Sunday, September 30, 2012

Top U.S. general in Afghanistan John Allen talks to "60 Minutes" about the setbacks that put the U.S. mission in jeopardy

Eleven years after 9/11, Lara Logan talks to the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. John Allen, who is incensed over deadly attacks on his men by Afghan troops the U.S. has trained and supported. In this hard look at the Afghanistan war, she also talks to President Hamid Karzai and a Taliban commander. - "Insider attacks" kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan
Examining the scourge of "insider attacks"
Gen. Allen: Afghans "understand what's at risk"

Afghan troops taking on perilous fight against insurgency

Delaram, Afghanistan (CNN) -- U.S. Marines stand under the blazing sun at Camp Bastion airfield waiting for their ride to take them far beyond the perimeter fence. - Afghan troops taking on perilous fight against insurgency - Afghanistan

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Exclusive: Chinese halt at flagship mine imperils Afghan future

(Reuters) - Afghan officials are battling to convince nervous Chinese investors to restart work at a landmark $3 billion mine project and not to worry unduly about insurgent rocket attacks to salvage one of the country's big hopes of economic independence. - Exclusive: Chinese halt at flagship mine imperils Afghan future
Top China official visits Afghanistan, signs security deal

تجمع اعتراضی دانشجویان جلسه مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان را لغو کرد

بستن راه‌های ورودی مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان از سوی دانشجویان معترض به تغییر نام یک دانشگاه در کابل، باعث لغو جلسه مجلس شد. - تجمع اعتراضی دانشجویان جلسه مجلس نمایندگان افغانستان را لغو کرد
دولت: نام دانشگاه 'برهان‌الدین ربانی' را تغییر نمی‌دهیم

Ex-Afghan prisoner claims Bagram abuse - Anna Coren, CNN

"Yes, yes, I was tortured," he said. "They gave me electric shots on my wrists. I was hung from the ceiling for seven days. Our faces were masked, and we were handcuffed, hanging from the ceiling. Our legs were chained as well."" - Ex-Afghan prisoner claims Bagram abuse - CNN.

'A ray of hope' where girls didn't count - CNN Heroes 2012

(CNN) -- Razia Jan is fighting to educate girls in rural Afghanistan, where terrorists will stop at nothing to keep them from learning. - 'A ray of hope' where girls didn't count - CNN Heroes 2012 - CNN Heroes

Despite deadly risks, Afghan girls take brave first step - CNN Heroes

(CNN) -- For many girls in Afghanistan, the simple act of walking to school can be a life-threatening journey.- Despite deadly risks, Afghan girls take brave first step

Can't Change Your Money In Iran? Try Afghanistan

The western Afghan city of Herat has become a thriving hub for the money exchange business, a consequence of geography and politics. Money-changers throng the currency market carrying thick stacks of Iranian currency, much of it brought in by the hundreds of thousands of Afghan workers who earn their living in Iran. - Can't Change Your Money In Iran? Try Afghanistan - NPR

Friday, September 28, 2012

Afghanistan: As Nato troops pull out, Kabul has the task of rebuilding society

Foreign-led reconstruction teams want to preserve progress in Afghanistan but may have failed to establish an 'invisible' legacy - Afghanistan: As Nato troops pull out, Kabul has the task of rebuilding society
The lies about aid and Afghanistan -

EXCLUSIVE-Chinese halt at flagship mine imperils Afghan future

KABUL, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Afghan officials are battling to convince nervous Chinese investors to restart work at a landmark $3 billion mine project and not to worry unduly about insurgent rocket attacks to salvage one of the country's big hopes of economic independence. - EXCLUSIVE-Chinese halt at flagship mine imperils Afghan future

10 Signs Death Is Near - Caring.com

What to expect and how to respond to the natural dying process  - 10 Signs Death Is Near - Caring.com

At U.N., Muslim world questions Western freedom of speech

(Reuters) - Muslim leaders were in unison at the United Nations this week arguing that the West was hiding behind its defense of freedom of speech and ignoring cultural sensitivities in the aftermath of anti-Islam slurs that have raised fears of a widening East-West cultural divide.- At U.N., Muslim world questions Western freedom of speech
At UN, Muslim world questions Western freedom of speech - Reuters

Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel on Women's Rights

Saudi Arabian Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel talks to the Wall Street Journal's Lee Hawkins about her efforts to persuade Saudi officials to lift laws that prohibit women from driving, her philanthropic efforts around Islam awareness, and what it's like to be a princess and a wife of one of the richest, most influential men in the world.... Princess Ameerah Al-Taweel on Women's Rights  -- The Wall Street Journal - YouTube
The Louvre's New Islamic Galleries Bring Riches to Light - nytimes

Joint-Force Operations Resume in Afghanistan .

