که ما داریم

Out of Afghanistan, Obama's Plan Reignites German Withdrawal Debate

US President Barack Obama's new plan to withdraw troops from Afghanistan has reopened the debate in Germany over when its soldiers should return from the unpopular mission. - Obama's Plan Reignites German Withdrawal Debate
Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic.

Gold gains after slide, sees worst week since May rout

(Reuters) - Gold edged up on Friday from losses of as much as 2 percent in the previous session, supported by a softer dollar versus the euro after Greece won approval for a five-year austerity plan. - Gold gains after slide, sees worst week since May rout
Wall Street reverses sharp sell-off after Greek deal

Obama Sided With Gates Over Petraeus in Troop Decision

Senior White House officials wanted all of the 33,000 U.S. “surge” troops to withdraw from Afghanistan by next spring. Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Kabul, was adamant they stay until the end of 2012. - NationalJournal- Obama Sides With Gates Over Petraeus ... - Insiders Split Over Obama's New Strategy

Afghan drawdown poses risk, U.S. military warns

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. military commanders distanced themselves on Thursday from President Barack Obama's timetable for withdrawing forces from Afghanistan, telling Congress they had sought a slower, less risky drawdown. - Afghan drawdown poses risk, US military warns - Commanders say Obama overruled them on Afghanistan - Los Angeles Times - New York Times - Minneapolis Star Tribune - Afghan drawdown poses risk, U.S. military warns Reuters

Karzai surrounding himself with anti-US advisers - KATHY GANNON

KABUL, Afghanistan -- President Hamid Karzai is increasingly isolated and has surrounded himself with an inner circle of advisers who are urging him to move closer to Iran and Pakistan as the U.S. draws down its role in Afghanistan, .... - Karzai surrounding himself with anti-US advisers - Commanders say Obama overruled them on Afghanistan - Congressional reaction to troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

US pullout from Afghanistan signals new power struggle in fragile nation - Guardian

The oldest cliche in Afghanistan is to describe the country in terms of the "Great Game", the 19th-century geostrategic chessboard of British colonists, Afghan kings and Russian tsars. - US pullout from Afghanistan signals new power struggle in fragile nation -- Obama must not undo success of surge in Afghanistan

Afghans React to Obama: 10,000? Why So Much So Fast? - TIME

Many Afghans had been awaiting Barack Obama's announcement of a troop drawdown with a mixture of dread and happiness. -- Afghans React to Obama: 10000? Why So Much So Fast?
ABC News - USA Today - Washington Post

US surge was not a success for Afghans - Guardian

Afghans always believed US efforts must focus on development, not war. Our democratic institutions still need international help - US surge was not a success for Afghans
Obama's Afghanistan exit strategy brings conflict to the domestic frontline

Former defence chief questions political timing of Obama's troop withdrawal - Telegraph

Former Forces chief questions motive behind decision to withdraw by 2012. - Obama's Afghan exit date 'politically motivated'
'No ifs, no buts' on 2015 Afghan withdrawal, William Hague says

US-Afghan tensions jeopardise handover - AFP

AS THE US starts exiting the Afghan war, analysts warn that dysfunction in Kabul and its naked hostility towards the White House jeopardise the US goal of handing over security in 2014. - US-Afghan tensions jeopardise handover - Obama's 'mission accomplished' speech on Afghanistan? - U.S. diplomats worry about shift to Afghan government control washingtonpost

As US Pulls Back, Fears Abound Over Toll on Afghan Economy - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — While President Obama’s announcement of troop reductions is not expected to change much here right away, American and Afghan officials are already worrying about the impact of the eventual withdrawal of international forces on Afghanistan’s struggling economy. - As US Pulls Back, Fears Abound Over Toll on Afghan Economy - nytimes - Court Invalidates a Quarter of Afghan Parliament

GOP Finds Itself At A 'Pivot Point' Over Afghanistan

"Republicans are in a transitional phase in the rank and file," said Carroll Doherty of the Pew Research Center. "Their [foreign policy] views are being formulated right now." - GOP Finds Itself At A 'Pivot Point' Over Afghanistan - NPR Obama: Troop Pullout To Begin -- TRANSCRIPT: President Obama's Remarks - Troops Hope Most 'Trigger-Pullers' Stay As Withdrawal Begins

What Afghans think about President Obama's troop drawdown

Many Afghans have mixed feelings about tonight's announcement from President Obama that the US will begin drawing down the levels of troops in Afghanistan. - What Afghans think about President Obama's troop drawdown
How to Handle the Infuriating Hamid Karzai - maxboot

