Senate urges Obama to hasten return of troops from Afghanistan - latimes

The Senate on Wednesday quietly approved a measure requiring President Obama to more swiftly withdraw troops from Afghanistan. - Senate urges Obama to hasten return of troops from Afghanistan
GOP: Charge wealthy more for Medicare to cover payroll tax extension

GOP and Democrats Differ on How to Prevent Social Security Payroll Tax Increase - nytimes

In addition, Senate Republican leaders would go after “millionaires and billionaires,” not by raising their taxes but by making them ineligible for unemployment compensation and food stamps and increasing their Medicare premiums. - GOP and Democrats Differ on How to Prevent Social Security Payroll Tax Increase

Opinion: A stable Afghanistan means fewer threats

Next week’s meeting offers a critical moment for the international community to reinforce its long-term commitment to Afghanistan. As we all share a common objective to ensure that the country never again becomes a safe haven for international terrorism, we also share a common purpose: - Opinion: A stable Afghanistan means fewer threats - William Hague

Obama urges Congress not to be a ‘Grinch’ and extend payroll-tax cut

President Obama pressured Republicans to support an extension of the payroll tax cut on Wednesday, urging a Pennsylvania crowd to tell their representatives not to "be a Grinch.” - Obama urges Congress not to be a ‘Grinch’ and extend payroll-tax cut
Federal Reserve boosts effort to save euro, global financial markets

Five Things Afghan History Can Teach Us

As world leaders converge on Bonn, Germany, next week to discuss the future of Afghanistan after 2014, is it likely that any of them will look to history to find better answers? Probably not. - Five Things Afghan History Can Teach Us - Suleiman Wali - Afghanistan

Central Banks Move Quickly To Avoid Global Meltdown

FRANKFURT, Germany — The central banks of the wealthiest countries, trying to prevent a debt crisis in Europe from exploding into a global panic, swept in Wednesday to shore up the world financial system by making it easier for banks to borrow American dollars. - Central Banks Move Quickly To Avoid Global Meltdown
Stocks Surge After Central Banks' Action on Debt Crisis - nytimes

Five Things Afghan History Can Teach Us - Suleiman Wali - huffingtonpost

The French historian Alexis de Tocqueville once said, "When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness." - Five Things Afghan History Can Teach Us - Afghanistan

ایران له افغانانو وغوښتل چې له امریکا سره ستراتیژیک تړون ونه کړي

تاند(چهارشنبه/نومبر۳۰) د ایران د کورنیو چارو وزیر پرون په کابل کې د افغانستان د ملي شورا د دواړو جرګو مشرانو ته نصحیت وکړ چې په افغانستان کې د امریکايي پوځیانو حضور په سیمه کې د ناامنۍ اوترهګرۍ سبب کېږي او له امریکا سره د افغانستان د ستراتیژیکو اړیکو د تړون لاسلیک د افغانستان او سیمې په خیر نه دی.- ایران له افغانانو وغوښتل چې له امریکا سره ستراتیژیک تړون ونه کړي
ګیلاني وايي که تضمین ورکړای شي د بون په کنفرانس کې ګډون کوي

Indian Group Wins Rights to Mine in Afghanistan’s Hajigak

Nov. 29 (Bloomberg) -- President Hamid Karzai’s government offered India a new strategic role in Afghanistan by awarding mining rights for the country’s biggest iron deposit to a group of Indian state-run and private companies. - Indian Group Wins Rights to Mine in Afghanistan’s Hajigak

Road to recovery in Afghanistan goes through the countryside - Edward Girardet

As NATO troops prepare to leave Afghanistan in 2014, donor countries must rethink their aid to that war-torn country. Edward Girardet, who has reported on Afghanistan for more than 30 years, - Road to recovery in Afghanistan goes through the countryside -- Afghanistan's Bonn Conference: 4 things you need to know
In Afghanistan, Part Two - (see part 1) (32 photos total)

دادستان زن افغان در فهرست 'صد متفکر برتر جهان'

ماریا بشیر، رئیس دادستانی ولایت هرات در غرب افغانستان، به عنوان یکی از "صد متفکر برتر جهان" در سال ۲۰۱۱ از سوی مجله آمریکایی "فارن پالیسی" معرفی شده است. - دادستان زن افغان در فهرست 'صد متفکر برتر جهان'
The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers: The Revolutionaries - Foreign Policy

Pakistan cuts supply lines, but US has options - CSM

The US military had begun shifting its Afghanistan logistics network away from Pakistan and toward Central Asia even before the latest tensions between Washington and Islamabad. - Pakistan cuts supply lines, but US has options
Afghan endgame: Pakistan boycotts key peace meeting

Conrad Murray gets four years for role in Michael Jackson's death

The judge voices shock at Dr. Conrad Murray's lack of remorse and criticizes the physician for recent comments suggesting Michael Jackson 'entrapped' him. - Murray gets 4 years in Michael Jackson's death -- LAPD seals off civic center; Occupy protesters launch fireworks - latimes

Despite earmark ban, lawmakers try to give money to hundreds of pet projects

House and Senate members attempted to pack hundreds of special spending provisions into at least 10 bills in the summer and fall, less than a year after congressional leaders declared a moratorium on earmarks. - Lawmakers try to slip in hundreds of earmarks
Afghan officials voice scant remorse to Pakistan - washingtonpost

Afghanistan's Grand Assembly Gambit in Favor of Alliance With the U.S. - Nake M. Kamrany

More importantly, the Afghans reject the roles of Iran and Pakistan, and have trust in a formal strategic agreement with the United States as a protection against hegemony by its neighbors Iran and Pakistan. - Afghanistan's Grand Assembly Gambit in Favor of Alliance With the U.S.
40,000 Troops To Leave Afghanistan By End Of 2012 - huffingtonpost

Is there hope for Afghanistan? - Foreign Policy

After spending last month in Afghanistan on my fourth trip this year, the situation can best be described as a glass half full. - Finding a practical path for Afghanistan - AFGHANISTAN

A League of their Own -- Joseph Hammond

While cultural ties remain deep, economic ties – that helped to slowly stitch Europe together after World War II -, are almost non-existent in much of the Arab world. The lack of such linkages is perhaps even more damaging to the cause of Pan-Arabism than the lack of democracy. - A League of their Own - The European

The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers -- Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy presents a unique portrait of 2011's global marketplace of ideas and the thinkers who make them. - The FP Top 100 Global Thinkers

In Protest Over NATO Strike, Pakistan Will Skip Afghan Conference - nytimes

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan announced Tuesday that it would not attend an important international conference on Afghanistan’s security and development that is scheduled to begin in less than a week in protest over the weekend strikes that killed two dozen Pakistani soldiers. -- In Protest, Pakistan to Skip Conference