Joint operations between international and Afghan forces are restarting, Pentagon officials said Thursday, easing a prohibition on small-unit patrols that presented a high risk for insider attacks that have killed dozens of allied troops. - News: Joint-Force Operations Resume in Afghanistan - WSJ

Thursday, September 27, 2012

10 Worst-Rated States for Retirement

Seattle, Portland, Maine, and Anchorage, Alaska, for example, were picks for Great Cities for Outdoor Lovers. Providence, R.I., made it onto our Great Quirky Places to Retire list, and New York and Boston were both designated Great Places to Retire for the City Life. -- 10 Worst-Rated States for Retirement - AARP

ACLU: Government documents show surge in electronic surveillance - thehill

Warrantless surveillance of telephone calls, text messages and emails has shot up dramatically in recent years, according to Justice Department documents released by the American Civil Liberties Union on Thursday. - ACLU: Government documents show surge in electronic surveillance

Israeli leader highlights red lines - thehill

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew a red line – literally – on Iran's nuclear weapons program Thursday during his speech at the United Nations, raising pressure on President Obama to follow suit. - Israeli leader highlights red lines
Palestinian leader calls on UN members to condemn Israel's 'ethnic ..
نتانیاهو: باید برای برنامه هسته‌ای ایران خط قرمز تعیین کرد

What an Iran Attack Means for AfPak - Marvin G. Weinbaum

But three decades of jihads fought by Afghans and Pakistanis drew them closer to Arab governments as well as to private individuals and organizations that injected financial support. These sources also helped nurture a pan-Islamic consciousness and stoked anti-Western feelings. Rather than 9/11 aligning these countries with the West in recognition of the common threats posed by international terrorism, the West’s war on terror became widely perceived as an attack on all Muslims. - What an Iran Attack Means for AfPak - The National Interest

'Huge Uncertainty' in Afghanistan - Council on Foreign Relations

In his 2012 speech to the UN General Assembly, President Obama devoted exactly one line to Afghanistan, saying: "We've begun a transition in Afghanistan, and America and our allies will end our war on schedule in 2014." What are your thoughts on the situation in Afghanistan? - 'Huge Uncertainty' in Afghanistan - Council on Foreign Relations

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Babies Bring Good Luck, Big Bucks For One Norwegian Family - NPR

Forget four-leaf clovers, horseshoes and rabbit feet. The secret to a three-time-lottery-winning family in Norway is simple: getting pregnant. - Babies Bring Good Luck, Big Bucks For One Norwegian Family :  - Norway - Wikipedia

هواداران دکتر نجیب الله: حزب وطن را احیا می‌کنیم

شماری از اعضای حزب وطن (حزبی که دکتر نجیب الله رئیس جمهوری پیشن افغانستان دبیرکل آن بود) در گردهمایی یاد بود شانزدهمین سالروز مرگ دکتر نجیب الله گفتند که این حزب را دوباره احیا می کنند. - هواداران دکتر نجیب الله: حزب وطن را احیا می‌کنیم
(و‌طن ګوند) به بیا فعالیت پیل کړي
نگرانی گروههای سیاسی در مورد انتخابات آینده افغانستان

Waiting for the Taliban in Afghanistan - Gilles Dorronsoro

The withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan will leave the country worse than it was before 2001 in some respects. There is no clear plan for the future. Washington will progressively lose its influence over Kabul, and drone operations in Pakistan are not a credible way to fight jihadist groups on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The situation will only worsen after 2014, when most U.S. troops are out of the country and aid going to the Afghan government steeply declines. - Waiting for the Taliban in Afghanistan - Carnegie Endowment for ...

Q & A With Chelsea Clinton - TIME

Among her goals for the next five years: "I'd like to finish my dissertation" - Q & A With Chelsea Clinton - Jim Frederick

Clinton Global Initiative Wraps NY Meeting - VOA

NEW YORK — The Clinton Global Initiative, or CGI, wrapped up its annual meeting in New York with a focus on food security. The three-day event garnered millions of dollars to help address problems of global poverty and disease. - Clinton Global Initiative Wraps NY Meeting - Clinton Global Initiative
Related video of presidents of Pakistan, Afghanistan at UN

Governments and Islamists Exploit Film Protests

The protests against "Innocence of Muslims" are not just spontaneous outbreaks of rage. Radical Islamists and governments are exploiting the unrest for their own ends. In the process, it is hard for moderate Muslims to make their voices heard. By SPIEGEL Staff more...  - Governments and Islamists Exploit Film Protests
Germany Closes Embassies in Muslim Countries - Spiegel Online

Afghanistan prognosis looks gloomier - Atimes

WASHINGTON - With all foreign troops due to leave Afghanistan just two years from now, the news out of the Central Asian nation is becoming increasingly gloomy. - Afghanistan prognosis looks gloomier - Jim Lobe

Afghans want peace, but they are caught between forces they can't control - Zarlasht Halaimzai

Afghanistan needs a credible plan for how to continue reconstruction and the building of its economy; and it must include a plan B: what would happen if parties didn't keep to their end of the bargain. If Afghanistan is left without a realistic plan for peace, it will further jeopardise an already unstable region, threaten our own security and more children like Khorshid will die in brutal and pointless acts of violence. - Afghans want peace, but they are caught between forces they can't ... -

At General Debate, Iran’s President calls for new world order and restructured UN

26 September 2012 – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today called for a “just and fair” new world order and said the United Nations lacks the efficiency to bring it about, offering the help of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which his country currently heads, to achieve the required changes. - At General Debate, Iran's President calls for new world order and ...
آخرین سخنرانی احمدی‌نژاد در سازمان ملل: زنده باد بهار

Cellphones Are Eating the Family Budget

More than half of all U.S. cellphone owners carry a device like the iPhone, a shift that has unsettled household budgets across the country. Government data show people have spent more on phone bills over the past four years, even as they have dialed back on dining out, clothes and entertainment—cutbacks that have been keenly felt in the restaurant, apparel and film industries. - Cellphones Are Eating the Family Budget - WSJ

The Obama Diary

Obama talks with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan before the United Nations General Assembly reception at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, N.Y., Sept. 24, 2012. First Lady Michelle Obama is pictured in the background. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) - The Obama Diary
Barack Obama speaks to to the UN general assembly - US politics live

