UNESCO votes to admit Palestine; U.S. cuts off funding - washingtonpost

NEW YORK — UNESCO voted Monday to admit Palestine into the organization as its newest member, and the United States promptly responded by cutting off funding for the agency. - U.S. cuts funding for UNESCO after it votes to admit Palestine
UNESCO’s General Conference votes to admit Palestine as agency’s Member State
فلسطین عضویت دایمی را در سازمان یونسکو بدست آورد

As world passes 7 billion milestone, UN urges action to meet key challenges

Top United Nations officials today marked the global population reaching 7 billion with a call to action to world leaders to meet the challenges that a growing population poses, from ensuring adequate food and clean water to guaranteeing equal access to security and justice. - As world passes 7 billion milestone, UN urges action to meet key challenges

افغانستان با فرانسه 'سند همکاری درازمدت' امضا می کند

وزارت خارجه افغانستان اعلام کرده است که ظرف روزهای آینده، یک سند همکاری استراتژیک با فرانسه امضا می کند که همکاری فرانسه با افغانستان را تا حداقل پنج سال آینده تضمین خواهد کرد.- افغانستان با فرانسه 'سند همکاری درازمدت' امضا می کند
کرزی برای شرکت در نشست سه جانبه، رهسپار ترکیه می‌شود

U.S. revises its strategy for ending the Afghan war

The U.S. is trying to fashion an exit that will not leave Afghanistan open to civil war or the reestablishment of terrorist bases. - A revised strategy in Afghanistan - Life and war in Afghanistan -- U.S. had advance warning of abuse at Afghan prisons, officials say
FBI releases ‘rare glimpse’ of photos, videos from surveillance of Russian spies - washingtonpost

TimesCast | U.S. Seeks Pakistan's Help - nytimes

October 31, 2011 — The U.S. asks Pakistan’s spy agency to help set up peace talks in Afghanistan, weeks after accusing the same agency of supporting terrorism. - TimesCast U.S. Seeks Pakistan's Help - Afghan Leader Offers Belated Condolences for U.S. Deaths
Trial Opens in Court-Martial of Soldier Tied to Afghan Killings

لویه جرگه عنعنوی، جرگه مشورتی خواهد بود نه تصمیم گیرنده

جمیز کنینگ معاون سفیر امریکا در کابل به روز دوشنبه در یک کنفرانس خبری در کابل گفت، که در این جرگه باید افراد آگاه از اهمیت سند ستراتیژیک امریکا و افغانستان شرکت کنند. - «لویه جرگه عنعنوی، جرگه مشورتی خواهد بود نه تصمیم گیرنده»
بعد از خروج امریکا از افغانستان کی از این اوضاع منفعت خواهد برد؟

Secretary Clinton Remarks Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Now as the transition proceeds and coalition combat forces leave Afghanistan, there need to be realistic hopes for development. So we are working to achieve greater agricultural productivity, greater exploitation in a way that benefits the Afghanistan people of natural resources, increasing exports, and strengthening the financial sector. - Secretary Clinton Remarks Before the House Foreign Affairs Committee - kabul.usembass
Remarks by Secretary of State Clinton and Afghan President Karzai

US hopes regional talks will stabilize Afghanistan

(Reuters) - The United States wants Afghanistan's neighbors to pledge to respect its sovereignty at regional talks this week, a U.S. official said Monday, even as Washington accuses Pakistan and Iran of meddling. - US hopes regional talks will stabilize Afghanistan
Aiming low at Istanbul meeting on Afghanistan

Afghanistan truck bomb kills 5, including 3 UN staff, in attack near Kandahar UN office

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Insurgents driving a suicide truck bomb and attacking on foot killed five people, including three United Nations employees, near the offices of the U.N.’s refugee agency in the southern city of Kandahar on Monday, - Afghanistan truck bomb kills 5, including 3 UN staff, in attack near Kandahar UN office
Officials: U.S. told about Afghan prison abuse

Afghanistan: Attack targeting U.N. refugee agency kills five - latimes

REPORTING FROM KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — Insurgents driving a truck packed with explosives and attacking on foot killed at least five people, including three United Nations employees, in the southern Afghanistan city of Kandahar on Monday. - Afghanistan: Attack targeting U.N. refugee agency kills five
Video: Raw Video: Suicide Bomber Attack in Afghanistan

چالشها و دستاوردهای مطبوعات دهه چهل -- عبدالله شادان

در دو بخش قبلی مطبوعات دولتی و آزاد سالهای ۱۳۴۲ تا ۱۳۵۲ خورشیدی را بررسی کردیم. کارشناسان، مورخان و روزنامه‌نگاران متفق النظرند که این دوره از لحاظ رشد کمی و کیفی مطبوعات و از لحاظ آزادی بیان، نسبت به دوره های پیش از آن به گونه بی‌سابقه‌ای درخشان بوده است.- چالشها و دستاوردهای مطبوعات دهه چهل
صد سال روزنامه‌نگاری در افغانستان

Snowstorm hits US East Coast killing at least nine

Footage of snow in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Vermont while in New York, Occupy Wall Street protesters said they were not deterred by the weather - Deadly snowstorm on US East Coast
افزایش تلفات برف زودرس در شرق آمریکا
Hosni Mubarak trial is postponed

Bill Gates Pushes Foreign Aid Despite Budget Crisis

Despite economic crisis rippling around the world, Microsoft Co-Founder and Chairman Bill Gates is pushing countries to continue foreign aid efforts to poor and developing nations, saying that every dollar of aid "makes a huge difference." - Bill Gates Pushes Foreign Aid Despite Budget Crisis
Gates Dismisses Criticism in Steve Jobs Biography

Peace Unveiled, Women, War & Peace in Afghanistan - PBS

Afghan women won't let their rights be traded away in talks with the Taliban. - Peace Unveiled -- Peace Unveiled Women War and Peace PBS Video -- Learn More About Afghanistan Women, War and Peace PBS
Afghan Woman Have the Right to be Involved in Creating Afghanistan's Future

Pervez Musharraf on U.S.– Pakistan Relations

Pervez Musharraf on U.S.–Pakistan Relations - Carnegie Endowment
United States - Afghanistan - India - Pakistan - South Asia

'Out of Context': Hillary's PR Offensive

Clinton, in the midst of a PR offensive on her diplomatic approach complete with a Time magazine cover, testified Thursday on Capitol Hill, saying that Afghan President Hamid Karzai was "taken out of context" -- 'Out of Context': Hillary's PR Offensive - huffingtonpost
Afghan Woman Have the Right to be Involved in Creating Afghanistan's Future - Dr. Helen Pankhurst