Gaddafi's daughter urges the overthrow of Libya's government - Telegraph

"My father has not left, he is always among us," she said, following the traditional 40-day mourning period after his death. "Don't forget the orders of your father urging you to continue fighting, even if you no longer hear his voice." - Gaddafi's daughter urges the overthrow of Libya's government - Libya News

Pakistan boycotts talks on Afghanistan and asks UK to mediate in row with US - Guardian

Pakistan has asked Britain to mediate in its dispute with the US over the killing of 24 of its soldiers on the Afghan border, and has warned that the fallout could derail mooted peace talks with the Taliban and Barack Obama's timetable for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan by 2014. - Pakistan asks UK to mediate in row - Afghanistan

Anders Behring Breivik may avoid jail after psychiatrists declare him insane

Norwegian killer of 77 people 'lives in his own delusional universe', say prosecutors - Anders Behring Breivik may avoid jail after psychiatrists declare him insane
Anders Behring Breivik was insane, say psychiatrists - video

Daily brief: Pakistan to boycott Afghanistan summit

Pakistan's government announced Monday that it will not participate in an upcoming conference in Bonn, Germany on Afghanistan's future, in protest to this weekend's bombing of two border posts in Mohmand by NATO forces that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers (BBC, Tel, AP, Reuters, ET, AFP). - Daily brief: Pakistan to boycott Afghanistan summit - Foreign Policy

در آغاز قرن 21 امریکا برای پاکستان یک التیماتم صریح صادر کرد

در آغاز قرن بیست و یک، ایالات متحده امریکا یک التیماتم صریح به پاکستان صادر نمود و آن اینکه، در جنگ علیه تروریزم باما متحد شوید و یا در نتیجه بمباردمان ما پاکستان به دوره حجر تبدیل خواهد شد. اما از یک دهه به این طرف، پاکستان نسبت به هر کشور دیگر بروی زمین مسوول قتل و کشتار بیشتر امریکایی ها بوده است. - در آغاز قرن 21 امریکا برای پاکستان یک التیماتم صریح صادر کرد
دین مقدس اسلام جنگ و خشونت را مردود شمرده است

US vows to 'carry on' after Pakistan cuts supplies

WASHINGTON — The United States will press ahead with its war effort in Afghanistan despite Pakistan's decision to cut off supplies to NATO-led forces after lethal air strikes, the Pentagon said Monday. - US vows to 'carry on' after Pakistan cuts supplies - AFP
Pakistan Boycotts Summit After NATO Raid - TIME

Afghan $12 billion training cost will have to be shared

(Reuters) - World powers must share the cost of training Afghan security forces once foreign troops leave in 2014 because the United States cannot be expected to continue paying about $12 billion a year, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday. - Afghan $12 billion training cost will have to be shared Reuters
Pakistan PM: No more "business as usual" with U.S.

Postwar U.S.-Afghanistan ties are expected to remain rocky - latimes

The U.S. military wants to have the ability to carry out strikes on insurgents after 2014, but President Hamid Karzai says Afghanistan will protect its sovereignty. - Postwar U.S.-Afghanistan ties are expected to remain rocky -- NATO pledges to retrain forces to stem Afghan civilian deaths
Pakistani general calls NATO airstrike deliberate

Russia Threatens To Cut Off NATO Afghanistan Transit - EurasiaNe

Russia has threatened to cut off NATO supply routes to Afghanistan if the alliance doesn't compromise on its missile defense plans, Moscow's NATO envoy, Dmitry Rogozin, has said. From the Wall Street Journal: -- Russia Threatens To Cut Off NATO Afghanistan Transit
Afghanistan Seeks Enduring Foreign Support - WSJ

آیا فیصله های نشست بن ظرف ده سال در افغانستان عملی شده است؟

با گذشت ده سال از برگزاری کنفرانس بن در مورد افغانستان، شماری از شرکت کننده گان این کنفرانس می گویند: فیصله های کنفرانس بن درست عملی نشده است.- آیا فیصله های نشست بن ظرف ده سال در افغانستان عملی شده است؟
آلمان: به نماینده های طالبان هم باید فرصت اشتراک در پروسهء صلح داده شود
تفاهمنامه برنامهء انتقال پول از طریق موبایل بین USAID و MTN امضا شد

Afghan president announces second troop transition - BBC

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has named the provinces, cities and districts that will be handed over by Nato to Afghan control. - Afghan troop transition announced - Afghanistan
مرحله دوم انتقال مسئولیت‌های امنیتی افغانستان اعلام شد

Sexual Violence Marks Latest Egyptian Protests

"I was basically left in this abandoned workshop cornered by four or five riot police," she says. "They just started beating me with their sticks and that's how I broke my left arm and broke my right hand. And then they dragged me into the no man's land. And that's where they sexually assaulted me." - Sexual Violence Marks Latest Egyptian Protests - NPR -- Journalist Mona Eltahawy tells of sex assault in Cairo ministry - The Guardian

Afghan Reporters Maneuver Media Minefields

Watchdog groups report hundreds of cases of violence and intimidation against journalists, including murder. - Listen to the Story
U.S. Easing Out Of Nation-Building Business -- Afghan Officials: Fire From Pakistan Sparked Attack

Is Afghanistan on the brink of civil war?

The withdrawal of foreign forces could leave Afghanistan on the brink of social, political and economic collapse. Is there still time to avoid disaster? - Is Afghanistan on the brink of civil war? GlobalPost

Afghanistan Foundation Criticizes Pakistan Border Closure

The Afghanistan Foundation has issued a statement expressing concern about the reported attack today by NATO forces on Pakistani troops, leaving at least 24 dead and 13 wounded, according to military and civil officials in the Khyber Pass tribal area and Islamabad. - Afghanistan Foundation Criticizes Pakistan Border Closure

After Strike in Pakistan, Rage and Damage Control

Afghan officials, meanwhile, worried that they would bear the immediate brunt of Pakistan’s wrath and that the Pakistanis would follow through on threats to withdraw from an international conference on Afghanistan’s security and development that is scheduled for Dec. - Afghanistan Worries After Attacks in Pakistan - nytimes
NATO Giving Afghans More Areas to Control

Iran threatens to target NATO missile shield in Turkey if attacked by US or Israel

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran will target NATO’s missile defense installations in Turkey if the U.S. or Israel attacks the Islamic Republic, a senior commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard said Saturday. - Iran threatens to target NATO missile shield in Turkey if attacked by US or Isra

Drivers carrying NATO supplies through Pakistan fear attacks after Afghan border closed

Drivers carrying NATO supplies through Pakistan fear attacks after Afghan ...Washington Post

German troops to stay in Afghanistan after NATO goes - AFP

BERLIN — Germany will keep troops in Afghanistan after NATO forces leave the country at the end of 2014, German Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere told the Bild am Sonntag paper in an interview to be published Sunday.
German troops to stay in Afghanistan after NATO goes