Obama orders rapid drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan - latimes

Citing success in the war against insurgents over the last two years, he calls for 33,000 'surge' troops to begin coming home, and says it's time for America to take a more 'pragmatic' approach to military intervention. - Obama orders rapid drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan

Text of President Obama’s Speech on Afghanistan

The following is the prepared text of President Obama’s speech regarding the troop pullout in Afghanistan, as provided by the White House: - Text of President Obama's Speech on Afghanistan -- Text of Obama's speech on Afghanistan AP
Obama Will Speed Pullout From War in Afghanistan - As U.S. Pulls Back, Fears Abound Over Toll on Afghan Economy -- 2012 Republicans Respond to Obama Speech

USAID To Provide Direct Assistance to Afghan Ministries for the People of Afghanistan

Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry, USAID Director Earl Gast, and Minister of Finance Zakhilwal signed joint statements today to expand opportunities for direct support from USAID to Afghan ministries. - USAID Expands On-Budget Aid - usembassy.gov

USAID to provide direct assistance to Afghan ministries - reliefweb

Direct Assistance to Afghan Ministries for the People of Afghanistan ..... USAID To Provide Direct Assistance to Afghan Ministries for the ...

US-funded Afghan militias 'beat, rob and kill with impunity' - Telegraph

American-funded Afghan militias raised to protect villages from the Taliban have begun to prey on residents and in some cases are beating, robbing and even killing with impunity it is claimed. - US-funded Afghan militias 'beat, rob and kill with impunity'
US troop withdrawal overshadows defence personnel changes - Afghanistan

Why Karzai lashed out at the US - M K Bhadrakumar

Karzai made it clear that it is America's show and he has no role in the US-Taliban talks. "The foreign forces [NATO], especially America, are carrying out the talks by themselves. From the government side, we don't have any negotiations with them." Evidently, he feels irritated that the US has undercut him. - Asia Times Online :: Why Karzai lashed out at the US
Afghans worry U.S. will fail them again

U.S. and Afghanistan to weather diplomatic storm: official | Reuters

(Reuters) - The Obama administration's ties with Afghan President Hamid Karzai remain solid despite an unusual public rebuke from the U.S. envoy to Kabul this weekend, Karzai's ambassador to Washington said on Monday. - U.S. and Afghanistan to weather diplomatic storm: official Reuters

Marines Team Up With Afghan 'Neighborhood Watch'

An area of Afghanistan that was the scene of major combat a year ago is now a test case for whether peace can hold in the country. - Listen to the Story
Marines Team Up With Afghan 'Neighborhood Watch' -- Obama To Announce Afghanistan Plan On Wednesday

Supreme Court Limits Wal-Mart Discrimination Case - NPR

The 5-to-4 decision arguably leaves room for smaller lawsuits against Wal-Mart, based on alleged discrimination in a single store, region, or state. - Supreme Court Limits Wal-Mart Discrimination Case -- Supreme Court Rejects Female Workers' Class-Action Suit Against Wal-Mart

Supreme Court throws out huge discrimination suit against Wal-Mart

The Supreme Court rules that the lawsuit, which claimed that Wal-Mart discriminated against 1.5 million female workers, did not qualify as a class action. - Supreme Court throws out huge discrimination suit against Wal-Mart - New York Post - Wall Street Journal - US Supreme Court backs Wal-Mart in landmark sex discrimination case Telegraph

Obama plans Wednesday speech on Afghanistan mission - latimes

President Obama plans to speak on the future of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan on Wednesday, senior administration officials said Monday. -- Obama plans Wednesday speech on Afghanistan mission
Ex-British envoy sees war as wrong focus in Afghanistan

House panel proposes slapping restrictions on U.S. aid to Pakistan - The Hill

House appropriators have proposed slapping new restrictions on the aid that Washington will send to Pakistan next year amid a chill in relations following the killing of Osama bin Laden. - House panel proposes slapping restrictions on U.S. aid to Pakistan

Peace talks: Will US fail Afghanistan yet again?