Americans increasingly comparing Afghan war to Vietnam

A poll late last week, by CNN and ORC International, revealed that only 34% of Americans now support the war, one percentage point down on the previous all-time low. It found that 63% of Americans are now opposed to the war. - Americans increasingly comparing Afghan war to Vietnam --- Afghanistan World news The Guardian

Aiming low at Istanbul meeting on Afghanistan

KABUL (Reuters) - Attending the meeting will be U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, plus foreign ministers from France, Germany and Poland, and representatives from NATO and the United Nations. - Aiming low at Istanbul meeting on Afghanistan ‎
Aiming low at Istanbul meeting on Afghanistan Reuters

Pakistan spied on German officers in Afghanistan - report | Reuters

BERLIN (Reuters) - Pakistan's secret service spied on German security forces in Afghanistan, raising fears sensitive information could end up in the hands of the Taliban, a German paper reported on Sunday. - Pakistan spied on German officers in Afghanistan - report Reuters

Editorial: British royals: Girls rule - latimes

In Britain, first-born royal males will no longer succeed to the throne ahead of their elder sisters. - British royals: Girls rule
Britain to abolish rule of male succession to throne

World population hits 7 billion on Oct. 31, or thereabouts - Los Angeles

It took only a dozen years for humanity to add another billion people to the planet, reaching the milestone of 7 billion Monday — give or take a few months. - World population hits 7 billion on Oct. 31, or thereabouts
Death toll from Turkey earthquake nears 600

Pervez Musharraf on U.S.–Pakistan Relations - Carnegie Endowment

The event was moderated by Carnegie's George Perkovich. - Pervez Musharraf on U.S.–Pakistan Relations -- ISI may act if Afghanistan gets too close to India: Musharraf - Yahoo!

Storm Leaves More Than 2 Million Without Power

Residents in many towns across the Northeast found themselves without power on Sunday after an unusual autumn storm dumped record amounts of snow. - Storm Leaves More Than 2 Million Without Power -- Heavy Autumn Snowstorm Barrels Across Northeast
12 Americans Die as Blast Hits Bus in Afghanistan nytimes

The Second Gilded Age: Has America Become an Oligarchy? -- DER SPIEGEL

The Occupy Wall Street movement is just one example of the sudden outbreak of tension between America's super-rich and the "other 99 percent." - Has America Become an Oligarchy?
Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic

Taliban strike in Kabul shows insurgency’s growing reliance on high-profile attacks in Afghan capital

U.S. officials in recent months have held preliminary talks with the Taliban and the affiliated Haqqani network, both of which operate out of sanctuaries in Pakistan. - Kabul bombing reflects Taliban strategy Troops and civilians killed in suicide blast -- Deadly suicide attack in Kabul - washingtonpost

In Kabul, a Bowling Center Offers Respite From War

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — In an Afghan capital scarred by years of war, a young Afghan woman has bet $1 million that her countrymen could use a little fun. - In Kabul, a Bowling Center Offers Respite From War -- Attack on NATO Convoy Kills 17 in Afghanistan

اشرف‌غنی احمدزی: شکل همکاری‌ها با جامعه جهانی در حال تغییر است

همزمان با نهایی شدن گفتگوها برای آغاز مرحله دوم انتقال مسوولیت‌های امنیتی از نیروهای بین‌المللی مستقر در کشور به نیروهای امنیتی داخلی، مقام‌های دولت افغانستان و ناتو می‌گویند که با نهایی شدن روند انتقال مسوولیت‌های امنیتی، شکل همکاری‌های جامعه جهانی با دولت افغانستان نیز در حال تغییر است.- اشرف‌غنی احمدزی: شکل همکاری‌ها با جامعه جهانی در حال تغییر است
وزارت خارجه: پاکستان از افراط‌گرایی به‌حیث ابزار استفاده می‌کند

Editorial: A starting point on pensions - latimes

The proposal, which would replace the pensions of new state and local workers with a combination of a smaller pension, a savings plan and Social Security benefits, seeks to create a statewide standard for public-employee retirement benefits. - A starting point on pensions -- Gov. Brown shifts pension reform into gear
Obama's housing rescue plan: Up from underwater

Early nor’easter brings wet rain, snow mix to Washington region - washingtonpost

An early nor’easter swept through the Washington region Saturday, drowning much of the area in a frigid mix of sleet and rain and affording a few area residents the rare opportunity to build a snowman in October. - Early snow falls on Washington region
Heavy snow falls in parts of western Md.; D.C gets a dusting

Gaddafi son Saif says he is innocent of war crimes

Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam claims he is innocent of crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court prosecutor said Saturday after indirect contacts with him. - THE HAGUE: Gaddafi son Saif says he is innocent of war crimes - France24
Niger faces local anger if it delivers Gaddafi son Reuters - Gaddafi family tree

Assad: challenge Syria at your peril - Telegraph

"Syria is the hub now in this region. It is the fault line, and if you play with the ground you will cause an earthquake … Do you want to see another Afghanistan, or tens of Afghanistans? - Assad: challenge Syria at your peril - Syria -- Syrian head warns Western powers
اسد: مداخله در سوریه خاورمیانه را خواهد لرزاند

Afghanistan: Suicide attack kills 13 foreign personnel

The attack happened near Darulaman Palace on the south-west outskirts of the capital - Afghan car bomber rams Nato bus - BBC
Alberta-based soldier among 17 killed near Kabul
تلفات سنگین آمریکا در حمله انتحاری طالبان

A regional conference struggles to find agreement about anything - The Economist

FOREIGN-POLICY wonks and Central Asia watchers have long insisted that peace will never come to Afghanistan unless its scheming neighbours can be persuaded to stop meddling in its affairs. - Afghanistan’s neighbours: Jaw-jaw? -- با قطع مداخلهء همسایه ها، صلح می تواند در افغانستان تامین شود

13 U.S. Troops Are Killed in Kabul Suicide Car Bombing - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — At least 13 American soldiers and four Afghans were killed when a Taliban suicide car bomber attacked an armored shuttle bus in Kabul on Saturday, a Western military official said. - 13 U.S. Troops Are Killed in Kabul Suicide Car Bombing
Afghanistan: Convoy Is Attacked