Nato air attack on Pakistani troops was self-defence, says senior western official

According to the Kabul-based official, a joint US-Afghan force operating in the mountainous Afghan frontier province of Kunar was the first to come under attack in the early hours of Saturday morning, forcing them to return fire. - Nato air attack on Pakistani troops was self-defence, says senior western official - The Observer

Taliban paid £100 a month to stop fighting

Members of the Taliban who give up their fight are being paid £100 a month and will be allowed to keep their guns in a new initiative to end the insurgency. -- Taliban paid £100 a month to stop fighting
Nato accused of killing seven Afghan civilians - Afghanistan

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

By resolution 54/134 of 17 December 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and invited governments, international organizations and NGOs to organize activities designed to raise public awareness of the problem on that day. Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women -

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - state.gov

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we are reminded of the horrific acts of violence against women that take place every day around the world and pledge to recommit ourselves to changing attitudes and ending all forms of violence against women and girls. - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Releases: Remarks, Testimony
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - UN

Afghans turn to people smugglers as NATO leave

KABUL — At a bustling Kabul market, people smugglers are making a quick buck out of Afghans increasingly desperate to buy a new life in Europe before NATO combat forces leave in 2014. - Afghans turn to people smugglers as NATO leave - AFP
Afghan opium production to expand after troops exit Reuters

Pakistan stops NATO supplies after raid kills 28

(Reuters) - NATO helicopters attacked a military checkpoint in northwest Pakistan on Saturday, killing up to 28 troops and prompting Pakistan to shut the vital supply route for NATO troops fighting in Afghanistan, Pakistani officials said. - Pakistan stops NATO supplies after raid kills 28
Egypt protesters clash with police, one dead

For Afghan Street Kids, Abuse Lurks On Every Corner - rferl

Thousands of children roam the dusty streets and grimy alleyways of Afghanistan, working to earn desperately needed money for their families. - For Afghan Street Kids, Abuse Lurks On Every Corner
Afghan Tradition Makes Room For Girls

Our Nightline Trip to Afghanistan - Jake Tapper

On Nightline Thursday night, we looked at U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Here are the three stories: - Our Nightline Trip to Afghanistan
Viewers Send in Messages of Thanks to U.S. Troops in Afghanistan

افغانستان دیگر اولویت جهانی نیست

اما در ادامه این بحث، مایکل شتاینر، نماینده خاص آلمان برای افغانستان و پاکستان همسو با صحبت‌های فرانسیس وندرل، نماینده پیشین اتحادیه اروپا برای افغانستان به این نکته تاکید گذاشت که افغان‌ها باید توقعات خود را کاهش دهند و باید این توقعات را با واقعیت‌های موجود و آینده منطقه و جهان منطبق سازند. او گفت که جهان تغییر کرده است و افغانستان دیگر به مثابه یک اولویت مطرح نیست. به گفته او کنفرانس دوم بن در واقع آخرین چانس برای افغانستان است.- افغانستان دیگر اولویت جهانی نیست
دیده‌بان شفافیت افغانستان: کمک‌های بین‌المللی شفاف نیست
وزير خارجه پاكستان: اسلام‌آباد به دنبال مذاكرات ستراتیژيك با اتحاديه اروپاست

GOP Foreign-Policy Debate: America on the March

Former Utah governor Jon Huntsman was more cautious in his expressions, but he clearly takes a different view from most of his rivals. He said the United States doesn’t need 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. - GOP Foreign-Policy Debate: America on the March
How Russia Views the Reset - National Interest

Former Democratic Pollsters: Obama Should Abandon Run for Second Term - National Journal

Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen argued that just as Harry Truman and Lyndon Johnson decided not to pursue additional runs though they could have, Obama should do the same. - Former Democratic Pollsters: Obama Should ... - National Journal
Q & A: Afghanistan: The Final Front - James Kitfield

What Does Afghanistan Really Need Besides Militarism? – Analysis

The international community is scheduled to depart Afghanistan in the end of 2014. Unfortunately, quitting Afghanistan after ten years of uncertain war and misplaced assistance will bring Afghanistan back to where we began: a failed state. -- What Does Afghanistan Really Need Besides Militarism? - Analysis

U.S. Republican Presidential Candidates Focus On Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran

They all accuse Obama of failing to deal adequately with three key foreign-policy challenges to the United States: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran. - U.S. Republican Presidential Candidates Focus On Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran

داکتر اسپنتا: ما نمی‌خواهیم ده سال دیگر قربانی بدهیم

داکتر رنگین دادفر اسپنتا، مشاور امنیت ملی جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان، می گوید در حال حاضر حکومت این کشور امیدی به راه حل سیاسی منازعه افغانستان ‏ندارد. به گفته او، بدون اجازه پاکستان مذاکره با شورشیان هرگز ممکن نیست. -- داکتر اسپنتا: ما نمی‌خواهیم ده سال دیگر قربانی بدهیم -- Afghanistan's national security advisor says Taliban are not ready to talk
حکومتداری در افغانستان از بن اول تا بن دوم -- درسهای ده سال مداخله نظامی در افغانستان
متن کامل قطعنامه لویه جرگه عنعنوی

Shoulder Pain - Low And High Dose Corticosteroids Have Same Efficacy - Medical News

Even though one of the most common treatments for shoulder pain are corticosteroid injections, only a few high-quality studies to research there effectiveness and duration of action have been conducted. - Shoulder Pain - Low And High Dose Corticosteroids Have Same Efficacy
Dangers Of Staggered Overdose Of Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Paracetamol)

Be thankful — sensible solutions do exist for U.S. problems - Fareed Zakaria

The United States has problems. But unlike many other countries, it also has solutions. And since politicians won’t, citizens are increasingly finding ways to propose these solutions. That’s something to be thankful for — and hopeful about. - Fareed Zakaria

Thanksgiving (United States) -- wikipedia

Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.[1] As a federal and popular holiday in the U.S., Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays of the year. Together - Thanksgiving (United States)

Afghanistan deserves to chart its future without cross-border meddling. - latimes

Yet now the U.S. government seems poised to reward this policy by asking its architects, the Pakistani military and its intelligence agency, to broker Afghanistan peace negotiations with the very insurgents they fostered. - Denying Pakistan - Sarah Chayes
Lawmakers, Twitter locked in dispute over Taliban tweets

US expects Afghan prosecutors to uphold Gulnaz’s rights - Pajhwok

WASHINGTON (PAN): Expressing heartfelt condolences to Gulnaz and her young daughter, the United States on Wednesday said it expects that Afghan prosecutors would uphold their rights.
US expects Afghan prosecutors to uphold Gulnaz’s rights -- State Department Comment on Afghan Rape Survivor Gulnaz ...
Afghan rape victim sentence reduced - CNN

Canned Soup Increases Bisphenol A Exposure, Harvard Study Says

(Bloomberg) -- “We’ve known for a while that drinking beverages that have been stored in hard plastics can increase the amount of BPA in your body,” Jenny Carwile, the study’s lead author, said in the statement. “This study suggests that canned foods may be an even greater concern, especially given their wide use.” - Canned Soup Increases Bisphenol A Exposure, Harvard Study Says -- Boston Scientific Gains Approval for New Version of Heart Stent ...

