Mullen in Afghan war zone as US gears up for Kandahar

KABUL — Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in the battle zone a day after President Barack Obama left Afghanistan after a surprise visit, pledging to defeat the Taliban and "to get the job done".

Obama has said he wants to start drawing down American troops from the middle of next year, putting pressure on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to take over responsibility for security by then.

Upon his return to Washington from Afghanistan, Obama stressed the immediate need for progress in the country, torn by three decades of conflict and nearly a decade of US-led intervention.

Mullen in Afghan war zone as US gears up for Kandahar‎
Karzai's attempt to change Afghan elections law rejected

Travelers with Muslim names find themselves fighting for U.S. visas - washington post foreign service

LYON, FRANCE -- The clean-cut young Frenchman seemed to have everything going for him. A graduate of an elite French engineering school, he had interned at the upper-crust Rothschild bank in Paris, handled wealth management for a while on Wall Street and was accepted for a prestigious master's degree program at the University of California at Berkeley.

Except for one thing: His name was Mohamed Youcef Mami.

The State Department held up his student visa for more than two months for "administrative processing," which according to diplomats is the euphemism-of-art for a check against multiple watch lists maintained by intelligence agencies in Washington designed to prevent suspected terrorists from entering the United States.

Muslim names hinder travelers

Afghanistan world's top cannabis source: U.N.

KABUL (Reuters) - Long the world's largest producer of opium, the raw ingredient of heroin, Afghanistan has now become the top supplier of cannabis, with large-scale cultivation in half of its provinces, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

"Like opium, cannabis cultivation, production and trafficking are taxed by those who control the territory, providing an additional source of revenue for insurgents," the report said.

While cannabis production in 2009 was valued at an estimated $39-94 million, this is only about 10-20 percent of the total farm-gate value of Afghanistan's opium production, because so much more opium is grown.

Afghanistan now world's top cannabis source: U.N.

U.S. says weapons from Iran sent to Afghanistan‎

(Reuters) - Iran is having a growing, negative influence in its neighbor Afghanistan, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said on Wednesday, citing what he said was a shipment of Iranian arms to fighters. U.S. says weapons from Iran sent to Afghanistan‎

Daily chocolate may keep the heart doctor away

(Health.com) -- Eating as little as a quarter of an ounce of chocolate each day -- an amount equal to about one small Easter egg -- may lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, a new study has found. For best results, the chocolate should be dark, experts say. Daily chocolate may keep the heart doctor away

Small, dark Easter eggs may be good for your heart Reuters
BBC News - WebMD - The Associated Press
Chocolate Protects Against High Blood Pressure, Stroke

آغاز بازگشت مهاجران افغان از پاکستان به کمک مالی یو ان اچ سی آر

بازگشت پناهندگان افغان در حالی صورت می گیرد که به گفته ناظران به نظر می رسد که دولت افغانستان توانمندی بازگشت دسته جمعی پناهندگان را نداشته باشد

هر پناهنده افغان حین بازگشت به افغانستان مبلغ 100 دلار کمک مالی دریافت می کند. بیشتر بازگشت کنندگان به افغانستان، سرپناه و شغلی ندارند و این باعث می شود که تعدادی از پناهندگان تمایلی به بازگشت نداشته باشند و مبلغ کمکی نیز برای شروع زندگی به نظر بسیاری از پناهندگان کافی نیست

اما بر اساس اعلامیه ای که در سوم ژانویه 2010 سال جاری از سوی کمیساریای سازمان امور پناهندگان انتشار یافت مقرر شده است که پاکستان تا سه سال آینده پذیرای مهاجران باشد. - آغاز بازگشت مهاجران افغان از پاکستان به کمک مالی یو ان اچ سی آر
گزارش سازمان ملل از میزان فقر در افغانستان

Afghans top global list of asylum applicants in 2009 – UN agency
Human rights abuses exacerbating poverty in Afghanistan, UN report finds

UN report: Afghans plagued by poverty, corruption

GENEVA -- Afghanistan remains mired in poverty, corruption and violence, despite an estimated $35 billion in aid being poured into the country between 2002 to 2009, the United Nations said Tuesday.