Suicide bomber hits NATO bus in Kabul; 13 U.S. troops, 4 Afghans killed - washingtonpost

The deadliest strike in Afghan capital since start of war also killed four Afghans, including three civilians, when a suicide bomber hit a bus carrying NATO troops. - 13 Americans reported killed in Kabul blast - Quiz: How much do you know about Afghanistan?
New Saudi crown prince says Kingdom to remain stable

Zakaria: Comparing the status of women in Iran and Saudi Arabia

I recently visited Iran. Upon my return, I wrote a reflections post in which I made some comments about women in Iran in comparison to women in Saudi Arabia. - Zakaria: Comparing the status of women in Iran and Saudi Arabia
 -- Iran • Saudi Arabia • Women -- Zakaria: Reflections on Iran
Ahmadinejad: NATO's mission in Libya exacerbated conflict

U.K. Royal Succession Rules To Change

LONDON — If Will and Kate's first child is a girl, it's now clear that she'll probably become queen one day – and not even getting a little brother can mess that up. - If It's A Girl, She Will Be Queen - Girls equal in throne succession

Pentagon: Afghanistan Strategy Remains 'Risky'

WASHINGTON -- As the U.S. war in Afghanistan enters its second decade, a new Pentagon assessment acknowledged that the Taliban insurgency remains "resilient" and able to mount spectacular attacks and assassinations even in the heavily fortified capital city of Kabul. - In Afghanistan, The Pentagon Sees Risk 'Everywhere' - huffingtonpost
Council Names New Heir To The Saudi Throne

Gaddafi Family May Slap NATO With War Crimes Complaint - huffingtonpost

"The willful killing (of someone protected by the Geneva Convention) is defined as a war crime by article 8 of the ICC's Rome Statute," Marcel Ceccaldi, a French lawyer for the family told AFP. "Gaddafi's homicide shows that the goal of (NATO) member states was not to protect civilians but to overthrow the regime." - Gaddafi Family May Slap NATO With War Crimes Complaint -- Gaddafi's Fugitive Son In Contact With International Court -- Personal Driver And Bodyguard Recount Gaddafi's Final Moments

Is the West Hijacking Arab Revolutions to the Benefit of Islamists? -- Raghida Dergham

Dubai -- While the West speaks of the necessity of accepting the results of the democratic process, in terms of Islamists coming to power in the Arab region, there are increased suspicions regarding the goals pursued by the West in its new policy of rapprochement with the Islamist movement, in what is a striking effort at undermining modern, secular and liberal movements.
Is the West Hijacking Arab Revolutions to the Benefit of Islamists?
Muslims and Government: Contrasting America and Britain - Azeem Ibrahim

Afghanistan: Experts Give Washington Failing Grade on Warlordism Lesson

Today, with US support, disparate militia groups are once again acting as regional power brokers. As was the case in the early 1990s, the reliance on the militias to provide security and even governance in the regions seems to be more of a detriment than benefit to stabilization efforts. - Afghanistan: Experts Give Washington Failing Grade on Warlordism Lesson
Washington ready to negotiate with Mullah Omar - Afghanistan

Muslim Students Should Have Prayer Rooms Without Crucifix At Catholic University, Complaint States

John F. Banzhaf III claims the school "[denies Muslim students] equal access to the benefits CUA provides to other student groups," according to a press release, posted on PRLog. -- Muslim Students Should Have Prayer Rooms Without Crucifix At Catholic University, Complaint States - huffingtonpost

Catholic University is sued over Muslim students’ rights - washingtonpost

A George Washington University law professor who filed a human rights complaint against Catholic University this summer when it eliminated coed dorm floors has filed a second complaint against the school, saying the rights of Muslim students are being violated. - Catholic U. sued over Muslim students’ rights
Quiz: How much do you know about Afghanistan?

آمریکا: در افغانستان مبارزه، مذاکره و بازسازی می کنیم -- BBC

هیلاری کلینتون، وزیر امور خارجه آمریکا، از سیاست دولت باراک اوباما در قبال افغانستان دفاع کرده و گفته است که تلاش برای تماس با شورشیان طالبان و شبکه حقانی، با استراتژی مبارزه با آنها مغایرتی ندارد.- آمریکا: در افغانستان مبارزه، مذاکره و بازسازی می کنیم
'سازمان اطلاعات ارتش پاکستان از شورشیان حمایت می‌کند'
Pakistan accused of double game -- Clinton on foreign policy goals

Clinton: U.S. would negotiate with Taliban leader

"You don't make peace with your friends," she said, speaking days after concluding a weeklong trip that included stops in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. - Clinton: relationships with Afghanistan, Pakistan, key to security - CNN
Moammar Kadafi's family reportedly will sue NATO -- Seif Islam Kadafi reportedly seeking to surrender; U.N. lifts 'no-fly' zone latimes

Greek Prime Minister Praises European Debt Deal

ATHENS — Prime Minister George Papandreou of Greece on Thursday hailed a broad new plan by European leaders and the International Monetary Fund to resolve the euro zone’s financial crisis as “a new day for Europe and for Greece.” - Greek Prime Minister Praises European Debt Deal -- Calling Bankers’ Bluff, Merkel Got Europe a Debt Plan - nytimes
Gaddafi Son Seeking Plane to Hague: NTC Official

Afghan Leader's Invitation Could Reopen Doors for Former US Commander - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — President Hamid Karzai has invited retired Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, who led NATO troops here in 2009 and 2010, to Afghanistan, and General McChrystal plans to make the visit in the next few weeks, Afghan and American officials said. - Afghan Leader's Invitation Could Reopen Doors for Former US Commander

فیرهای راکت به افغانستان از مناطق تحت نظر پوسته های پاکستان صورت می گیرد

ایالات متحده روز پنجشنبه پاکستان را متهم ساخت که به شورشیان در مناطق سرحدی اجازه می دهد که بر عساکر امریکایی در افغانستان فیر کنند و بار دیگر از این متحد امریکا خواست که افراطگرایان را سرکوب نماید.- فیرهای راکت به افغانستان از مناطق تحت نظر پوسته های پاکستان صورت می گیرد -- مشرف: ما نمی گذاریم که افغانستان دوباره بر ضد پاکستان قرار گیرد
کلنتن: کار کردن با شرکای افغان و پاکستانی کار آسان نیست

Clinton defends both outreach and crackdown on Taliban-linked Haqqani network - washingtonpost