Too much acetaminophen over time may damage liver - USA Today

Taking slightly too much of the pain reliever acetaminophen (best known by the brand name Tylenol) over time can lead to an overdose that can cause liver failure and death, according to a new study.- Too much acetaminophen over time may damage liver
FDA Approves New Boston Scientific Heart Stent - Common Drugs, Seniors and ER Visits WSJ

انتقاد سازمان ملل از 'اجرای محدود' قانون محو خشونت علیه زنان افغان

سازمان ملل متحد از عدم اجرای گسترده قانون محو خشونت علیه زنان (EVAW) در افغانستان انتقاد کرده است. - انتقاد سازمان ملل از 'اجرای محدود' قانون محو خشونت علیه زنان افغان
Afghanistan has ‘long way to go’ in protecting women from violence – UN report

Law protecting Afghan women has long way to go: U.N. | Reuters

(Reuters) - Afghan authorities are failing to enforce the law to protect women from murder, beating, rape and other violence and being sold into marriage and prostitution, the United Nations said on Wednesday.- Law protecting Afghan women has long way to go: U.N. Reuters
UN unveils plan to spur policy action on ending violence against women and girls

RAF head says Afghan civil war possible when Nato leaves - BBC

The head of the Royal Air Force has acknowledged that civil war could break out in Afghanistan when Nato withdraws. - RAF head says Afghan civil war possible when Nato leaves --
Transcript: Masoom Stanekzai on peace and the Rabbani assassination - Afghanistan
Karzai Names Afghanistan Central Bank Governor to End Five-Month Vacancy

Jailed Afghan rape victim has sentence reduced, remains in jail

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Afghan prosecutors announced Wednesday that a young rape victim, jailed for adultery after reporting the crime and pushed into marrying her attacker, would have her sentence reduced from twelve to three years. - Afghan rape victim sentence reduced
Afghanistan has ‘long way to go’ in protecting women from violence – UN report

Hate crime charges in beard cutting

(CNN) -- Seven members of a breakaway Amish group in eastern Ohio were arrested on federal hate crime charges for allegedly shaving the beards and cutting the hair of individuals who refused to support their leader, according to a criminal complaint released Wednesday. - Hate crime charges in beard cutting -- FBI Arrests 7 In Ohio Amish Hair-Cutting Attacks

World Bank says Afghanistan will need billions of dollars in aid for years to come

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan could face economic collapse if international assistance is abruptly cut as foreign combat forces are withdrawn, the World Bank warned, stressing that the war-ravaged nation will need billions of dollars in aid for a decade or more. - World Bank says Afghanistan will need billions of dollars in aid for years to come --- Romney, Huntsman differ on US military role in Afghanistan and plans for troop drawdown

Visa program for Afghan allies comes up empty

(Reuters) - Afghans who have spent years working for U.S. troops, diplomats or agencies say their lives are at risk for that service as soldiers head home, and fear a visa program that promised an escape for those facing serious threats has failed them. - Visa program for Afghan allies comes up empty -- روند اجرای ویزه به افغانهایکه برای دولت امریکا کار کرده اند، بطی می باشد

Afghan women are not "pet rocks" -- Foreign Policy

Afghan women have long fought for a say in their country's future, but that fight has grown more urgent in the run-up to the Bonn Conference, a gathering charged with laying out a plan for Afghanistan for 2014 and beyond. - Afghan women are not "pet rocks" -- Women aren't pet rocks - The Washington Post
Propagandastan - By David Trilling Foreign Policy

Defining Victory in Afghanistan - WSJ

The American debate on Afghanistan seems to be framed by two diametrically opposed definitions of success. - Defining Victory in Afghanistan - MICHAEL O'HANLON and PAUL WOLFOWITZ
Russia May Target U.S. Missile Sites

Tennessee State Rep. Rick Womick Calls Allah A ‘False God,’ Warns Of A Muslim Immigrant ‘Population Jihad’ - huffingtonpost

Womick shot back that Muslims had executed innocent Americans, and then explained that we could never compare Islam with acts by people like Breivik, an outspoken Christian, because Allah is “a false God”: -- Tennessee Lawmaker: 'Allah Is Not A Real God'

New York's Metropolitan Museum Of Art Opens Its Doors For Long-Awaited Islamic Art Exhibit

The choices are vast at the museum, a four-block complex that holds art from antiquity to the 20th century. But for many visitors on Tuesday, Islam-inspired art was the attraction. - New York's Metropolitan Museum Of Art Opens Its Doors For Long-Awaited Islamic Art Exhibit
Islamic Manuscript Paintings Featured At Morgan Library (PHOTOS)

Drink coffee everyday to cut cancer risk

A new study has found that long-term coffee consumption may help reduce risk for endometrial cancer. - Drink coffee everyday to cut cancer risk -- Coffee May Cut Endometrial Cancer Risk
Heart Risk Higher at Highest, Lowest Salt Intake Levels MedPage

Paul stays out on limb, frustrating rivals - POLITICO

Turned to repeatedly by moderator Wolf Blitzer, Paul detailed his disagreements on renewing the Patriot Act, attacking Iran, supporting Israel and giving foreign aid. - Paul stays out on limb, frustrating rivals -- The GOP debate: 6 takeaways - POLITICO

Pakistan Names New Envoy to US After Haqqani Resigns Over Memo Scandal

The resignation of Hussain Haqqani highlighted tensions between the country's nominal civilian government and the army, which has ruled Pakistan for most of its history. - Pakistan Names New Envoy to US After Haqqani Resigns Over Memo Scandal
‘Slaughterhouse dude’ is a sign of changing U.S. role in Afghanistan

World Bank Issues Alert on Afghanistan Economy

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan will suffer a recession in 2014 and beyond after foreign troops leave and aid dwindles, and if the security situation gets worse, the country could face complete economic collapse, according to an ominous report released in Kabul on Tuesday by the World Bank. -- World Bank Issues Alert on Afghanistan Economy - ALISSA J. RUBIN
Spirited Foreign Policy Debate Includes a Test of Gingrich’s Rise nytimes

Rick Santorum Claims He Supports TSA Using Ethnic And Religious Profiling Of Younger Muslim Males