The U.S., which provides two-thirds of troops and about 90 per cent of the combat power, is days away from announcing an accelerated exit strategy that many in Congress insist is justified because Osama bin Laden has been killed. - Peace talks: Will US fail Afghanistan yet again? - Victoria Times Colonist

Bonn conference could mark formal start of Afghan peace process - Guardian

The 2001 Bonn agreement is seen by many as the root cause of the current Afghanistan conflict. It was a victors peace attended by Washington's Afghan allies, who carved up the post-war status quo between them. - Bonn conference could mark formal start of Afghan peace process --- US in talks with Taliban, says Karzai -- Robert Gates says Taliban contact 'very preliminary' - Afghanistan

Iran says U.S. military bases in Afghanistan against national integrity of regional states

TEHRAN, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's defense minister said that the U.S. military bases in Afghanistan are against the national integrity and progress of regional states, the official IRNA news agency reported on Monday. - Iran says U.S. military bases in Afghanistan against national ... - Conflicts, poverty suspend Afghan refugees' return to home

Afghan minister blasts IMF on stopped $70M payment - AP

KABUL, Afghanistan—Afghanistan's finance minister said Monday the International Monetary Fund was trying to find excuses to avoid releasing $70 million in reconstruction funds, - Afghan minister blasts IMF on stopped $70M payment - Boston
Afghanistan complains to Pakistan over cross-border shelling - Afghanistan executes two over bank attack AFP

حامد کرزی خطاب به جوانان: از سیاست پرهیز کنید

آقای کرزی که روز شنبه در نخستین روز کنفرانس ملی جوانان در ارگ ریاست جمهوری سخن می‌گفت، افزود که قانونمند شدن حضور نیروهای بین‌المللی در کشور، یکی از پیش‌شرط‌های مطرح شده برای امضای پیمان استراتژیک با امریکاست. - حامد کرزی خطاب به جوانان: از سیاست پرهیز کنید
شلیک بیش از صدها موشک از پاکستان به نشانه‌ی بهبود روابط

Few Taliban Leaders Take Afghan Offer to Switch Sides - nytimes

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Toor Jan, who used to kill Americans and Canadians here, does not want much from the Afghan government. A home. A job. And, yes, eight security guards. - Few Taliban Leaders Take Afghan Offer to Switch Sides -- Video: Switching Sides
نيويارك تايمز:‌ کمک هنگفت مالی واشنگتن نيز موجب تغيير رويه رهبران طالبان نشد
گیتس: واشنگتن و بعضی کشورهای غربی با طالبان تماس برقرار کرده اند ...‎

US Afghan ambassador rebukes Hamid Karzai

The United States ambassador has warned that the American people would withdraw support from Afghanistan if Hamid Karzai continued to make inflammatory claims they were occupying his country. - US Afghan ambassador rebukes Hamid Karzai - Telegraph
The Lede: A Riposte to Karzai nytimes
سفیر امریکا در برابر انتقادهای مکرر حامد کرزی واکنش شدید نشان داد

Afghan Women Demand Seat at the Table - Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

“The fear is that with withdrawal, all U.S. troops will be out of Afghanistan,” said Samira Hamidi, head of the Afghan Women's Network, a nationwide umbrella organization of women's groups. “People are afraid, and they don't want history to be repeated,” she said, referring to the power vacuum left in 1989 following the Soviets' pullout from Afghanistan. - Lemmon: Afghan Women Demand to Be Part of the Peace Process

Michele Bachmann's foreign policy - James M. Lindsay

"I’m tired of Afghanistan and Iraq, too. I think we need to get out. I think Afghanistan is — on many, many levels, it doesn’t seem we’re gaining any ground. I want to reduce U.S. exposure in Afghanistan. So, let’s get them out as quickly as we can. - Michele Bachmann's foreign policy
Zakaria: Conservatism has lost touch with reality

Fresh evacuations as southern Arizona fire jumps highway, canyon

(CNN) -- Hundreds of firefighters fought to control several dangerous blazes in Arizona,.... - AZ fire jumps highway, canyon - Reuters - AFP - The Associated Press
High winds force evacuations near Southwest fires

GOP splitting over U.S. role in Libya and Afghanistan - latimes

The party, once relatively unified on foreign policy issues, has some key members seeking to cut off funding for the wars. - GOP splitting over US role in Libya and Afghanistan
McCain uneasy over Republican 'isolationism' AFP - 'This Week' Transcript: Sen. John McCain ABC News - Politico - CNN (blog)

US ambassador hits back after Karzai criticisms

KABUL, Afghanistan — Karl Eikenberry said some comments by Afghan leaders had been "hurtful and inappropriate", adding that when his country is "called occupiers and worse, our pride is offended and we begin to lose our inspiration to carry on". - US ambassador hits back after Karzai criticisms AFP
Remarks by Ambassador Eikenberry On the Future of U.S./Afghan Relations