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said bluntly Thursday that U.S. outreach to gauge the Taliban-linked Haqqani network’s interest in peace talks after more than a decade of war was answered with “an attack on our embassy” in Afghanistan. - Clinton faces questions from US lawmakers angered by Afghan ...
Clinton urges Congress: Don’t ‘undercut’ U.S. progress in Afghanistan, Pakistan

Clinton pressed on negotiating with Islamic militants in Afghanistan - The Hill

A House panel pressed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Thursday about the wisdom of negotiating with anti-American groups in Afghanistan and warned about the spread of Shariah Law. - Clinton pressed on negotiating with Islamic militants in Afghanistan

Egypt Islamic authority criticises Gaddafi corpse saga

CAIRO Oct 25 (Reuters) - Egypt's prestigious seat of Sunni learning, al-Azhar, said on Tuesday the dead should be respected and buried, a clear criticism of how ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's body was put on show and left to rot for days after his killing. - Egypt Islamic authority criticises Gaddafi corpse saga News by ... - Egypt Islamic authority criticizes Gaddafi corpse saga - World news ...
احترام مرده واجب است: پوهنتون الازهر »

از دکتر یوسف تا موسی شفیق، فرصت دوباره برای مطبوعات -- عبدالله شادان -- BBC

پس از استعفای محمد داوود در آخر سال ۱۳۴۲ خورشیدی دوره ای آغاز شد که مورخین وپژوهشگران آن را با توجه به تصویب قانون اساسی جدید و با در نظر داشت دیدگاه های سیاسی خود به نام های مختلفی چون دهه دموکراسی، دوره شاهی مشروطه، دهه قانون اساسی، دهه دموکراسی تاجدار و حتی دوره دموکراسی قلابی خوانده اند. - از دکتر یوسف تا موسی شفیق، فرصت دوباره برای مطبوعات -- صد سال روزنامه‌نگاری در افغانستان
تحلیل و بررسی -- مقالاتی در مورد افغانستان

Taliban commanders say Pakistan intelligence helps them

(Reuters) - Pakistan's security service provides weapons and training to Taliban insurgents fighting U.S. and British troops in Afghanistan, despite official denials, Taliban commanders say, in allegations that could worsen tensions between Pakistan and the United States. - Taliban commanders say Pakistan intelligence helps them

Afghanistan: Pakistan accused of backing Taliban

Pakistan has been accused of playing a double game, acting as America's ally in public while secretly training and arming its enemy in Afghanistan according to US intelligence. Afghanistan: Pakistan accused of backing Taliban - BBC - Analysis: Pakistan's links to Haqqanis

Cash-strapped West may trim Afghan army size - officials

(Reuters) - Western powers in Afghanistan are contemplating funding an Afghan security force that may be smaller than the 352,000-strong outfit originally envisaged as they face shrinking government budgets, Western officials said. - Cash-strapped West may trim Afghan army size - officials Reuters

مشرف: ISI ممکن په افغانستان کې د خپلو ګټو د ساتلو لپاره ګام پورته کړي

د پاکستان پخوانی ولسمشر او د پوځ لوی درستیز پروېز مشرف وايي، که افغانستان هند ته ډېر نږدې شي، نو د پاکستان څارګره اداره ای اېس ای دې ته اړتیا لري چې په افغانستان کې د خپلو ګټو د خوندي کولو لپاره ګامونه پورته کړي. -- - مشرف : ISI ممکن په افغانستان کې د خپلو ګټو د ساتلو لپاره ګام پورته کړي
ISI may act if Afghanistan gets too close to India: Musharraf

UN: World will miss economic benefit of 1.8 billion young people - guardian

The world is in danger of missing a golden opportunity for development and economic growth, a "demographic dividend", as the largest cohort of young people ever known see their most economically productive years wasted, a major UN population report warned on Wednesday. - UN warns of world's 'lost generation'
Gaddafi's driver tells of the endgame

Afghans to take over security in 17 new areas

REPORTING FROM KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — The Afghan police and army will soon take responsibility for safeguarding an additional 17 areas of the country, officials said Wednesday, - Afghans to take over security in 17 new areas latimes

Bangkok residents flee as floods undermine dikes

(Reuters) - Thailand's prime minister said Bangkok was fighting the forces of nature on Thursday as rising flood waters undermined dikes protecting the capital and residents took to the road at the start of a five-day holiday called to let them escape. - Bangkok residents flee as floods undermine dikes

دشواری های افغانستان به زمان تجاوز شوروی بر می گردد

با این حال، حامد کرزی گفت که در مقابل امضای پیمان استراتیژیک با ایالات متحدۀ امریکا، احترام به حاکمیت ملی و وحدت ملی کشور را خواستار شده است. - دشواری های افغانستان به زمان تجاوز شوروی بر می گردد
President Karzai meets Authorities to discuss Strategic Agreement

World population by country: UN guesses the shape of the world by 2100

By the end of this year the world's seven billionth citizen will be born. The latest United Nations population estimates, out this week, say the global population will reach 10bn in the next 90 years. - World population by country: UN guesses the shape of the world by 2100 -- The UN predicts the world's population explosion: visualised

As It Turns 10, Patriot Act Remains Controversial - Carrie Johnson

Ten years ago, on Oct. 26, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the USA Patriot Act. Congress overwhelmingly passed the law only weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks. It's designed to give the FBI more power to collect information in cases that involve national security. - As It Turns 10, Patriot Act Remains Controversial
Senators: Justice Department Misleading Americans About Patriot Act

Afghanistan: Experts Give Washington Failing Grade on Warlordism Lesson

Warlordism is defined by a central government in Kabul that has a limited reach in Afghanistan’s provinces, giving local power brokers, backed by militia groups, undue influence over developments outside the capital. The phenomenon is widely associated with war crimes and systematic human rights abuses. - Afghanistan: Experts Give Washington Failing Grade on Warlordism Lesson

A guide to Obama's student loan plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — Recognizing that college students and recent graduates are facing rising tuition prices and burdensome student loan debt, President Barack Obama announced a plan that seeks to lessen the burden of paying back student loans. Some questions and answers about student loans: - A guide to Obama's student loan plan
Student loan forgiveness and more: 5 ways Obama wants to ease student debt
Why Has Income Gone Up So Much For The Top 1 Percent?