Rep. Ron Paul, as is wont in these debates, differed from his rivals. After Santorum noted that Muslims would be "your best candidates" for extra screening, the Texas congressman said, "What if they look like Timothy McVeigh?" referring to the white Christian ex-soldier convicted in 1995's Oklahoma City bombing. "That's digging a hole for ourselves," Paul said. -- Santorum Makes Shocking Claim, Sparks Fly Over Profiling - Andrea Stone
WATCH: Rick Santorum Endorses TSA Profiling Of Muslims

Ministers say they have no right to fix gas prices

KABUL (PAN): Ministers of economy and finance on Tuesday acknowledged they had no authority to control gas prices, but hoped efforts underway in this regard would yield positive results. Ministers say they have no right to fix gas prices

The Rebirth of Afghanistan's Banking - Dinesh Narayanan

Nearly nine million Afghans are living in extreme poverty because of a lack of investment in farming, Mohammad Asif Rahimi, Afghanistan's minister for agriculture, livestock and irrigation, said on October 16, World Food Day. - The Rebirth of Afghanistan's Banking - Forbes
The Rebirth of Afghanistan's Banking - Yahoo! News

RF wants US to explain plans on deploying bases in Afghanistan - FM

MOSCOW, November 21 (Itar-Tass) — Russia would like to have the U.S. explanations on its plans to deploy military bases in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of troops in 2014, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. - RF wants US to explain plans on deploying bases in Afghanistan - FM -- Russia concerned over US plans in Afghanistan

US pushing UN to lift ban on cluster bombs, say campaigners - nytimes

The use of cluster bombs will be given backing under plans being drawn up at an international treaty conference, according to opponents of the weapons which maim and kill civilians, notably children, long after they have been dropped. - US pushing UN to lift ban on cluster bombs, say campaigners
Afghanistan faces $7bn annual budget shortfall, World Bank warns

Theater Review | 'Blood and Gifts': Choosing Sides in Afghanistan: Spies Playing in the Great Game

The gifts referred to in the title of “Blood and Gifts,” a superb new play by J. T. Rogers about the long history behind the American involvement in Afghanistan, are on ominous view throughout the play. - Theater Review 'Blood and Gifts': Choosing Sides in Afghanistan: Spies Playing in the Great Game - nytimes

Afghanistan to need billions in aid for years, World Bank says - washingtonpost

KABUL — The World Bank warned Tuesday that any abrupt cut in foreign aid to Afghanistan over the next several years could destabilize the country and prevent the government from providing basic services and paying for its soldiers and police. - Afghanistan to need billions in aid for years, World Bank says -- Report: Afghan aid needs to go on -- European Commission sends additional aid to help with drought in Afghanistan

هشدار سازمانهای خیریه در مورد خشکسالی و قحطی در افغانستان

به گفته مقامات سازمان های غیردولتی نجات کودکان و آکسفام، بیش از دو میلیون نفر در نیمی از ولایات افغانستان در مناطق شمالی و مرکزی در معرض گرسنگی شدید قرار گرفته اند. -- هشدار سازمانهای خیریه در مورد خشکسالی و قحطی در افغانستان
ناتو: افغانی کردن عملیات شبانه نیازمند تقویت نیروهای افغان

Pakistan US ambassador Haqqani resigns over 'memogate' - BBC

Pakistan's ambassador to the United States has resigned over claims that he sought Washington's help against his country's military. - Pakistan US envoy quits over memo
Pakistan's envoy to U.S. quits in coup memo controversy
Fate of Pakistan's Zardari may hinge on scandal of purported memo

Afghanistan will need $7 billion a year over next decade: WB

(Reuters) - Afghanistan is likely to need around $7 billion a year from the international community to help pay its security and other bills long after foreign troops leave, even if two large mines start production as planned, the World Bank said on Tuesday. - Afghanistan will need $7 billion a year over next decade: WB

ذخایر افغانستان نمی تواند اقتصاد این کشور را بهتر بسازد

با بیرون رفتن قوای خارجی از افغانستان، تخمین می شود که مصارف اردو و قوای امنیتی افغانستان به ملیاردها دالر برسد - ذخایر افغانستان نمی تواند اقتصاد این کشور را بهتر بسازد
روند اجرای ویزه به افغانهایکه برای دولت امریکا کار کرده اند، بطی می باشد
Visa program for Afghan allies comes up empty Reuters

ICC judges will decide where Qadhafi’s son will stand trial, says Prosecutor

It will be up to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to decide where Saif al-Islam Qadhafi, son of the former Libyan leader, will stand trial to face charges for crimes against humanity, the court’s Prosecutor said today as he arrived in Tripoli for talks with national authorities. - ICC judges will decide where Qadhafi’s son will stand trial, says Prosecutor

Afghanistan: General Assembly calls for global support during transition period

In a resolution adopted unanimously this morning, the Assembly called for increased efforts in the areas of security, justice and governance, social and economic development, reconciliation and integration, regional cooperation and strategic partnerships. - Afghanistan: General Assembly calls for global support during transition period -- با تصویب یک قطعنامه شورای امنیت، افغانستان از حاکمیت و صلاحیت عام و تام برخوردار خواهد شد
جزییات طرح حملات انتحاری بر لویه جرگهٔ عنعنوی در شهر كابل فاش شد

ايمل فيضي: له برتانيا سره ستراتيژيک تړون لندن کې لاسليکيږي

افغان چارواکي وايي له برتانيا سره د ستراتيژيکو اړيکو تړون يې لاسليک ته چمتو دى او د دسمبر په مياشت کې به په لندن کې لاسليکيږي. - ايمل فيضي: له برتانيا سره ستراتيژيک تړون لندن کې لاسليکيږي
پایگاههای دائمی به سود افغانستان نیست! داکتر عبدالله -- متن کامل سخنرانی رییس جمهور در جرگه عنعنوی

Japan's Emperor Akihito remains hospitalized with pneumonia - latimes

The 77-year-old emperor, who ascended the throne after his father Hirohito died in 1989, developed a fever this month and was admitted to University of Tokyo Hospital on Nov. 6. - Japan's Emperor Akihito remains hospitalized with pneumonia
Japan quake survivor hurt during search for remains of wife, daughter

Pakistani Taliban holds indirect talks with government - latimes

Islamabad wants to reach a peace agreement in South Waziristan, the militants' stronghold. Some experts are suspicious of the Pakistani Taliban's intentions after failed cease-fires. - Pakistani Taliban holds indirect talks with government
Fate of Pakistan's Zardari may hinge on scandal of purported memo

عدم وضاحت بر روند بازسازی در افغانستان تاثیر منفی می گذارد

نهاد دیده بان شفافیت افغانستان می گوید که، تمام کشور های مساعدت کننده و موسسات بین المللی در افغانستان معلوماتی را در مورد کمک های شان در این کشور منتشر کنند.- عدم وضاحت بر روند بازسازی در افغانستان تاثیر منفی می گذارد
با سیستم جدید اصلاحات اداری کارمندان ملکی از مصوونیت کاری برخوردار می شوند

India, Russia & Afghan Stability -- Devindra Sethi

There have been a range of responses to U.S. plans to extricate itself from Afghanistan by 2014, and nations in Central and South Asia have begun to plan accordingly. - India, Russia & Afghan Stability Flashpoints

Pakistan memogate scandal: Zardari treason or CIA hoax? - Examiner

Speculation over whether or not Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari blessed a memo asking the U.S. for help in preventing a military coup has dominated the public discourse in Pakistan - with some accusing Zardari of high treason, others chalking it up to Rawalpindi legerdemain while still others see the handiwork of the CIA. Pakistan memogate scandal: Zardari treason or CIA hoax?