At UN debate, Afghan President highlights country as testament to multi-lateral cooperation

25 September 2012 – “For decades, we had suffered unnoticed from violence, deprivation, and from sinister foreign interference,” he added. “Long before terrorism struck the world as a common security threat, Afghans were the victims of the atrocity of terrorist networks from different parts of the world that had made Afghanistan their haven.” - At UN debate, Afghan President highlights country as testament to ... -- United Nations News Centre

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

President Hamid Karzai Speaks at the United Nations General Assembly

As we speak today, the world is shaken by the depravity of fanatics who have committed acts of insult against the faith of over 1.5 billion Muslims. We strongly condemn these offensive acts, whether it involves the production of a film, the publication of cartoons, or indeed any other acts of insult and provocation. Such acts can never be justified as freedom of speech or expression. Equally, they cannot give reason for the genuine protests to be used to incite violence and chaos with terrible losses of innocent lives. - President Hamid Karzai Speaks at the United Nations General ...
کرزی: کشور من نمونه بارزی از منفعت بردن از همکاری ها در سطوح مختلف و همبستگی جهانی میباشد

Obama UN Speech Challenges World Leaders To Confront Intolerance At Home - huffingtonpost

"True democracy -- real freedom -- is hard work," Obama said. "Those in power have to resist the temptation to crack down on dissent. In hard economic times, countries may be tempted to rally the people around perceived enemies, at home and abroad, rather than focusing on the painstaking work of reform."- Obama UN Speech Challenges World Leaders To Confront ...
Can a Doomed Soldier's Letter Change the Course of the ...

Unavoidable Ugliness in Afghanistan - The National Interest

The challenger is not resting his campaign on foreign policy, and he evidently does not have in mind a policy on Afghanistan that would be an alternative to that of President Obama. Nonetheless, there still is a war going on there, in which Americans are still dying (about two thousand to date). Whoever is elected president will face the leadership task of getting the American people to come to terms with an ugly reality in Afghanistan. - Unavoidable Ugliness in Afghanistan - Paul R. Pillar

دانشجویان دانشگاه تعلیم و تربیه کابل اعتصاب کردند

دانشجویان معترض تغییر نام دانشگاه تعلیم و تربیه را یک حرکت سیاسی دانسته و گفته اند که این اقدام دولت سبب ایجاد تضادهای قومی و سمتی میان دانشجویان خواهد شد. - دانشجویان دانشگاه تعلیم و تربیه کابل اعتصاب کردند
دولت: نام دانشگاه 'برهان‌الدین ربانی' را تغییر نمی‌دهیم

Iran Reveals More About What It Calls Foreign Sabotage Acts - nytimes

Iran said Tuesday that it had amassed new evidence of attempts by saboteurs to attack Iranian nuclear, defense, industrial and telecommunications installations, including the use of virus-infected American, French and German equipment. - Iran Reveals More About What It Calls Foreign Sabotage Acts

Romney Urges Attaching Strings to Foreign Aid

Mitt Romney laid out the broad outlines of his plan to foster opportunities in developing nations and suggested that American aid should be dependent on progress in certain areas. - Romney Urges Attaching Certain Strings to Foreign Aid nytimes
Obama Warns Iran and Pleads for Tolerance in Arab Spring

Obama Confronts Muslim Unrest, Iran In UN Speech

"I have made it clear that the United States government had nothing to do with this video, and I believe its message must be rejected by all who respect our common humanity," Obama said. "It is an insult not only to Muslims, but to America as well -- for as the city outside these walls makes clear, we are a country that has welcomed people of every race and faith." - Obama Confronts Muslim Unrest, Iran In UN Speech
Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly — Text

Amid ‘time of turmoil,’ Ban urges world leaders to do more to solve pressing crises

25 September 2012 – Citing widespread insecurity, the squandering of vast funds on deadly weapons instead of economic development, and the growing impact of climate change, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned the world today that it is in a race against time to save itself. - Amid 'time of turmoil,' Ban urges world leaders to do more to solve ...
Ahead of high-level Assembly meetings, Ban urges Member States ...

Students Continue Protest Over Rabbani University Name

Students of Kabul's Education University continued their protest Tuesday against changing their university's name to Martyr of Peace Burhanuddin Rabbani. - Students Continue Protest Over Rabbani University Name
Students Protest Rabbani University Name Change

Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly — Text

Following is a text, prepared for delivery, of President Obama’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, as released by the White House:  - Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly — Text

'Time Is Not Unlimited,' Obama Warns Iran at UN

UNITED NATIONS — President Obama told world leaders that time for diplomacy to curb the looming Iranian nuclear crisis is running out, in a speech he delivered on Tuesday to the United Nations General Assembly. - 'Time Is Not Unlimited,' Obama Warns Iran at UN -
Obama’s Speech to the United Nations General Assembly — Text
UN Leader Opens General Assembly on Somber Note - nytimes

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Karzai won't try to stay in office: former US envoy

WASHINGTON — Afghan President Hamid Karzai is unlikely to try to bend the rules to stay in office once his term ends in 2014, former US ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker, said Monday. - Karzai won't try to stay in office: former US envoy
Afghan president appoints 10 new governors - Aljazeera

Afghans protest against French cartoons, US film

KABUL — Hundreds of Afghans on Thursday protested for the first time against cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed published in France and staged fresh rallies against a US-made anti-Islam film. - Afghans protest against French cartoons, US film
Protests In Tehran, Kabul Against Film, French Cartoons -- Actress 'Shattered' Over Film Frenzy - rferl
French Muhammad Cartoons: Tunisia Bans Protests, Violence - huffingtonpost