New UN report says criminals may have laundered $1.6 trillion in 2009

Criminals may have laundered around $1.6 trillion in 2009, one fifth of that coming from the illicit drug trade, according to a new report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). - New UN report says criminals may have laundered $1.6 trillion in 2009

World population could double, warns UN

The seven billionth person in the world is expected to arrive sometime after midnight on October 31, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). - World population could double, warns UN
World must seize birth of 7 billionth inhabitant as clarion call to decisive action – UN

Saudi Arabia: Funeral held for Crown Prince Sultan

Dignitaries from around the world have gathered in the Saudi capital Riyadh for the funeral of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz al Saud. - Saudi crown prince funeral held - Gaddafi 'buried in Libya desert' - BBC

Taliban commanders say Pakistan intelligence helps them - (Reuters)

Taliban commanders say Pakistan intelligence helps them - swissinfo
پیکارجویان طالبان: پاکستان به ما آموزش داده است -- نوې پلټنه ښيي چې پاکستاني عسکر طالبان روزي

Afghanistan: Experts Give Washington Failing Grade on Warlordism Lesson

After a decade of involvement in Afghanistan, it appears the United States hasn't learned a critical lesson. Warlordism has been a key component in driving the country's vicious cycle of violence. Yet as the drawdown of US and NATO troops proceeds, American policymakers find themselves reliant on warlord-led militias to fill security gaps. - Afghanistan: Experts Give Washington Failing Grade on Warlordism Lesson
Taliban commanders say Pakistan intelligence helps them Reuters

صدارت داوود خان و باز گشت محدودیت و سانسور -- عبدالله شادان

همزمان با استعفای شاه محمود خان در سپتامبر ۱۹۵۳ سردار محمد داوود برادر زاده اش به جای او می نشیند. - صدارت داوود خان و باز گشت محدودیت و سانسور
دولت مستعجل آزدای مطبوعات در دهه دموکراسی -- صد سال روزنامه‌نگاری در افغانستان

Tuition, fees jump at public universities, according to report - Washington Post

Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Tuition and fees at U.S. public universities soared 8.3 percent this year, twice the rate of inflation, to an average $8,244, a College Board report found. Nonprofit private college costs rose 4.5 percent to $28,500. - Tuition, fees jump at public universities, according to report - Obama unveils new student loan measures CBS News
The Potential Reach Of Obama's Refinancing Plan

On ‘Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan,’ Navy’s bomb disposal unit gets its own star treatment

‘Bomb Patrol: Afghanistan’ brings bomb disposal unit to the small screen - washingtonpost

How the Patriot Act stripped me of my free-speech rights - Nicholas Merrill

“When the American people find out how their government has secretly interpreted the Patriot Act, they will be stunned and they will be angry,” Wyden said. - Gagged by the Patriot Act
FBI going to court more often to get personal Internet-usage data

EXCLUSIVE: Jeb Bush denounces birtherism

Former Florida Republican governor Jeb Bush has said he won’t endorse anyone in the presidential primary. He has said he won’t run in 2012. - EXCLUSIVE: Jeb Bush denounces birtherism - Jennifer Rubin
Gov. Jeb Bush - Piers Morgan - CNN -- Jeb Bush talks to Piers Morgan about education -- More videos for Jeb Bush interview with Piers Morgan »

Jordan’s King Abdullah on Egypt, Syria and Israel

I think everybody is wary of dealing with the West. . . . Looking at how quickly people turned their backs on Mubarak, I would say that most people are going to try and go their own way. - The Mideast path forward
Gaddafi buried in secret location - washingtonpost

Opinions: How the Patriot Act stripped me of my free-speech rights - washingtonpost

A decade later, much of the government’s surveillance policy remains shrouded in secrecy, making it impossible for the American public to engage in a meaningful debate on the effectiveness or wisdom of various practices. The government has used NSLs to collect private information on hundreds of thousands of people. - Gagged by the Patriot Act

Obama administration announces plan to ease students’ federal loan burdens

The Obama administration announced plans Tuesday to allow college graduates to cap their federal student loan repayments at 10 percent of their discretionary income starting in January, two years before the cap was due to take effect under federal law. - Obama administration announces plan to ease students’ federal loan burdens

Is US policy in Afghanistan a contradiction?

KABUL — The latest US catchphrase in the decade-long Afghan war may be "fight, talk, build", but analysts ask if it is a fundamental contradiction. Can battle offensives push the Taliban to the negotiating table? - Is US policy in Afghanistan a contradiction? AFP

Afghanistan must open up about its tragedies - Nushin Arbabzadah

Blaming deaths from addiction, violent crime and self-immolation on political conflict creates a heavy burden of unresolved grief - Afghanistan must open up about its tragedies - The Guardian
Afghans find little to praise in new US-led offensive

BBC -- دولت مستعجل آزدای مطبوعات در دهه دموکراسی

سال ۱۹۴۶ میلادی ۱۳۲۵ خورشیدی، جنگ جهانی دوم پایان یافت و زوال امپراتوری های استعماری آغازشد. - دولت مستعجل ازدای مطبوعات در دهه دموکراسی
دوران هاشم خان دوران اختناق و سانسور -- صد سال روزنامه‌نگاری در افغانستان

Timetable for Afghan security 'a tall order', says former US forces commander

IT will cost $7 billion a year to run Afghanistan's new security forces after 2014, almost three times the entire income of the Afghan government, one of the Americans most closely involved in the war has warned. - Timetable for Afghan security 'a tall order', says former US forces ...
Clinton Says 'Strong' Pakistan Should Deny Safe Havens

افغانستان بعد از سال 2014 قادر به پرداخت مصارف نیروهای امنیتی اش نخواهد بود

قوماندان پیشین نیروهای امریکایی در افغانستان و سفیر قبلی این کشور در کابل، جنرال متقاعد کارل آیکن بیری بالای توانایی نیروهای افغان برای گرفتن مسوولیت های امنیتی کشور شان تا سال 2014، ابراز شک و تردید کرده است.- «افغانستان بعد از سال 2014 قادر به پرداخت مصارف نیروهای امنیتی اش نخواهد بود»
US Expert Warns of Security Costs in Afghanistan after 2014

Afghan leader's office says Pakistan remarks misinterpreted - latimes

President Hamid Karzai's office says his comments to Pakistani TV that Afghanistan would side with Pakistan in a hypothetical war against the U.S. was not intended as a slight to Western governments. - Afghan leader's office says Pakistan remarks misinterpreted -- متن کامل مصاحبه رئیس جمهوری افغانستان با تلویزیون جیو پاکستان
Karzai's remark - The Hindu

Tens of thousands of Afghan, NATO troops kill or capture 200 insurgents in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Tens of thousands of Afghan and NATO troops killed or captured 200 insurgents in eastern Afghanistan during two operations targeting the violent Haqqani network blamed for the majority of attacks in Kabul, the U.S.-led coalition said Monday. - Tens of thousands of Afghan, NATO troops kill or capture 200 insurgents in eastern Afghanistan

Will Obama's mortgage refinance plan help you?