US respects tribal assembly's recommendations

KABUL (PAN): The United States said on Sunday it respected the traditional Afghan institution of Loya Jirga, which overwhelmingly supported the idea American bases in the country for a decade. - US respects tribal assembly's recommendations
Support for strategic deal sparks protest -- Abdullah queries Loya Jirga recommendations

Is Afghanistan more violent? -- MICHAEL O'HANLON

Yet, a decade into the conflict — and three years into the surge strategy devised by President Barack Obama, then Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Gen. David Petraeus and former Gen. Stanley McChrystal — it would be discouraging if the fighting were getting worse, whatever the reason. - Is Afghanistan more violent
Kissinger: Talk to Afghan neighbors - Afghanistan

Afghanistan 'loya jirga' endorses lingering US presense, but in what form?

In the wake of the latest Afghanistan 'loya jirga,' the challenge will be finding a way to make a strategic bilateral partnership mutually agreeable to both Afghans and the US. - Afghanistan 'loya jirga' endorses lingering US presense, but in what form? - CSM

Egyptian Army Moves Into Tahrir Square

CAIRO -- The Egyptian Army, long absent from the protests and clashes that have riled Tahrir Square for more than 30 hours, arrived suddenly at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, sweeping all of the protesters from the area - Cairo Protest Of Egypt Elections Reach Second Day Of Unrest (LIVE ... -- UPDATE: Photos - Three Killed As Military Police Storm Tahrir Square
Afghan National Assembly Backs U.S. Security Pact

Ron Paul: U.S. military bases create enemies

Speaking on CBS‘ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, the Texas Republican held firm to his stance that eliminating U.S. military presence around the world is the key to both reducing the nation’s debt and easing tensions with the Muslim world. - Ron Paul: U.S. military bases create enemies

خاصیت کارت لویه جرگه در همکاری با آمریکا -- BBC

واقعیت این است که آمریکا دیگر نمی تواند بنا بر تزهای "حمله پیشگیرانه" و مبارزه با تروریسم و تصمیم های شورای امنیت حضور خود پس از ۲۰۱۴ در افغانستان را توجیه کند و نیاز به پشتوانه حقوقی دارد.- خاصیت کارت لویه جرگه در همکاری با آمریکا
ننګرهار کې له امریکا سره د ستراتیژيک تړون پرضد لاریون وشو

Foreign Policy Funding A Top Candidate For Cuts

"The foreign aid budget in my administration for every country is going to start at zero dollars, and then we'll have a conversation," Texas Gov. Rick Perry said, although his campaign made clear he would exempt Israel. - Foreign Policy Funding A Top Candidate For Cuts
Afghan Students Decry Long-Term Pact With U.S. NPR

لویه‌جرگه از پیمان استراتژیک حمایت کرد

8صبح، کابل: لویه‌جرگه سنتی پس از چهار روز کار در رابطه به داشتن پیمان استراتژیک با ایالات متحده امریکا، روز شنبه با صدور قطع‌نامه‌ای به کار خود پایان داد. اعضای لویه‌جرگه در این قطعنامه با ارایه شرایطی از امضای پیمان استراتژیک با امریکا حمایت و با تاسیس پایگاه نظامی امریکا در افغانستان موافقت‌شان را اعلام کردند. -- لویه‌جرگه از پیمان استراتژیک حمایت کرد
قطع‌نامه جرگه پیامی برای همسایگان -- گام‌به‌گام با لویه‌جرگه عنعنوی؛ کرزی: پیمان استراتژیک به نفع ماست

Afghan Conclave Hardens Karzai's Line on U.S.

The U.S. and Afghanistan have been negotiating over the past nine months on the planned strategic agreement, which aims to outline what American military and civilian presence will remain in Afghanistan after most foreign troops leave in 2014 - Conclave Hardens Afghan Line on U.S. - WSJ

حامد کرزی حمایت اش را از قطعنامهء لویه جرگهء عنعنوی اعلام کرد

همزمان با صدور قطعنامه یی لویه جرگه ی عنعنوی افغانستان، رییس جمهور کرزی حمایت خود را از مواد این قطعنامه اعلام کرد و گفت که حکومت این کشور مطابق به آن در راستای ایجاد روبط دراز مدت استراتیژیک با امریکا و پیشبرد تلاش های صلح در افغانستان عمل می کند. - حامد کرزی حمایت اش را از قطعنامهء لویه جرگهء عنعنوی اعلام کرد
Karzai welcomes Afghan Jirga's decisions on strategic partnership ...

Afghan Council Supports Karzai on US Troop Presence - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — The grand council of Afghan delegates known as the loya jirga drew to a close Saturday, choosing to support President Hamid Karzai’s vision for negotiating a strategic agreement that could keep a long-term American military presence in Afghanistan. - Afghan Council Supports Karzai on US Troop Presence
Afghanistan Has Big Plans for Biometric Data

US troubled by Karzai, but ready to bless Afghan assembly if it approves US military presence - washingtonpost

WASHINGTON — U.S. policymakers aren’t too happy with what they’re hearing so far from an Afghan political gathering considering a long-term security pact with the U.S. - US troubled by Karzai, but ready to bless Afghan assembly if it ...
Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam caught

Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam captured in Libya

He was taken by fighters near the southern town of Obari and flown to the city of Zintan in the north. Saif al-Islam told a journalist he was well. - Gaddafi's son captured in Libya - Gaddafi's son captured in Libya BBC -- سیف الاسلام قذافی در لیبی دستگیر شد

Afghan leaders back U.S. deal but want night raids to end

(Reuters) - Afghan political and community leaders support the idea of a strategic partnership deal that will govern Afghanistan's relationship with the United States, they said on Saturday, but with caveats that could prove tough obstacles to surmount. - Afghan leaders back U.S. deal but want night raids to end -- Afghanistan: Afghan assembly backs US security pact France24