"Widespread corruption further limits access to services for a large proportion of the population," the report found, accusing Afghan officials of advancing their own interests at the expense of the general population. Women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities suffer the worst discrimination, it said.

The 26-page report also criticized the international community for placing too much emphasis on security and too little on long-term development. More than eight years after a U.S.-led military coalition ousted the Taliban, Afghanistan has the world's second highest maternal mortality rate and the third worst rate of child mortality, according to the report.

A spokesman for the U.N. human rights office said the world was failing to address these problems despite pledging a new beginning for the country at a 2001 conference in Bonn, Germany.
گزارش سازمان ملل از میزان فقر در افغانستان
UN report: Afghans plagued by poverty, corruption
گزارش ملل متحد در مورد فقر گسترده در افغانستان

Afghans top global list of asylum applicants in 2009 – UN agency

گزارش ملل متحد در مورد فقر گسترده در افغانستان

یک گزارش جدید ملل متحد میرساند که هشت سال بعد از آنکه کشور های کمک دهنده میلیارد ها دالر را به افغانستان مساعدت نموده اند، فقر مهیب در آن کشور بشکل گستردۀ مشهود میباشد

یافته های دفتر کمیشنر عالی ملل متحد در امور حقوق بشر میرساند که یک بر سوم افغان ها در فقر مطلق زندگی کرده، قادر نیستند ضروریات اساسی خویش را تهیه نمایند، و متباقی آنها فقط بالاتر از میزان فقر بسر میبرند

مامورین ملل متحد میگویند، هشت سال بعد از موافقۀ بُن در سال 2002 که وعدۀ جدید را برای افغان ها نمود، وضع عمومی در بدترین حالت اقتصادی قرار دارد. - گزارش ملل متحد در مورد فقر گسترده در افغانستان

ل.ا تایمز: نظریات متفاوت افغان ها در مورد سفر اوباما
Human rights abuses exacerbating poverty in Afghanistan, UN report finds

Chocolate Protects Against High Blood Pressure, Stroke

Willy Wonka may have been on the right track -- chocolate may be a sweet way to control blood pressure and thus protect the heart, according to a report from German researchers. Chocolate Protects Against High Blood Pressure, Stroke

Daily chocolate may keep the heart doctor away CNN
Nibble on Chocolate for a Healthier Heart WebMD
MedPage Today - Atlanta Journal Constitution - BusinessWeek

Human rights abuses exacerbating poverty in Afghanistan, UN report finds

30 March 2010 – The United Nations human rights office is urging that Afghanistan’s poor be at the centre of decision-making processes that affect their lives, after a new report found that rights abuses are exacerbating poverty in the country.

“Poverty actually kills more Afghans than those who die as a direct result of the armed conflict,” Norah Niland, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Afghanistan, told reporters in Kabul today.

According to the report published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), some 9 million Afghans – 36 per cent of the population – are believed to live in absolute poverty and a further 37 per cent live only slightly above the poverty line, despite an estimated injection of some $35 billion during the period 2002-2009.

The report called on the Afghan Government and its international partners to strengthen development policy and to implement strategies that adopt a human rights-based approach to poverty reduction efforts. - Human rights abuses exacerbating poverty in Afghanistan, UN report finds

Top UN human rights official in Afghanistan calls for repeal of amnesty law
More than 110,000 explosive devices destroyed in Afghanistan this year – UN
Afghans top global list of asylum applicants in 2009 – UN agency

Obama signs student loan reforms into law - latimes

The changes, which are expected to free up more money for higher education by ending the role of banks as 'middle men' in the lending process, come as part of the final piece of the healthcare law. - Obama signs student loan reforms into law

Obama signs final healthcare changes, defends law - reuters
Obama signs higher-education measure into law Washington Post
New York Daily News - CNN International - CBS News