President Obama on Monday announced new measures to help borrowers refinance their existing mortgages to new loans with lower interest rates and cheaper monthly payments. - Will Obama's mortgage refinance plan help you? CBS

Kabul's 'unnoticed' child workers - Kyle Almond

UNICEF has estimated that at least 30% of Afghan children age 5-14 are working in some form. But the issue goes far beyond Afghanistan's borders: UNICEF says that worldwide, approximately 158 million children between 5 and 14, one of every six children in that age group, are engaged in child labor. - Kabul's 'unnoticed' child workers - CNN

Ahmadinejad slams NATO, denounces U.S. pressure in Middle East

Tehran (CNN) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Saturday slammed NATO's role in Libya and said the United States -- and all other countries -- should stay out of the conflict in Syria. - Ahmadinejad: NATO's mission in Libya exacerbated conflict
Iran's president criticizes NATO, U.S. in an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria

Rights group: Bodies of 53 apparent Gadhafi loyalists found in Libyan hotel

(CNN) -- The bodies of 53 people, believed to be supporters of ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, has been found in a hotel that was under the control of anti-Gadhafi fighters, Human Rights Watch said Monday. - Rights group: Bodies of 53 apparent Gadhafi loyalists found in Libyan hotel -- Autopsy: Gadhafi was shot in head
Ahmadinejad: NATO's mission in Libya exacerbated conflict
Gaddafi's death breached the law, says Russia Independent

At War: Looking to the Children for Guidance in Afghanistan - nytimes

Like their parents, they are exceptionally generous hosts. The boisterous and tough exteriors seem to melt away to reveal polite and curious individuals. Instead of clamoring for pens, they are quick to offer whatever food or drink they have on hand. While this transformation is probably partially due to Pashtunwali — the code by which Pashtuns live, which includes generosity as hosts — I ascribe most of it to a recognition of our common humanity. - Looking to the Children for Guidance in Afghanistan - CAPT. BRAD WILSON

Turkey earthquake: Desperate search for survivors

Rescue teams are desperately searching for people trapped under rubble after a strong earthquake hit Turkey's eastern Van region on Sunday. - Frantic search after Turkey quake - 'People trapped under rubble' Watch - BBC
آمار تلفات زلزله شرق ترکیه به بیش از ۲۰۰ نفر رسید

German Rosat spacecraft makes uncontrolled re-entry - BBC

The Roentgen Satellite (Rosat) re-entered the Earth's atmosphere between 01:45 and 02:15 GMT. - German satellite falls to Earth
UK and France clash over euro

کابل؛ شهری کوچک با مشکلات ترافیکی بزرگ

یکی از مشکلاتی که در این اواخر به شدت رو به افزایش گذاشته و شاروالی و ریاست ترافیک نیز نتوانسته اند، آن را کنترول کنند، مسئله بندش راه ها و ازدحام زیاد وسایل نقلیه است که علاوه بر مشکلات محیط زیستی و تنفسی، مشکلات شهری و ترافیکی زیادی نیز به وجود آورده است. - کابل؛ شهری کوچک با مشکلات ترافیکی بزرگ
ده ها تن طى اعتراضى خواهان توقف اعدام زندانيان افغان در ايران شدند

7.2 quake in Turkey kills 217, collapses buildings

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Rescue teams on Monday sifted through rubble of flattened multistory buildings to try to reach dozens of people believed trapped beneath after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Turkey. The Interior Minister said the death toll in the powerful quake has increased to 217. - 7.2 quake in Turkey kills 217, collapses... - PHOTOS: Images from the scene

د کرزي پر څرګندونو سخت عکس العملونه ښکاره شول

د ولسمشر کرزي ویندوی ایمل فیضي نن هغه راپور رد کړ چې پراساس یې ویل شوي و چې د افغانستان ولسمشر پاکستاني تلویزیون جیو ته په مرکه کې ویلي چې د امریکا او پاکستان د جګړې په صورت کې به افغانستان د پاکستان ملاتړ وکړي. - د کرزي پر څرګندونو سخت عکس العملونه ښکاره شول
متن کامل مصاحبه رئیس جمهوری افغانستان با تلویزیون جیو پاکستان
دپا کستان له جيو تلويزيون سره د افغا نستان د اسلا مي جمهوريت دجمهور رييس د مرکي بشپړ متن

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir: A Grand Bargain? -- Howard Schaffer

With U.S. relations in Pakistan at a low point and the two countries' strategic disagreement over priorities in Afghanistan on full display, it is time to review U.S. strategic options. One that deserves a close look is a grand bargain: give Pakistan what it wants in Afghanistan—but on two conditions: - Afghanistan, Pakistan and Kashmir: A Grand Bargain? - Afghanistan

Hillary Clinton: US held meeting with Haqqani network - BBC

The US has held a meeting with representatives of the Haqqani militant network, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has revealed. - US 'held meeting with Haqqanis' -- Pakistan and India win UN seats

ایالات متحده شاید به یک معامله خطرناک با پاکستان راضی شود

تحقیق کننده گان انستیتیوت بروکنگز تریستا شیفر و هاورد شیفر می گویند، دو انتخاب دیگر ستراتیژیک هم وجود دارد. یکی اینکه پاکستان به حیث یک قدرت دشمن شناخته شود و بر عکس تلاش های پاکستان که می خواهد پروسه صلح افغانستان را کنترول کند یک راه حل قابل قبول برای افغانستان، بر آن تحمیل گردد. و یا اینکه به پاکستان اجازه داده شود که نقش برازنده در افغانستان داشته باشد اما بشرط اینکه از منافع ستراتیژیک امریکا در منطقه دفاع کند و انگیزه به این کشور داده شود که این تعهد را عملی نماید. -ایالات متحده شاید به یک معامله خطرناک با پاکستان راضی شود
سفرهای مقامات امریکایی نشانهء از تمرکز واشنگتن به همسایه های افغانستان

Ohio man who freed wild animals was deep in debt

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The exotic-animal owner who killed himself after turning loose dozens of lions, tigers and other beasts was deep in debt, and a fellow big-cat enthusiast said Thursday that he had taken in so many creatures he was "in over his head." - Ohio man who freed wild animals was deep in debt ajc.com ajc -- Zoo owner sets exotic animals free, kills himself - 9NEWS

Questions asked ahead of Afghanistan forums

Ahead of two major international forums on the future of Afghanistan - the international regional conference in Istanbul on 2 November and the international conference in Bonn on 5 December 2011 - one of the predominant subjects of the public discourse in Afghanistan is why peace talks have failed to date. - Questions asked ahead of Afghanistan forums - huffingtonpost
Would You Pledge $20.14 to End the War in Afghanistan?