Afghan war, defense cuts hot topics during foreign policy roundtable - stripes

Surrogates for President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney traded barbs Wednesday night in a foreign policy roundtable that served as a preview for the upcoming presidential debates. - Afghan war, defense cuts hot topics during foreign policy roundtable
Pakistani minister vows better counterterror work with US, but won't talk of tackling Haqqanis

Afghan president sacks Helmand governor

Hamid Karzai dismisses Mohammad Gulab Mangal, a key ally of the west, along with nine other governors in political shakeup - Afghan president sacks Helmand governor - guardian
Afghanistan strategy will not change, says Hammond - video -

So Much for the Good War - Foreign Policy

It's time to admit that Obama's Afghanistan strategy is a total failure. - So Much for the Good War - by Arif Rafiq
Wait, You Still Don't Like Us? - By Richard Wike Foreign Policy

Crucial Afghan mining laws up for review within a fortnight

(Reuters) - Redrafted mining laws that Afghan officials and Western donors hope will persuade foreign firms to invest in the country's resource wealth will be submitted to the government for review within a fortnight, a government spokesman said on Thursday. - Crucial Afghan mining laws up for review within a fortnight
Afghanistan's Karzai targets governors in anti-graft fight

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Louvre's New Islamic Galleries Bring Riches to Light - CAROL VOGEL

“This is the way the world has spoken about Islam, not only the religion but the civilization,” explained Sophie Makariou, the Louvre’s director of Islamic art, insisting that the name is not an oversimplification. “We were out to tell the history of these people. It’s as complicated as a textile. There are many different threads and a lot of different kinds of civilizations who built this world.” - The Louvre's New Islamic Galleries Bring Riches to Light - the museum
The Art of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia and Later South Asia.

France increases embassy security after magazine publishes cartoons insulting prophet Muhammad

France’s prime minister said freedom of expression is guaranteed, but cautioned that it “should be exercised with responsibility and respect.” - France increases embassy security after magazine publishes cartoons insulting prophet Muhammad
France closes embassies and schools after cartoon mocking Muhammad - Associated Press

The Louvre's New Islamic Galleries Bring Riches to Light - nytimes

PARIS — When I. M. Pei’s glass pyramid opened at the Louvre more than 20 years ago, many argued that this 70-foot-tall structure had destroyed the classical beauty of one of the world’s great museums. But today, as crowds wait on long lines outside the pyramid, which serves as the Louvre’s main entrance, what once seemed audacious has become as accepted a part of the city’s visual landscape as the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe. - The Louvre's New Islamic Galleries Bring Riches to Light -- New Islamic Galleries at the Louvre
French Magazine Runs Cartoons That Mock Muhammad

صلاح الدین ربانی: دولت در پیگیری پرونده ترور پدرم ناکام است

صلاح الدین ربانی فرزند برهان الدین ربانی و رئیس شورای عالی صلح، در نخستین سالروز ترور پدرش، از دولت به دلیل ناکامی در پیگیری پرونده های قتل های زنجیره ای از جمله پرونده ترور پدرش، انتقاد کرد. - صلاح الدین ربانی: دولت در پیگیری پرونده ترور پدرم ناکام است
ربانی:از اتهام 'جنایتکار جنگی' تا فرشته صلح -- نخستین سالمرگ برهان‌الدین ربانی
آخرین لحظات زندگی برهان الدین ربانی از زبان معصوم استانکزی

French Magazine Runs Cartoons That Mock Muhammad - nytimes

PARIS — A French satirical magazine on Wednesday published a series of cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad, setting off a new wave of outrage among Muslims and condemnation from French leaders amid widening unrest over an amateur video that has provoked violence throughout the Islamic world. - French Magazine Runs Cartoons That Mock Muhammad
انتشار کاریکاتورهای پیامبر اسلام سفارتخانه‌های فرانسه را تعطیل می‌کند
The Louvre's New Islamic Galleries Bring Riches to Light - Related Article

4 signs that America's Afghan exit strategy is unraveling

President Obama plans to bring American troops home from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, and hand over security responsibilities to Afghan forces. - 4 signs that America's Afghan exit strategy is unraveling - theweek

Afghan leader urges peace day after suicide blast

The Afghan president on Wednesday urged his nation to rally behind the push for peace negotiations with insurgents despite persistent violence, evoking the memory of a former leader who was assassinated while trying to broker talks with the Taliban.- Afghan leader urges peace day after suicide blast - Daily Herald‎

Senators: Obama's drawdown of troops in Afghanistan contributes to insider attacks

The decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan and build up local forces “as quickly as possible” has contributed to “insider attacks,” three senators said Wednesday in a joint statement criticizing the Obama administration’s policies. - Senators: Obama's drawdown of troops in Afghanistan contributes to insider attacks

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Baer: There will be no Afghan army to replace U.S

Fmr. CIA Officer Bob Baer says he's concerned about the fate of Afghanistan and explains what he thinks the U.S. has to do to insure a safe transition. Baer is part of AC360's series "What Keeps You Up at Night," which focuses on election issues. - Baer: There will be no Afghan army to replace U.S. - AfghanistanBob Baer

Time for an Intervention - Wall Street Journal

Columnist Peggy Noonan says the campaign seems to be slipping out of Mitt Romney's hands—and offers advice on what to do about it. - Time for an Intervention
Romney Video Crowds Out Bid to Sharpen Message