حرف هايی که اوباما نگفت

اوباما در این سفر از پیشرفت های افغانستان تقدیر به عمل آورد و در طرز بیان خود کوشید که فضای اعتماد و همکاری را برجسته سازد. همان گونه که روزنامه نیویارک تایمز از کابل گزارش داد، چیزی از ملاقات دو به دو میان اوباما و کرزی به بیرون درز نکرده است. با این حال، جنرال جیمز جونز، مشاور امنیت ملی امریکا به گزارشگران، پیش از سفر به کابل گفته بود که امریکا می خواهد آقای کرزی بداند که موضوعات مشخصی وجود دارند که از همان روز نخست به آن توجه نشده است. و او باید بداند که مسایلی مانند مبارزه با فساد برای مقام هاي امریکایی بسیار مهم است. - حرف هايی که اوباما نگفت
اوباما چه پیامی داشت
متن کامل سخنرانی بارک اوباما در پایگاه هوایی بگرام

اوباما: فکر می کنم کرزی گوش شنوا دارد
نشریات کابل: دوشنبه 9 حمل

Obama Set to Ask Visiting Sarkozy for Afghan Help

''We will remain by your side in Afghanistan,'' Sarkozy said in a speech at Columbia University on Monday. ''In the face of terrorism, we cannot be divided.'' Obama Set to Ask Visiting Sarkozy for Afghan Help
Greece Raises $6.7 Billion in Bond Sale
Turkey Faults Germany and France on Military Sales to Greece

G8 Ministers Call For Strong Measures Against Iran

Remarks by President Obama and President Karzai of Afghanistan After Meeting - Presidential Palace

PRESIDENT KARZAI: Mr. President, welcome to Afghanistan on your second visit, this time as the President of the United States of America. I welcome you on behalf of the Afghan people and express the gratitude of our people for the help that America has given us in the past eight years, for the assistance given. And I hope that this process will continue into the future towards a stable, strong, peaceful Afghanistan that can sustain itself, that can move forward into the future with confidence and better hopes.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you very much. And, Mr. President, thank you for your hospitality. It is wonderful to be back in Afghanistan. And to the Afghan people, the American people send greetings and are encouraged by the progress that's been made. I commented to the President that in coming into Kabul you could see the change in terms of increased electricity production, which is just one sign I think of the progress that's continued to be made. - Remarks by President Obama and President Karzai of Afghanistan After Meeting

YouTube - President Obama Visits President Karzai in Afghanistan
Afghan Leader Is Seen to Flout Influence of U.S. - nytime

Better Pakistan-U.S. ties underpinned by Afghan aims

(Reuters) - Pakistan sees the United States as desperate to get out of Afghanistan and sooner or later bound to have to enter some sort of peace deal with the Taliban.

"Pakistan feels it is key to the entire situation, that without the role which the Pakistani army is playing, the whole American military presence in Afghanistan is undermined," Amir said. Better Pakistan-U.S. ties underpinned by Afghan aims Reuters

Karzai's China-Iran dalliance riles Obama‎ - M K Bhadrakumar

Afghans say they've heard it all before - USA Today

KABUL, Afghanistan — Over the course of his 60 years in Afghanistan, Ghulam Ghaus has heard promises from an Afghan king, Soviet commanders, mujahedin fighters and Taliban mullahs. Over the last decade, he's heard from two U.S. presidents and countless coalition officials.

"Many countries have come to help and they've built bridges, roads, schools and hospitals. Many presidents have come and given speeches," Ghaus said. "But what have they done for security?"

Ghaus echoed the sentiments of many Afghans in Kabul on Monday as they responded to Obama's first trip to the war-torn country as president.

Shafiqllah Anwari, 36, a Kabul house painter, said the visit gave him hope that Americans won't forget about Afghanistan the way they did in the years immediately after the ouster of the Taliban. "His trip assured me that U.S. support will continue," Anwari said. "It shows that the American people continue to support Afghanistan."

Mohammad Khan, a member of the Afghan parliament, felt the trip was intended to scold Karzai for recent visits to Iran, Pakistan and China.