Pakistan must 'take lead' on Taliban reconciliation talks, Hillary Clinton says - Telegraph

Hamid Karzai has been urged by Hillary Clinton to continue his reconciliation efforts with the Taliban and other insurgents as the US secretary of state called on Pakistan to "take the lead" on the process. - Pakistan 'must take lead on Taliban reconciliation' - Pakistan
Afghanistan World news The Guardian

Patience won in Libya. How about in Afghanistan?

An Obama doctrine of 'strategic patience' helped to bring down Qaddafi. But Obama's impatience to exit Afghanistan only allows Pakistan and the Taliban to wait out the US. - Patience won in Libya. How about in Afghanistan? - Christian Science Monitor

Clinton urges Afghanistan’s neighbors to play role in securing, rebuilding war-torn nation

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday urged Afghanistan’s Central Asian neighbors to play a role in securing and rebuilding the country as American forces withdraw over the next three years. - Clinton urges Afghanistan’s neighbors to play role in securing, rebuilding war-torn nation -- Karzai: Afghanistan would back Pakistan in case of war with U.S. - Video
کرزی: اگر آمریکا به پاکستان حمله کرد، در کنار برادران خود خواهیم بود

Clinton says U.S. officials have met with Haqqanis

(Reuters) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday that the United States had held a preliminary meeting with representatives of the Haqqani network, a group of militants Washington has blamed for a series of attacks in Afghanistan. -- Clinton says U.S. officials have met with Haqqanis -- Afghanistan to back Pakistan if wars with U.S.: Karzai Reuters
« اگر پاکستان مورد حمله قرار گیرد، افغانستان از پاکستان حمایت خواهد کرد»

Will Seif Gaddafi survive to have his day in court? By: Franklin Lamb

The group, whose assistance has been arranged through Gaddafi family members and friends, has accepted the obligation to represent Seif al Islam against charges filed by the International Criminal Court on June 26, 2011 and to represent him in any legal proceedings that the NTC government may bring against him in Libya -- Will Seif Gaddafi survive to have his day in court? -- Qaddafi, From Beginning to End - VIJAY PRASHAD
Saif al-Qaddafi: We funded Sarkozy’s campaign and we want our money back - Joshua Keating

Bury Gaddafi with dignity --- Hamid Dabashi

Let the dignified burial of Gaddafi be the farewell ceremony for NATO. Libyans owe NATO nothing. NATO just destroyed the weapons that Europe and the US had sold Gaddafi’s regime. - Bury Gaddafi with dignity -- Doubts cast on official Gaddafi death account
Obituary: Muammar Gaddafi

Carl Levin: U.S. can hit targets in Pakistan

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) signaled to Pakistani leaders Friday that the United States has a right to attack insurgents operating from that country if they pose a threat to American forces. - Carl Levin: U.S. can hit targets in Pakistan - POLITICO
Carl Levin: Pakistan can't be an ally if it shelters terrorists Detroit ...

Hundreds attend service for Seal Beach salon owner - latimes

More than 200 people attended the funeral Friday of Salon Meritage owner Randy Fannin, who was killed with seven others in the deadliest shooting in Orange County history. - Hundreds attend service for Seal Beach salon owner - Full coverage: Deadly Seal Beach shooting

U.S. delivers blunt message to Pakistan on Haqqani network - latimes

In Islamabad, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, joined by other top American officials, says the U.S. will fight the insurgent group inside Afghanistan, with or without Pakistan's help. - U.S. delivers blunt message to Pakistan on Haqqani network
U.S. changes approach to pressing Pakistan on Haqqani network

Saudi Crown Prince dies: royal court

"With deep sorrow and sadness the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz mourns the death of his brother and his Crown Prince Sultan... who died at dawn this morning Saturday outside the kingdom following an illness," said the statement carried on state news agency SPA and state television. - Saudi Crown Prince dies: royal court -- Saudi Crown Prince dies - royal court World Reuters
Saudi Crown Prince dies - royal court - swissinfo

Libyans line up to see Gaddafi’s body on display; groups call for probe into death

TRIPOLI, Libya — International human rights groups called Friday for an investigation into the death of former Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi as gory new videos showed him being spat at and punched by revolutionaries and as skepticism mounted about official claims that he was shot in crossfire after being captured. - Libyans line up to see Gaddafi's body on display; groups call for ... --- Gaddafi loyalists live in fear - washingtonpost

At War Blog: Looking to the Children for Guidance in Afghanistan - nytimes

It is a truism that children represent the future, but here in Afghanistan, that future is a very uncertain one. - At War Blog: Looking to the Children for Guidance in Afghanistan
Clinton Widens Audience in Pakistan, but Sticks to Tough Message -- US Demands Pakistan Action On Afghan Insurgents : NPR

Libya: UN human rights office calls for probe into Qadhafi’s death

The circumstances surrounding the ex-Libyan leader’s death yesterday in his hometown of Sirte are unclear, with four or five different versions of how he died, noted the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Libya: UN human rights office calls for probe into Qadhafi’s death

Gaddafi family demands body; NATO ends Libya war

"We call on the UN, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and Amnesty International to force the Transitional Council to hand over the martyrs' bodies to our tribe in Sirte and to allow them to perform their burial ceremony in accordance with Islamic customs and rules," the statement said. - Gaddafi family demands body; NATO ends Libya war -- Gaddafi family demands body; NATO ends Libya war Reuters

Clinton urges Pakistan to take action against militants - BBC

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called on Pakistan to take "strong steps" to deny Afghan insurgents sanctuary on its soil. - US presses Pakistan on militants
U.S. delivers blunt message to Pakistan on Haqqani network