Obama: Muslim World Must Help Protect Americans Abroad - nytimes

"We expect their full cooperation because that's the only way the world works." - Obama: Muslim World Must Help Protect Americans Abroad
Egypt Issues Arrest Warrant For Americans Behind Muhammad Film - NPR

Egypt charges Coptic Christians linked to infamous video

(CNN) -- Egyptian authorities have charged seven Coptic Christians living in the United States and a Florida pastor with insulting Islam and inciting sectarian strife for their alleged links to an online video that has enraged much of the Muslim world. - Egypt charges Coptic Christians linked to infamous video - CNN

White House says suspended ops won’t derail Afghan timeline - thehill

The White House said Tuesday that the suspension of most joint operations between NATO and Afghan forces would not derail the planned security transition to the Afghans in 2014. - White House says suspended ops won’t derail Afghan timeline
Coalition Sharply Reduces Joint Operations With Afghan Troops

IHT Rendezvous: British Legislators Waver on Afghan War

The coalition government of Prime Minister David Cameron faced a second day of questioning on Tuesday after the decision by NATO to scale back joint patrols with Afghan government forces. - IHT Rendezvous: British Legislators Waver on Afghan War
Afghan Suicide Bomber Strikes Minibus Carrying Foreigners

Afghans: Eight village women killed in NATO airstrike - latimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — Eight rural Afghan women gathering fuel for fires were killed Sunday by a NATO airstrike in eastern Afghanistan, Afghan officials said, and mourning villagers carried the bodies to the provincial governor’s office in protest. - Afghans: Eight village women killed in NATO airstrike
Female suicide bomber kills up to 12 in Afghanistan

French court: Kate Middleton topless photos to be turned over to her - latimes

The court also said the glossy celebrity magazine that published the pictures, Closer, would be fined $13,000 every time it republished or distributed the offending images. - French court: Kate Middleton topless photos to be turned over to her

Romney Tells Millionaire Donors What He REALLY Thinks of Obama Voters

Romney went on: "[M]y job is is not to worry about those people. I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives." - WATCH: Full Secret Video of Private Romney Fundraiser --- SECRET VIDEO: Romney Tells Millionaire Donors What He REALLY Thinks of Obama Voters - Mother Jones
SECRET VIDEO: On Israel, Romney Trashes Two-State Solution

Afghanistan exit strategy in doubt as Isaf command bans joint operations - guardian

Warnings about breakdown of trust as mentoring of Afghan allies suspended following latest deaths in 'green-on-blue' attacks - Afghanistan exit strategy in doubt as Isaf command bans joint operations - ·

Egypt orders arrest of US-based Copts over film

Authorities in Cairo have ordered the arrest of seven US-based Egyptian Coptic Christians for their alleged involvement in an anti-Islam video. - Egypt orders arrest of US Copts - BBC
Egypt Issues Arrest Warrant For Americans Behind Muhammad Film - NPR

Nato's Afghan joint patrol curbs a 'prudent' measure - BBC

Speaking in Brussels, Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the strategy of the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) "remains the same". Nato Afghan patrol curb 'prudent'
Romney: Palestinians do not want peace

کابل کې ښځينه ځانمرګې ۱۳کسان ووژل

د افغانستان پلازمېنه کابل کې هوایي ډګر ته پر غځېدلې لار د بهرنیانو پر یوه لېږدوونکي کوچني بس ځانمرګی برید شوی، چې له کبله یې ۱۳کسان وژل شوي. د برید پړه حزب اسلامي منلې او وايي برید یوې ښځې کړی دی - کابل کې ښځينه ځانمرګې ۱۳کسان ووژل
ناټو ګډې ګزمې او عملیات محدودوي

Why Obama Can’t Censor That Hateful YouTube Video - ROBERT C. POST

Barack Obama couldn't censor that anti-Islam film -- even if he wanted to. - Why Obama Can’t Censor That Hateful YouTube Video
Das Gift - By Benjamin Weinthal Foreign Policy

Panetta says toughest fighting in Afghanistan yet to come - Foreign Policy

In his exclusive sit-down with Foreign Policy on Friday, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said that some of the "toughest" fighting in Afghanistan is yet to come. - The E-Ring: Panetta says toughest fighting in Afghanistan yet to come
'A Whole New Era' - An FP Interview Foreign Policy

US Curbs Afghan Military Cooperation - WSJ

KABUL—The U.S. military commander in Afghanistan has put tight new restrictions on patrols and training with Afghan troops amid deadly insider attacks and rising outrage over an anti-Muslim video. - US Curbs Afghan Military Cooperation
12 Killed in Kabul Bombing

Suicide attack in Afghan capital claimed by Hezb-e-Islami

(Reuters) - Afghan insurgent group Hezb-e-Islami claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a minibus that killed nine people, including foreigners, near Kabul airport on Tuesday and said it was launched in retaliation for a film mocking the Prophet Mohammad. - Suicide attack in Afghan capital claimed by Hezb-e-Islami
BBC News - Afghanistan suicide bomber hits foreigners on Kabul bus

Monday, September 17, 2012

US, Japan announce expanded missile defense system - stripes

TOKYO — The United States and Japan have agreed to station another ground-based missile defense radar in Japan, even as the two nations are still hashing out the deployment of MV-22 Ospreys to Okinawa, top defense officials announced after their meetings Monday. - US, Japan announce expanded missile defense system
Panetta Announces U.S. Expansion of X-Band Missile Defense in ... wsj