"In the private talks, (Obama) must have pressed on these issues," Khan said. "It's not possible to maintain two strategies: to have friendship (with the Americans) and to make plots with America's enemies."

"We have been promised so many times," "Afghanistan has been at war for 30 years and our ears have heard a lot. But we have seen very little." Afghans say they've heard it all before - USATODAY

Opinion among Afghans is divided on Obama's visit - latimes
Obama takes personal approach

One Night in Afghanistan - whitehouse.gov

At 10:55 am ET (7:25 pm local), Air Force One touched down under the shroud of nightfall at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. President Obama had just made an unannounced 12 hour, 46 minute journey to meet with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. He would take a short flight aboard Marine One to Kabul where the two delegations convened. Following their meetings, the President returned to Bagram Air Base where he spoke to a crowd of U.S. and allied troops:

In his remarks, President Obama reiterated the mission before the troops: - One Night in Afghanistan

Remarks by President Obama and President Karzai of Afghanistan After Meeting

Obama presses Karzai for cooperation - washingtonpost

Obama's national security adviser, James L. Jones, made the point in blunter terms. He said Obama wanted Karzai to understand "that in his second term, there are certain things that have not been paid attention to, almost since Day One." Obama presses Karzai for cooperation
Obama's first look at Afghanistan as president

Factbox: Obama's strategy on Afghanistan
A Majority of Americans Approve of Obama's Afghanistan Effort
Vanity Fair - USA Today - Washington Post - Xinhua

Fatty foods may cause cocaine-like addiction

(Health.com) -- Scientists have finally confirmed what the rest of us have suspected for years: Bacon, cheesecake, and other delicious yet fattening foods may be addictive. - Fatty foods may cause cocaine-like addiction

Junk food addiction may be clue to obesity: study - Reuters
Junk food 'as addictive as heroin and smoking' - Telegraph.co.uk

باراک اوباما بر حمایت از افغانستان تاکید کرد

باراک اوباما، رئیس جمهوری ایالات متحده، در افغانستان با حامد کرزی، رئیس جمهوری این کشور و سربازان آمریکایی دیدار کرد
سفر اوباما به افغانستان غیرمنتظره بود و روز یکشنبه (۲۸ مارس) پس از حضور او در کابل به رسانه های گروهی اعلام شد

آقای اوباما در کنفرانس خبری مشترکی با آقای کرزی گفت: "من می خواهم پیام محکمی بفرستم که همکاری بین ایالات متحده و افغانستان ادامه خواهد یافت. ما پیشرفت در عملیات نظامی علیه افراطیگری در منطقه را مشاهده کرده ایم."
او در این نطق شبکه القاعده را نه فقط خطری برای آمریکا و افغانستان بلکه تهدیدی جدی برای مردم سایر کشورها دانست. - باراک اوباما بر حمایت از افغانستان تاکید کرد
سفر غیر منتظره اوباما به افغانستان
متن کامل صحبت بارک اوباما در میدان هوائی بگرام
Obama hails forces on Afghan trip
Obama visits Afghanistan, tells Karzai he wants to see more progress
Obama's Secret Trip Turns Focus to Afghan War - FOXNews

Barack Obama rallies forces on visit to Afghanistan

Barack Obama has told US forces on his first visit to Afghanistan as US president that they are there to help Afghans to forge a "hard-won peace".

Mr Obama said America had not chosen the war, and had not sought to meddle in Afghan affairs or expand its influence.

It had, he said, been "attacked viciously on 9/11", and al-Qaeda leaders and their Taliban allies were still in the region and had to be defeated.

The US aimed to deny al-Qaeda a safe haven and reverse the Taliban's momentum, he said.
"They are hunkered down. They are worried about their own safety. It's harder for them to move and to train and to plot and to attack. - BBC News
Obama hails forces on Afghan trip

Recruit Afghan women to sell war to Europeans: CIA report

WASHINGTON (AFP) – A CIA expert has called for recruiting Afghan women in a public relations bid to persuade skeptical Europeans to support the NATO-led war effort, according to a document leaked Friday.