هيلري کلنټن : له پا کستان څخه غواړم د تروريزم ملا تړ پاى ته ورسوي

دامريکا د بهرنيو چارو وزيرې هيلري کلنټن اعلام و کړ چې دپاکستان له حکومت څخه غواړم چې دتروريزم ملا تړ او ترو رستا نو ته د ا من پټنځايونو ورکول پاى ته ورسوى -- هيلري کلنټن : له پا کستان څخه غواړم د تروريزم ملا تړ پاى ته ورسوي
هیلیری کلنتن: پاکستان به حمایت خود از تروریستان پایان دهد

Clinton To Pakistan: We Will Pursue Militants With Or Without Your Help - Kathy Gannon

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The Obama administration delivered a blunt warning Thursday that the United States will do what it must to go after militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan, whether Pakistan helps or not. - Clinton To Pakistan: We Will Pursue Militants With Or Without Your Help

Deportations Of Immigrants Hits Record Number Under Obama Administration

President Barack Obama regularly says his administration is enforcing immigration laws more wisely than his predecessor by focusing on arresting the "worst of the worst." He promised in his 2008 presidential campaign to focus immigration enforcement on dangerous criminals. - Deportations Of Immigrants Hits Record Number Under Obama ...

Analysis: Obama deportations raise immigration policy questions

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama says he backs immigration reform, announcing last month an initiative to ease deportation policies, but he has sent home over 1 million illegal immigrants in 2-1/2 years -- on pace to deport more in one term than George W. Bush did in two. - Analysis: Obama deportations raise immigration policy questions ...
Deportations Of Immigrants Hits Record Number Under Obama ...

Video images apparently show captured Kadafi alive, then dead - latimes

"What you've got here is essentially a man who's not fighting back … therefore the killing would be seen as injustice," Husain said. The footage also shows "real disrespect for the dead," a grave insult under Islamic tradition. - Video images apparently show captured Kadafi alive, then dead -- Kadafi's son Mutassim among those reported killed in Surt

Afghans Allegedly Forced Onto Mined Roads

Villagers from a violent part of southern Afghanistan say that Afghan troops, along with several American mentors, forced civilians to march ahead of soldiers on roads where the Taliban were believed to have planted bombs and landmines. - Listen to the Story -- Afghans Allegedly Forced Onto Mined Roads
Clinton Makes Surprise Trip To Afghanistan - NPR

Who shot Qaddafi? Was it his own bodyguards?

(CBS News) WASHINGTON - French warplanes and a U.S. Predator drone on Thursday morning attacked a giant convoy of more than 100 four-wheel drive vehicles fleeing west out of Muammar Qaddafi's hometown of Sirte. Who shot Qaddafi? Was it his own bodyguards?
"Don't shoot": Qaddafi's last moments

Kadafi is another notch on Obama's lethal-force belt - latimes

For a president who promised to end the gunslinger ways of his predecessor, Barack Obama has proven himself comfortable with the use of lethal force. - Kadafi is another notch on Obama's lethal-force belt -- Kadafi's son Mutassim among those reported killed in Surt
Video images apparently show captured Kadafi alive, then dead

Hillary Clinton gets 'reality check' on Afghan future

Among the group was Salahuddin Rabbani, son of murdered peace broker Burhanuddin Rabbani, - Hillary Clinton gets 'reality check' on Afghan future - Afghanistan

Clinton arrives in Pakistan to discuss Afghanistan’s future - latimes

Earlier Thursday, she met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul and later told reporters that the U.S. “must send a clear, unequivocal message to the government and people of Pakistan that they must be part of the solution, .... - Clinton arrives in Pakistan to discuss Afghanistan’s future -- Clinton says Pakistan must help deal with Afghan insurgency -- Hillary Clinton pays unannounced visit to Afghanistan

Muammar Gaddafi: How did he die? - Guardian

Did Muammar Gaddafi receive his fatal wounds while attempting to escape or was he executed? - Muammar Gaddafi: How did he die? Muammar Gaddafi in his own words - Libya
Obama: Gaddafi death is warning to iron-fist rulers Reuters

Video: Afghanistan 'remains dangerous'

In his first statement to the Commons, the new Defence Secretary says Afghanistan has progressed but "remains dangerous" after ten years of - Video: Afghanistan 'remains dangerous'
The death row widows of Kabul - The Independent

News Analysis: The Fight Over How to End a War

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — An unusually powerful phalanx of President Obama’s top officials, charged with organizing an orderly exit from Afghanistan, .... - The Fight Over How to End a War -- Clinton Issues Blunt Warning to Pakistan
Bad Guys vs. Worse Guys in Afghanistan - nytimes

How Many Ways Can We Lose in Afghanistan? - Foreign Policy

The Pentagon's process for awarding contracts in Afghanistan is bad for U.S. business, and bad for the rebuilding effort in that embattled country. - How Many Ways Can We Lose in Afghanistan? - by Zalmay Khalilzad

The Caucus: Hey Herman Cain, Hamid Karzai Knows Your Name

As reporters entered the room where the two met for the usual photo opportunity, Mr. Karzai was asking Mrs. Clinton about remarks Mr. Cain made recently in a television interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. -- The Caucus: Hey Herman Cain, Hamid Karzai Knows Your Name -- VIDEO: Hillary Clinton and Hamid Karzai turn Herman Cain into a punchline

Clinton, in Afghanistan, demands Pakistan step up counterterrorism effort - washingtonpost

KABUL, Afghanistan — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday demanded that Pakistan step up the fight against terrorists within its borders, ... - Clinton, in Afghanistan, demands Pakistan step up counterterrorism -- Clinton delivers warning to Pakistan - Clinton: Pakistan must boost anti-terror fight -- Pakistan turns tables on U.S.

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy confirms name of daughter: Giulia - Telegraph

In a message on her website, she wrote: "I am deeply touched by the many messages of congratulations that I have received since the birth of our daughter Giulia. - Sarkozy's 'profound joy' at birth of daughter -- Carla Bruni gives birth to baby girl in Paris

Pakistan must 'take lead' on Taliban reconciliation talks, Hillary Clinton says

Speaking after meeting with President Karzai at the presidential palace, Mrs Clinton said "reconciliation is possible" with insurgents. - Pakistan must 'take lead' on Taliban reconciliation talks, Hillary Clinton says
Hillary Clinton gets 'reality check' on Afghan future - Afghanistan