NATO scales back Afghan partnering after attacks

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — NATO said Monday that it has scaled back operations with Afghan soldiers and policemen to lower the risk of insider attacks and reduce local tensions over an anti-Islam video that prompted protests in Afghanistan. - NATO scales back Afghan partnering after attacks
 Study: Military drinking 'culture' now a 'crisis'

Obama makes ‘unwavering’ pledge to protect religious liberty in new video - thehill

President Obama on Monday made a campaign pitch to “people of faith” in which he reaffirmed what he called his “unwavering” commitment to “protecting religious liberty.” - Obama makes ‘unwavering’ pledge to protect religious liberty in new video

Dempsey: 'Insider' attacks pose serious threat to Afghan war effort, drawdown - thehill

The U.S. military's top officer acknowledged this week that rampant "insider" attacks by Afghan forces on their American and NATO allies pose a "very serious threat" to the U.S. war effort, which could play havoc with the White House's plan to leave the country in the next two years. - Dempsey: 'Insider' attacks pose serious threat to Afghan war effort, drawdown
Gates, Mullen slam Congress, call on lawmakers to act like 'adults'

Little Islands Are Big Trouble In The South China Sea - NPR

China sees the islands, and more broadly control over the adjacent seas, as a historical right, dovetailing with its newly reclaimed role of East Asia's dominant power. Also at stake: a strategic waterway with massive oil and gas reserves that potentially could help fuel China's energy-hungry industries and towns. - Little Islands Are Big Trouble In The South China Sea : NPR
China Ratchets Up The Rhetoric In Island Spat With Japan

Family Of Man Behind Anti-Islam Video Flees

In the pre-dawn hours today the wife, two sons and daughter of the man most prominently linked to the ant-Islam video that has sparked violence in many Muslim cities fled their home in Cerritos, Calif. - Family Of Man Behind Anti-Islam Video Flees

U.S. Kids Eat Nearly As Much Salt As Adults - NPR

Yes, we love salt. It makes everything taste better. But as a society, we're eating way too much of it. And, so are our children. - U.S. Kids Eat Nearly As Much Salt As Adults

Police Contain Afghan Rage Over Film, as Protests Spread Elsewhere - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — Facing Afghanistan’s first significant outbreak of violence over an anti-Islam film that has inflamed mobs elsewhere, the police moved swiftly on Monday to contain rampaging groups of young men who were burning tires and throwing stones along a thoroughfare leading east out of Kabul, keeping the protesters from advancing toward the city and dispersing them within hours. - Police Contain Afghan Rage Over Film, as Protests Spread Elsewhere

Clinton Condemns Anti-Islam Film, Subsequent Violence - usembassy

Clinton also emphasized in her brief remarks that America has always been committed to religious freedom and tolerance since the beginning of the nation. It is a fundamental belief so strong in the American people that it is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Clinton Condemns Anti-Islam Film

Audacious Raid on NATO Base Is Reminder of Taliban Reach - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — An audacious Taliban attack on a heavily fortified base in southern Afghanistan did far more damage than initially reported, destroying or severely damaging eight attack jets in the most destructive single strike on Western matériel in the 11-year war, military officials said Sunday. - Audacious Raid on NATO Base Is Reminder of Taliban Reach
Karzai Denounces Coalition Over Airstrikes

Cultural Clash Fuels Muslims Raging at Film

CAIRO — “We never insult any prophet — not Moses, not Jesus — so why can’t we demand that Muhammad be respected?” - Cultural Clash Fuels Muslims Raging at Film
Protests erupt in Afghanistan as Muslim anger over film simmers - reuters

Insulting the Prophet, Insulting Humanity - Amitai Etzioni

Legally, our constitution allows for such drivel, allowing Americans to make films that they know are deeply offensive and distribute them to others. We tend to look the other way even when such material is intended not merely to provoke others, but is also motivated by deep-seated hate or bigotry, a form of speech banned by the laws in several major countries including Canada, Germany and the mother of modern democracies, Britain. - Insulting the Prophet, Insulting Humanity - National Interest

UN human rights chief urges religious leaders to restore calm amid anti-Islam film protests

“The film is malicious and deliberately provocative and portrays a disgracefully distorted image of Muslims. I fully understand why people wish to protest strongly against it, and it is their right to do so peacefully,” the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said in a news release. - UN human rights chief urges religious leaders to restore calm amid anti-Islam film protests

Afghan development needs must be focus of global assistance efforts – UN official

14 September – A top United Nations humanitarian official today stressed the need to keep global attention focused on Afghan human development needs, as part of the wider international engagement with and support for the country. - Afghan development needs must be focus of global assistance efforts – UN official
UN officials underscore need for long-term support for Afghanistan’s development

UN food agency launches nutrition initiative for millions of Afghans

10 September 2012 – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today announced the launch of a new aid partnership targeting millions of Afghans with more nutritious foods, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the level of vitamin and mineral deficiency in the Central Asian country. - UN food agency launches nutrition initiative for millions of Afghans
UN food agency launches initiative to fight hunger in Afghan cities

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Anti-Muslim video – one more reason for independent scholarship on the Quran - csmonitor

Interest in the Quran has risen dramatically. Yet no independent association for Quranic study exists in the US – nothing like the Society of Biblical Literature, for instance. That will soon change, and as violent protests over an anti-Muslim video show, the need for scholarly insight is great. - Anti-Muslim video – one more reason for independent scholarship on the Quran