The Central Intelligence Agency declined to confirm or deny if the document was genuine. Recruit Afghan women to sell war to Europeans: CIA report - Yahoo ...

Report says Afghan women can help sell war to Europeans‎
Muslim women could be the key to ending extremism / The Christian ...

Obama meets with Karzai in surprise Afghanistan visit - washingtonpost

KABUL -- President Obama made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on Sunday, arriving under cover of darkness after a secret overnight flight to visit the war zone for the first time as president.

In a brief appearance with the Afghan leader, Obama said Americans are "encouraged by the progress that's been made" in the country. He cited the increased electricity production, visible during his flight into Kabul, as evidence. And Obama invited Karzai to Washington, a trip that the White House said will occur on May 12.

"The situation in Afghanistan is critical right now. It's unstable, unsecure, and there is concern all over the world, especially in the United States, to keep relations between these countries close," said Noor ul Haq Ulumi, who heads the defense committee in the Afghan parliament.

Ulumi said that he hoped Obama in coming months will focus less on large-scale military operations and more on government reform and development projects.

In brief public remarks from the presidential palace on Sunday night, Karzai thanked Obama for visiting, saying he hoped to "express the gratitude of our people for the help that America has given us for the last eight years." Obama makes surprise visit to Afghanistan

Poll: High marks on Afghanistan

Obama makes unannounced trip to Afghanistan

(CNN) -- President Obama pledged continued U.S. partnership with Afghanistan during a previously unannounced trip to the country Sunday.

In remarks after meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Obama said he wanted to send a "strong message" that the partnership between the nations would continue. Obama makes unannounced trip to Afghanistan - CNN.

Barack Obama visits Afghanistan - The Guardian
In surprise visit to war zone, Obama prods Afghans - Yahoo! News
Obama tells Karzai to combat graft in surprise Afghan visit - youtube

President Obama makes unannounced visit to Afghanistan - latimes

The trip, kept secret until Obama was on the ground, was his first to the country as president. He meets with Afghan leader Hamid Karzai to discuss government corruption, benchmarks of progress. - President Obama makes unannounced visit to Afghanistan

Telegraph.co.uk - CNN - Wall Street Journal
In surprise visit to war zone, Obama prods Afghans - Yahoo! News
YouTube - Obama Makes Surprise Stop in Afghanistan

Obama Makes a Surprise Visit to Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — President Obama made a surprise trip to Afghanistan on Sunday, his first visit as commander in chief to the site of the war he inherited and has stamped as his own.

“Progress will continue to be made, but we also want to make progress on the civilian front,” Mr. Obama was quoted as saying, referring to anti-corruption efforts, good governance and adherence to the rule of law. -New York Times

Obama In Afghanistan On Surprise Trip Voice of America

Afghans top global list of asylum applicants in 2009 – UN agency

23 March 2010 – Afghans overtook Iraqis as the nationality with the largest number of asylum applicants in 2009, according to a report issued today by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Last year, 26,800 Afghans submitted asylum applications, a jump of 45 per cent from 2008 figures. Iraqis submitted some 24,000 claims in 2009, with Somalis coming at third with 22,600 applications. Russians, Chinese, Serbians and Nigerians also submitted large numbers of applications. - Afghans top global list of asylum applicants in 2009 – UN agency

Top UN refugee official welcomes Greece’s plans for asylum reform

کمک تازه صندوق جمعیت سازمان ملل به دولت افغانستان
سیما سمر: بیشتر نهاد های دولتی، مانع تامین حقوق زنان هستند
'افغانستان از لحاظ مبتلایان به سل جایگاه دوم جهانی را دارد'

Abu Dhabi royal missing after glider crash into lake

Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed al-Nahayan, a younger brother of Abu Dhabi's ruler, manages what is thought to be the world's biggest sovereign wealth fund. The glider pilot was rescued and is in good condition, state media say.