U.S. Ambassador Responds to Karzai’s Criticisms

HERAT, Afghanistan — American Ambassador Karl W. Eikenberry lashed out at Afghan President Hamid Karzai Sunday in a carefully calculated and candid response to the president’s increasingly inflammatory criticisms against coalition forces in Afghanistan. U.S. Ambassador Responds to Karzai's Criticisms - Karzai Takes Another Shot at NATO Coalition Over Motives -- Gates Acknowledges Talks with Taliban -- Qaeda Woes Fuel Talk of Speeding Afghan Pullback nytimes

Going Rogue? GOP Candidates Show Shifting Stance on Afghanistan - abcNews

Some Republican presidential candidates are charting a different course than their GOP counterparts on the war in Afghanistan, raising questions about ideological rifts before a crucial election cycle. - Going Rogue? GOP Candidates Show Shifting Stance on Afghanistan -- McCain Chastises 2012 GOP Field for Isolationism Watch: Interview with John McCain

Graham, McCain, Gates Rebuke Republican 'Isolationists'

Amid rising calls from Republican presidential candidates and members of Congress to reduce American foreign intervention, three figures who are influential with GOP hawks fought back Sunday morning against what they see as a dangerous, short-sighted rise of isolationism. - Graham, McCain, Gates Rebuke Republican 'Isolationists' National Journal - ABC News - Reuters India - UPI.com

McCain slams GOP hopefuls' 'isolationism'

Washington (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008, took aim Sunday at the field of contenders for the 2012 GOP nomination, accusing them of "isolationism." - McCain slams GOP hopefuls' 'isolationism' - McCain uneasy over Republican 'isolationism' - AFP

Gates Calls for Patience on Afghanistan as 'War-Weary' Republicans Get Fidgety

Outgoing Defense Secretary Robert Gates says U.S. forces are doing a great job in Afghanistan, and people need to be patient and "consider the consequences of failure" if the U.S. were to pull out prematurely. - Gates Calls for Patience on Afghanistan as 'War-Weary' Republicans Get Fidgety Fox News - The Defense Rests

Obama talks fatherhood - and why he helps coach Sasha's basketball team - CSM

President Obama talked about the rewards and responsibilities of being a dad in his weekly radio address on Saturday. --- Anyway, he said our children need our time, our unconditional love, and the structure that only parents can provide. -Obama talks fatherhood - and why he helps coach Sasha's basketball team

Ex-British envoy sees war as wrong focus in Afghanistan - latimes

From 2007 to 2010, Sherard Cowper-Coles served as Britain's ambassador and special representative to Afghanistan, giving him an inside view of the struggle on the battlefield and in the corridors of power to stabilize the war-torn country. - Ex-British envoy sees war as wrong focus in Afghanistan
U.S. has contacted Taliban about an Afghan peace deal

As Kabul Sees More Bloodshed, Karzai Drops Another Bombshell - TIME

The attack came just hours after President Hamid Karzai addressed a youth conference in the capital, denying reports that his government was in negotiations with the Taliban and, instead, suggesting that Washington was secretly in talks with the Islamist militants. - As Kabul Sees More Bloodshed, Karzai Drops Another Bombshell

Karzai confirms U.S., Taliban contact, calls for legal foreign presence

Afghanistan's conditions for strategic ties with the United States are "Establishment of peace, foreign forces presence must become lawful, unilateral operations must end, detentions of Afghans stop, foreign forces activities must be conducted under Afghan laws, foreign assistance must be channeled through Afghan government." Xinhua - Bloomberg - MiamiHerald.com

France, Germany agree on Greek debt package

The nations resolve a dispute over private holders of Greek bonds, agreeing that they will not be forced to participate in a second bailout. - Los Angeles Times - Bloomberg - Reuters - Globe and Mail
German Coalition Critiques Merkel-Sarkozy Greece Plan -Report

Afghanistan: a nation at the crossroads; unesco

Afghanistan: a nation at the crossroads; The New ... - unesco.org
The United States funds a UNESCO project for the National Museum ... -- The Rebirth of the National Museum of Afghanistan : UNESCO-CULTURE

Security Council votes to separate Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions lists