اوباما: ما هیچگاه با اسلام و یا کدام مذهب دیگر در جنگ نخواهیم بود

براک اوباما بازهم تاکید نمود که امریکا فقط با القاعده و متحدین آن در جنگ است. رئیس جمهور ایالات متحده گفت ما هیچگاه با اسلام و یا کدام مذهب دیگر در جنگ نخواهیم بود. ما ایالات متحده امریکا هستیم. آزادی و متنوع بودن ما است که ما را شاخص میسازد و این خواص در ماهئیت ما به عنوان یک کشور واحد، باقی خواهد ماند. - اوباما: ما هیچگاه با اسلام و یا کدام مذهب دیگر در جنگ نخواهیم بود
چگونگی حضور نظامیان امریکایی بعد از 2014 در افغانستان

BBC News - Work stress 'raises heart risk'

They analysed 13 existing European studies covering nearly 200,000 people and found "job strain" was linked to a 23% increased risk of heart attacks and deaths from coronary heart disease. - Work stress 'raises heart risk'
مسئولیت‌های شغلی خطر سکته قلبی را افزایش می‌دهد

Pension Armageddon: Germans Fear Poverty Even After Life of Work - Der Spiegel

For decades, Germans have been able to live out their golden years in comfort. For today's younger generations, however, the retirement dream is turning into a nightmare. Increased life expectancies, an aging population, low birth rates and vanished investment returns have many worrying about a future of poverty. - Pension Armageddon Germans Fear Poverty Even After Life of Work
Old-Age Poverty in Germany: 'Being Poor Also Makes You Lonely'

The World from Berlin: 'Obama's Middle East Policy Is in Ruins' - Der Spiegel

Westerwelle said he could understand the outrage that many Muslims felt about the anti-Islam film. "But this outrage cannot justify violence."- The World from Berlin 'Obama's Middle East Policy Is in Ruins'
Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Anti-Western messages grow among Afghanistan's imams

(Reuters) - Enayatullah Balegh is a professor at Kabul University and preaches on Fridays in the largest mosque in central Kabul, where he advocates jihad, or holy war, against foreigners who desecrate Islam. - Anti-Western messages grow among Afghanistan's imams Reuters

Former Diplomat: Doing A Good Job Invites Risk

Former U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker says the video that sparked the attack at the consulate in Libya is offensive, but nothing justifies the violence. He says what's been lost in the response is the religious tolerance that exists in the U.S. - Former Diplomat: Doing A Good Job Invites Risk - NPR
Afghan Gunman Kills 2 NATO Troops - AP

Federal Officials Interview Anti-Islam Filmmaker

During an interview with AP, Nakoula denied that he was Sam Bacile, but acknowledged knowing him. - Federal Officials Interview Anti-Islam Filmmaker - AP

New violence sweeps countries across Islamic world

In all, there were protests in at least 23 nations, stretching from Morocco to Indonesia and from London to Mogadishu, Somalia. At least seven people died from the violence. - Protests Sweep 23 Countries on Third Day of Anti-US Violence
US Investigating Man Linked to Anti-Islam Film - reuters

Friday, September 14, 2012

What Muslim nations' leaders are saying -- and not -- about embassy violence - CNN

Here's a look at the reactions from key regional leaders since the violence started -- and what their words could really signify. - What Muslim leaders are saying -- Man behind film on probation

Diplomats’ Bodies Return to U.S., and Libyan Guards Recount Deadly Riot - nytimes

WASHINGTON — As four flag-draped coffins bearing the bodies of the Americans killed in Libya arrived in the United States on Friday, new details emerged of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens’s final hours, alone, locked in a smoke-filled room in a diplomatic mission under siege. - As Dead Are Mourned, Guards Recount Deadly Riot
Somber Ceremony as Bodies of Slain Americans Return

Ex-ambassador: No time for accusers, apologists or political gamesters - Special to CNN

The accusers blame all Muslims for terrorism. They quote selectively from the Quran to “prove” that all Muslims are liars, murderers or deceivers. They seek to create a wedge between a self-proclaimed Christian United States or Europe and the Muslim hordes who are seen as waiting at the gates of Vienna to overrun the West. This is a case of the accusers trying to foment a civilizational clash that Christians, Jews and Muslims all reject and fear. - Ex-ambassador: No time for accusers, apologists or political gamesters - Daniel Kurtzer

To Be Presidential, Romney Must First Be Truthful

Is this what we want in a president? Imagine what would happen in the Arab world if a President Romney, pursuing his “No Apology” policy, expressed no regret when Korans were mistakenly destroyed by U.S. forces at a prison in Afghanistan, as they were earlier this year. The region would be ablaze for his entire time in office. - To Be Presidential, Romney Must First Be Truthful - Bloomberg‎

Thursday, September 13, 2012

The problem with Mitt -- ROGER SIMON

Voters who like moderates can’t trust him. Conservatives who are desperate for victory don’t believe him. And the election Republicans should be winning seems to be slipping further from their grasp. - The problem with Mitt - POLITICO

Film-maker behind anti-Islam trailer stays silent amid media siege - guardian

The maker of the anti-Islamic video which triggered violence across the Arab world was believed to be hunkered in his California home amid a media siege and revelations about his criminal record. - Film-maker behind anti-Islam trailer under protection
Hillary Clinton distances US government from anti-Islam film -

UK plans early Afghan withdrawal - guardian

Defence secretary said commanders have changed their views about how many troops need to remain in Afghanistan - UK plans early Afghan withdrawal
Afghan leader condemns film ridiculing Muhammad as insult to all Muslims -