More than 1,000 Afghans protest possible pact to keep US troops in Afghanistan after 2014 - AP

KABUL, Afghanistan — More than 1,000 university students blocked a main highway in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday as they protested against any agreement that would allow U.S. troops to stay in Afghanistan after a planned transfer of authority in 2014. - Traditional Afghan assembly endorses president to negotiate security pact with the US

جرګه والو له امريکا سره د ستراتيژيک تړون ملاتړ وکړ

د افغانستان دوديزې لويې جرګې له امريکا سره د ستراتيژيک تړون او له وسله والو سره د خبرو په تړاو، خپل ملاتړ څرګند کړ. - جرګه والو له امريکا سره د ستراتيژيک تړون ملاتړ وکړ
لویه جرگه با پیمان استراتژیک با آمریکا موافقت کرد
Afghan tribal elders back US pact - BBC

Why hunger looms in aid-rich Afghanistan

More than 2.5 million people face hunger in drought-stricken areas of Afghanistan despite billions of dollars of aid that have poured into the country in recent years, aid agencies say. Many villagers have only limited supplies of food left as winter looms, as the BBC's Mike Thomson reports from the central province of Bamiyan. - Why hunger looms in aid-rich Afghanistan -- The street children of Kabul

European Union Blocks Afghanistan Film That It Financed

The documentary “In-Justice: The Story of Afghan Women in Jail” was financed by the European Union to show what Afghan justice can mean for its women. - European Union Blocks Afghanistan Film That It Financed

Afghanistan: What the Anthropologists Say

Anthropologists who studied Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion of 1979 described a complex country at the crossroads of Persian, Indian and Central Asian civilizations where nomads, farmers and traders of disparate cultures jostled against one another. - Afghanistan: What the Anthropologists Say - nytimes
‘Afghanistan’ and Other Books About Rebuilding — Book Review

Q&A: Italy's technocrat government - BBC

A technocratic government, or government of experts, has been appointed in Italy after the resignation of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi under market pressure. - Q&A: Italy's technocrat government -- Italy unveils technocrat cabinet -- Monti wins Italy confidence votes

Demi Moore to file for divorce; Ashton Kutcher responds on Twitter - latimes

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have decided to end my six-year marriage to Ashton," Moore said. "As a woman, a mother and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life. - Demi Moore to file for divorce; Ashton Kutcher responds on Twitter
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher: Divorce means even more rumors

Norway massacre: Breivik 'planned to kill politicians'

The man who confessed to killing 77 people in Norway in July planned to kill three leaders of the ruling Labour Party, a newspaper reports. - Breivik 'planned to kill leaders'
Norway: Norway gunman's island massacre was Plan B, says lawyer
Report: Norway killer planned to hunt down, execute left-wing politicians at Utoya massacre

Editorial Board Opinion: A U.S.-Afghan partnership serves both nations’ interests - washingtonpost

The Afghan president is trying to build public support for a military partnership with the United States, an agreement that could cover a decade following the scheduled end of the NATO military mission in 2014. - A US-Afghan partnership serves both nations' interests

Aid groups warn more than 2 million Afghans face food shortages after drought

KABUL, Afghanistan — More than 2 million people are facing food shortages in northern Afghanistan after a drought and the situation could get even worse if winter snows cut off access to remote regions, a group of aid agencies warned Friday. - Aid groups warn more than 2 million Afghans face food shortages ... -- Spotlight on Afghan refugees in Pakistan

U.S. General Defends Afghanistan Night Raids

Head of Coalition Joint Command Argues for Continuing Operations After President Karzai Says They Must End - Afghanistan Night Raids Defended WSJ -- قوماندان امریکایی: عملیات شبانه جزء مهم مبارزه جاری علیه تروریزم است
حامد کرزی: امریکا باید عملیات شبانه و تلاشی خانه ها را متوقف بسازد

Occupy Wall Street: what should be done with the protesters?

Their very physical presence is a reminder that the decline of America happened not because they didn’t believe in the American dream, but because the greed of Wall Street and the banks stole that dream. - Occupy Wall Street: what should be done with the protesters?
U.S. faces tough choice on Iran's nukes - AP

Iran Nuclear Program: Iran And West Exchange Tough Language Over Atomic Energy Agency Report

VIENNA — The U.S. and its Western allies bluntly accused Iran on Friday of deceiving the world by trying to hide work on nuclear arms, as the U.N. atomic agency passed a new resolution criticizing Tehran's nuclear defiance. - Blunt Accusations Against Iran
اعضای دایمی شورای امنیت در مورد برنامه اتومی ایران متحد شدند

Former ambassador and wife give Hacienda Heights students a lesson on life in Afghanistan

For most elementary school students, a lesson about Afghanistan probably involves cracking open their history books or bringing a newspaper to class. - Former ambassador and wife give Hacienda Heights students a lesson on life in Afghanistan
Rockets fired into Kabul as national assembly continues

Without large U.S. force after 2014, Afghanistan is headed for civil war, opposition leader warns

Afghanistan will likely plunge into civil and regional war if the United States does not leave a residual force of 20,000 to 30,000 troops in the country after 2014, along with significant economic aid, a senior Afghan opposition figure said Thursday. - Without large U.S. force after 2014, Afghanistan is headed for civil war, opposition leader warns
Senators call out Karzai on night raid demands

Mass arrests at Occupy Wall Street protests

Several thousand demonstrators have marched across New York's Brooklyn Bridge on a day of protest that saw solidarity rallies across the US. - Mass arrests at Occupy protests -- Protests spread across US Watch
Pakistan ambassador in memo row - BBC

More in Afghanistan criticize country's direction. What it means for US troops. - CSM

More Afghans than not say their country is moving in the right direction, but the number who say that a decade into a Western-led war Afghanistan is headed in the wrong direction is increasing – now to more than one-third of the population. - More in Afghanistan criticize country's direction. What it means for US troops.
Occupy Wall Street at two months: Hundreds arrested across US

Afghanistan faces 'regional war' if NATO troops go

WASHINGTON — Afghanistan risks falling into civil and regional war if all US and international troops leave as planned by the end of 2014, the conflict-wracked state's former interior minister warned on Thursday. - AFP: Afghanistan faces 'regional war' if NATO troops go
Afghanistan faces 'regional war' if NATO troops go AFP -- حنیف اتمر از تشکیل حزب سیاسی جدید در افغانستان خبر داد -- حنیف اتمر: نظام باید پاسخگو و حساب‌ده شود

جمهوررئیس: که د افغانستان خپلواکۍ او ملي حاکمیت ته احترام وشي، د امریکا سره دستراتیژیک تړون ته تیار یو