17 June 2011 – The Security Council today voted unanimously to split sanctions it has imposed on Al-Qaida and those against the Taliban, creating two lists of ....- Security Council votes to separate Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions lists
In Move Designed to Keep Pace with Evolving Security Situation in Afghanistan, Defeat Terrorism, Security Council Splits Al-Qaida, Taliban Sanctions Regime (17 June 2011)

طالبان دیگر تروریست نیستند: فیصله جدید سازمان ملل متحد | ګران

نیویارک - تعجب نکنید طالبان دیگر تروریست نیستند و اگر آنها بعد از این حملات انتحاری را انجام میدهند باید حملات انتحاری آنها حملات تروریستی نه بلکه حملات صلح خواهی تلقی شود. هشدار دیگر باید آنها تروریست خطاب نشوند و اگر خطاب شوند، ..... طالبان دیگر تروریست نیستند: فیصله جدید سازمان ملل متحد ګران
UN separates sanctions blacklist BBC - UN to delink al Qaeda, Taliban sanctions

Newport Beach homes twice as hard to sell

The overall Newport Beach home market -- beach communities, Corona del Mar and Newport Coast -- had 852 residences listed for sale as of Jun 9 with 105 new deals opening in the past 30 days. - Newport Beach homes twice as hard to sell - ocregister
Karzai: Afghanistan, US in contact with Taliban - washingtonpost

Karzai Takes Another Shot at NATO Coalition Over Motives - nytimes

“The negotiations have started with those people,” he said, referring to the Taliban, “and God willing, these talks will continue. But foreign military forces and especially America are continuing this process.” - Karzai Takes Another Shot at NATO Coalition Over Motives
Gunfight Shatters Calm Spell in Kabul

Worried About Your Memory? 5 Signs It's Serious

How to tell when memory trouble might signal Alzheimer's or another reason to seek help - Worried About Your Memory? 5 Signs It's Serious
Worried It's Alzheimer's? 8 Symptoms to Watch For Caring.com

Did the Bush White House ask the CIA to discredit a U.S. college professor? - inthearena

Cole tells Eliot that what happened is "deeply troubling," that it harkens back to the "bad old" days of Richard Nixon in the White House, and he advocates strongly that Congress and the Department of Justice investigate the request and what the CIA did about it. He asks, "Were others targeted?" - Did the Bush White House ask the CIA to discredit a U.S. college professor?

تفکیک فهرست تحریم های طالبان از القاعده

شورای امنیت سازمان ملل متحد با تصویب دو قطعنامه فهرست تحریم های اعضای القاعده و طالبان در افغانستان را از هم جدا کرد
- تفکیک فهرست تحریم های طالبان از القاعده -- تلاش آمریکا برای جدا کردن فهرست تحریم های طالبان و القاعده
UN separates sanctions blacklist BBC - US 'in peace talks with Taliban' - UN separates sanctions blacklist - سازمان ملل لست سیاه طالبان و شبکه القاعده را به دو بخش تقسیم کرد

United States is talking to Taliban: Hamid Karzai

(Reuters) - The United States and other foreign powers are engaged in preliminary talks with the Taliban about a possible settlement to the near decade-long war in Afghanistan, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday, the first official confirmation of U.S. involvement in negotiations. - United States is talking to Taliban: Hamid Karzai -- Afghanistan's Karzai: US 'in peace talks with Taliban' BBC
کرزی: امریکا له طالبانو سره خبرې کوي

Ex-Spy Alleges Bush White House Sought to Discredit Critic - nytimes

Since a series of Watergate-era abuses involving spying on White House political enemies, the C.I.A. and other spy agencies have been prohibited from collecting intelligence concerning the activities of American citizens inside the United States. - Ex-Spy Alleges Bush White House Sought to Discredit Critic
World Bank Is Withholding $70 Million as Afghans Try to Resolve a Scandal

Traub: Are GOP candidates isolationist?

Traub feels it's a view that says the U.S. should be less-engaged with the world. Is isolationism coming? - Traub: Are GOP candidates isolationist?
Why did Pakistan arrest suspected CIA informants? - Bruce Riedel

Country First - By James Traub | Foreign Policy

None of the seven candidates talked about the moral purposes of American power. Quite the contrary: Those who addressed the current bombing campaign in Libya opposed it as a distraction from "national interests." Those who talked about the war in Afghanistan spoke of getting out rather than winning. And none showed any eagerness to talk about foreign policy at all; the subject absorbed a bit under 10 percent of the two-hour debate. - Country First - By James Traub Foreign Policy