An 'Afghan Summer' of revolt - Foreign Policy

It remains unclear why Afghans appear more resistant to Taliban rule this summer than in the past. Perhaps the Taliban have been making even more burdensome demands than usual, increasingly aware that American and NATO forces are heading for the exits. - An 'Afghan Summer' of revolt

The Deadly Consequences Of Cultural Insensitivity In Afghanistan - rferl

In a deeply religious and conservative country with an instilled culture of honor and pride, the guidebook lists taboos in Afghan culture that it says are routine in the West. It reminds Afghans not be offended if a foreign soldier puts their boots on a table, swears, or pats them on the back. "Remember that all misunderstandings are unintentional," the guidebook advises - The Deadly Consequences Of Cultural Insensitivity In Afghanistan

Clinton to Muslims: US gov't had ‘nothing to do’ with anti-Islam film - thehill

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday blasted an anti-Muslim movie trailer — which is believed to have sparked violent protests at U.S. embassies in Egypt and Libya — as “disgusting and reprehensible.” - Clinton to Muslims: US gov't had ‘nothing to do’ with anti-Islam film
Morsi's tepid response threatens US-Egypt

Romney reframes attack on Obama foreign policy

FAIRFAX, Va. — Mitt Romney reframed his attacks on President Obama's foreign policy on Thursday, making a point to call the deaths of four diplomats in Libya a "tragedy" before pivoting to a critique of the defense spending cuts included in sequestration and on trade with China. - Romney reframes attack on Obama foreign policy thehill
GOP pivots from Libya to broad assault on Obama’s foreign policy

Fed Pledges Action Until Economy Shows Gains

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve opened a new chapter on Thursday in its efforts to stimulate the economy, announcing simply that it plans to buy mortgage bonds, and potentially other assets, until unemployment declines substantially. - Fed Pledges Action Until Economy Shows Gains - nytimes

Hillary Clinton Denounces the Video and the Violence - WSJ

In remarks Thursday morning at the opening of the U.S.-Morocco Dialogue at the State Department, Mrs. Clinton said that she personally found the video “disgusting and reprehensible. It appears to have a deeply cynical purpose to denigrate a great religion and to provoke rage.” She emphasized that the U.S. had no role in the video, adding: “We absolutely reject its content and message.” - Hillary Clinton Denounces the Video and the Violence

More Than 300 Killed in Pakistani Factory Fires

KARACHI, Pakistan — Fire ravaged a textile factory complex in the commercial hub of Karachi early Wednesday, killing almost 300 workers trapped behind locked doors and raising questions about the woeful lack of regulation in a vital sector of Pakistan’s faltering economy. - Pakistan Factory Fires Kill More Than 300 - nytimes
Hundreds Die in Two Pakistan Factory Fires

Afghan TV stations face legal action for 'nudity'

KABUL — The Afghan government has recommended legal action against two TV channels for allegedly broadcasting scantily dressed women and disseminating immorality, officials said Wednesday. - Afghan TV stations face legal action for 'nudity' - AFP

California man confirms role in anti-Islam film

LOS ANGELES — The search for those behind the provocative, anti-Muslim film implicated in violent protests in Egypt and Libya led Wednesday to a California Coptic Christian convicted of financial crimes who acknowledged his role in managing and providing logistics for the production. - California man confirms role in anti-Islam film - Washington Times
California man confirms role in anti-Islam film - Yahoo! News

Steve Klein & 'Innocence Of Muslims': Film Promoter Remains Outspoken On Islam - AP

He claimed to have visited "every mosque in California" and identified "500 to 750 of these people who are future suicide bombers and murderers." - Anti-Islam Film Promoter Bashes Muslim 'Monsters'
More Clues, Questions About Director Of Anti-Islam Film - NPR

California man confirms role in anti-Islam film

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The provocative anti-Muslim film implicated in mob protests in Egypt and Libya received logistical help from a man once convicted of financial crimes and featured actors who complained that their inflammatory dialogue was dubbed in after filming. - California man confirms role in anti-Islam film
Mohammed Movie's Mystery Director - Daily Beast

Poverty Rate Unchanged, But Still Historically High

The U.S. poverty rate last year was unchanged from the year before, according to new figures Wednesday from the Census Bureau. But that still means almost 1 in 6 Americans was poor. - Poverty Rate Unchanged, But Still Historically High - NPR
A Snapshot Of Poverty In The U.S.

U.S. Probes Whether Libyan Attacks Were Planned

President Obama declared in a White House appearance that the U.S. would "work with the Libyan government to bring to justice" those who killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. - U.S. Probes Whether Attacks Were Planned - NPR
FILMMAKER: Who Is 'Sam Bacile'?

As Europe Pushes for Common Bank Regulator, Germany Balks - WSJ

The European Commission is to present a proposal Wednesday that would have the European Central Bank regulate all of the euro-zone's more than 6,000 banks—part of European leaders' pledge this summer to prevent future banking crises like the one that has threatened Spain. - As Europe Pushes for Common Bank Regulator, Germany Balks ... - Germany Balks at Bank Union

Western support for Afghanistan war collapsing, survey shows - guardian

Public support for the war in Afghanistan is collapsing in western and Nato member countries, with 53% of Europeans and 44% of Americans favouring the immediate withdrawal of all troops, an international survey shows. - Western support for Afghanistan war collapsing, survey shows

Muhammad film: reaction around the Middle East

A film that sparked an attack on a US consulate in Libya has caused uproar from Algeria to Afghanistan - Muhammad film: reaction around the Middle East
Afghan leader condemns film ridiculing Muhammad as insult to all Muslims