دافغانستان داسلامي جمهوریت جمهوررئیس حامدکرزيد افغانستان او امریکا ترمنځ د ستراتیژیک تړون او د سولې د بهیر په اړه جوړه شوې دودیزه مشورتي جرګه نن پرانیستله.- جمهوررئیس: که د افغانستان خپلواکۍ او ملي حاکمیت ته احترام وشي، د امریکا سره دستراتیژیک تړون ته تیار یو
کرزی: امضای پیمان ستراتیژیک با امریکا به سود افغانستان است

Beijing is wary of Obama’s assertive China policy

BEIJING — While Beijing’s public response to President Obama’s more muscular China policy has been muted, behind the scenes the U.S. president’s sudden moves to contest rising Chinese power are setting the capital on edge. - Beijing is wary of Obama’s assertive China policy -- Obama vows U.S. will stay strong in Pacific - washingtonpost

Leaving Afghanistan by 2014 is still far from agreed, insists the US ambassador

The year 2014, he went on, "is not the date when the United States and the international community just walk away from Afghanistan... We don't want to repeat the mistakes of 1990; we got out when the Soviets left – and that was the road to 9/11." - Leaving Afghanistan by 2014 is still far from agreed, insists the US ambassador
کراکر: سال 2014 تاریخ خروج نیروهای بین المللی از افغانستان نمی باشد

Newt Gingrich's Foreign Policy - Former speaker of the House

He believes that "we consistently underestimate how hard" it is to deal with an "Afghan culture that is fundamentally different" than America's and that counterinsurgency doctrine is ill-suited to a situation as complex as Afghanistan - Newt Gingrich - Foreign Policy Profile -- Karzai opens Loya Jirga with demands
Exclusive: Mullen Remembers Secret Memo; Pakistani Amb. to Resign?

World's biggest yellow diamond fetches record price

The diamond, the world's largest pear-shaped fancy vivid yellow, weighing 110.03 carats, was the top lot at Sotheby's semi-annual jewellery sale in Geneva on Tuesday night (local time) which netted a total of $69 million. - World's biggest yellow diamond fetches record price - ABC News ...

Afghanistan's Loya Jirga: Substance or Hot Air?

The Jirga, which has no legislative powers, is meant to be consultative. Critics argue that Karzai is merely seeking political cover for an eventual agreement with the U.S. that is bound to be unpalatable not only for some Afghans, but for Afghanistan's neighbors, who have little desire for a continued U.S. presence in the country past the 2014 deadline for American troop withdrawal. - Afghanistan's Loya Jirga: Substance or Hot Air from the Nation's Elders? - TIME

Cutting Off Unesco, U.S. May Endanger Programs in Iraq and Afghanistan

PARIS -- Some important programs affecting American interests in Iraq are at risk because of Washington's cutoff of money to Unesco, officials of the organization say. Unesco programs in Afghanistan will also be affected, but to a lesser degree. - Cutting Off Unesco, U.S. May Endanger Programs in Iraq and Afghanistan

Blood type linked to stroke risks, says report delivered at AHA meeting

Your blood type may put you at higher risk of stroke, according to a large, long-term study presented Wednesday at the 84th annual meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA). - Blood type linked to stroke risks, says report delivered at AHA meeting
Chicago Tribune -

In Sweden, a generation of kids who've never been spanked

(CNN) -- In 1979, a few years before the Swanson family arrived, Sweden became the first country to ban physical punishment of children. - In Sweden, a generation of kids who've never been spanked

TSA may back off airport body scanner health study

(CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration may back off a plan to conduct an independent study of the health effects of airport body scanners, saying a soon-to-be-released inspector general's report validates earlier conclusions that the machines are not harmful. - TSA may back off body scanner study
Clinton motorcade hit with eggs in Manila

Key Afghan Elders' Grand Council Convenes In Kabul - NPR

Afghan President Hamid Karzai called Wednesday on elders assembled for a national conference to help create a fair framework for relations with the U.S. and find a path to peace for the turbulent country. - Key Afghan Elders' Grand Council Convenes In Kabul
Afghan Council To Consider U.S. Partnership Pact

ولسمشر کرزي له امریکا سره سټراټیژیک سنډ ډېر ګټور وباله

ولسمشرکرزي په دودیزې لویې جرګې کې په خپله پرانستونکې وینا کې له امریکا سره ستراتیژیک سند ګټور اومهم وباله خو د دې لپاره یې مهم شرایط هم وړاندې کړل. - ولسمشر کرزي له امریکا سره سټراټیژیک سنډ ډېر ګټور وباله
بريتانيا هم غواړي له افغانستان سره ستراتیژیک تړون لاسلیک کړي
متن کامل سخنرانی صبغت الله مجددی

Hamid Karzai calls for partnership with U.S., but with conditions - washingtonpost

KABUL — President Hamid Karzai set the conditions for his country’s strategic partnership with the United States on Wednesday, saying that Afghanistan would allow long-term U.S. bases here as long as American troops stop conducting operations at night, searching homes and detaining Afghans. - Karzai sets terms for partnership
U.S. to send Marines to Australia

کرزی: آمریکا می تواند در افغانستان 'تاسیسات نظامی' داشته باشد

رئیس جمهوری افغانستان خطاب به شرکت کنندگان لویه جرگه مشورتی در کابل، تاکید کرد که امضای پیمان استراتژیک با آمریکا به سود افغانستان است تا جامعه جهانی این کشور را پس از سال ۲۰۱۴ تنها نگذارد. -- کرزی: آمریکا می تواند در افغانستان 'تاسیسات نظامی' داشته باشد
بخشهایی از سخنان کرزی در لویه جرگه
Karzai supports Afghan-US pact - BBC

Karzai Pushes Partnership With U.S. as Afghan Elders Convene - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — “It’s O.K. that they are strong and rich and powerful, but we are lions. Weak and old and sick, a lion is still a lion, in the forest everyone avoids a lion even if it is old and sick and weak. A lion doesn’t like it if a stranger comes to his house, he doesn’t want his children taken by foreigners during the night, the lion doesn’t want parallel government structures.” - Karzai Pushes Partnership With U.S. as Afghan Elders Convene

Eyeing China, U.S. Expands Military Ties to Australia - nytimes

The United States will have an increased military presence on Australia’s north side, reflecting renewed American security interests in the Pacific Rim - Eyeing China, U.S. Expands Military Ties to Australia --- Analysis: As U.S. Looks to Asia, It Sees China Everywhere

Karzai at loya jirga: Afghanistan is 'a lion' to be respected - CSM

President Hamid Karzai opened a meeting of 2,000 Afghan elders on Wednesday with a strong call for lasting ties with the US and named the conditions necessary for a strategic agreement between the two nations. - Karzai at loya jirga: Afghanistan is 'a lion' to be respected
What is a loya jirga? Afghanistan's most pivotal jirgas since 2002.