Sheikh Ahmed was No 27 on Forbes's list of the world's most powerful people last year and is in his early 40s. Abu Dhabi royal missing in crash

Egypt's Mubarak flies back home
Allawi reaches out to his rivals

Erdogan: Israeli stance on Al-Quds is 'madness' - Press TV

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blasted Israel's insistence on its stance to consider the whole Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its united capital as 'madness.'

"Al-Quds is the apple of the eye of each and every Muslim ... and we cannot at all accept any Israeli violation in the city or in Muslim sites," the Turkish premier added. Erdogan: Israeli stance on Al-Quds is 'madness'

Moussa: Prepare for failure of talks Jerusalem Post
BBC News - CNN International - New York Times - Ha'aretz
Report: Egypt, Saudi Arabia reject Iranian dialogue

علی احمد جلالی: مشارکت ستراتیژیک امریکا و پاکستان با افغانستان ارتباط دارد

گفتگوهای ستراتیژیک میان مقامات ایالات متحده امریکا و پاکستان روز پنجشبنه در واشنگتن به پایان رسید. در این گفتگوها رهبری هیات امریکارا هیلاری کلینتون وزیر خارجه ایالات متحده امریکا و از جانب پاکستان را وزیر خارجه این کشور شاه محمود قریشی را به عهده داشت

در این گفتگوها روی مسایل مربوط به افغانستان بحث و گفتگو شد. در باره این گفتگوها و ارتباط آن با اوضاع افغانستان احمد شیبر با علی احمد جلالی استاد در پوهنتون دفاع ملی امریکا و سابق وزیر داخله افغانستان مصاحبهء انجام داده است. - علی احمد جلالی: مشارکت ستراتیژیک امریکا و پاکستان با افغانستان ارتباط دارد

مصاحبه با علی احمد جلالی استاد در پوهنتون دفاع ملی امریکا بشنوید
قریشی: نمی خواهیم طالبان دوباره به افغانستان حاکم شوند

Iran hosts regional leaders for Persian New Year

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Ahmadinejad hosted the presidents of Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan at the Sadabad palace in Tehran in a ceremony shown live on state television.

Nowruz is celebrated in all five countries, a cultural bloc with populations that speak closely related languages including Farsi, Dari, Tajik and Kurdish. - Iran hosts regional leaders for Persian New Year

سفر کرزی به ایران برای شرکت در جشن نوروزی
جشن گرامیداشت 'نوروز' در تهران برگزار شد
General Assembly Recognizes 21 March as International Day of ...
Congress Marks Nowruz for First Time

Barbara Bush admitted to hospital for routine tests - CNN International

(CNN) -- Former first lady Barbara Bush was admitted Saturday to a hospital in Texas for routine tests, a spokeswoman said. Barbara Bush admitted to hospital for routine tests

Barbara Bush hospitalized, 'not feeling well' - latimes
Ailing Barbara Bush hospitalized for tests - Houston Chronicle
Bloomberg - The Associated Press - msnbc.com - FOXNews

مذاكرات جريان دارد؛ ساعت زمان در دست چه كسي است؟

رابرت گيتس وزير دفاع ايالات متحده امريكا گفت است كه فعلا براي مصالحه با طالبان زمان مناسبي نيست. به گفته وي براي تضعيف اين گروه به فشار بيشتر نياز است. اين گفته ها در حالي ابراز مي شود كه حكومت افغانستان با شتاب بيشتر در صدد است تا زمينه را براي جذب طالبان و حزب اسلامي گلبدين حكمتيار در ساختار حكومت فراهم نمايد. برخي كشورها نيز در حمايت از سياست هاي حكومت افغانستان مشغول رايزني و وساطت ميان حكومت و طالبان مي باشند. نشست هاي دوبي، عربستان و كنفرانس لندن همگي در همين راستا راه اندازي شدند

حكومت افغانستان در ادامه همين سياست، در صدد برگزاري يك جرگه بزرگ زير نام جرگه مشورتي صلح در ماه ثور مي باشد. گفته هاي وزير دفاع ايالات متحده امريكا در تقابل با سياست هاي جاري حكومت افغانستان مي باشد. با توجه به تضاد سياست ها در مورد مصالحه، اكنون اين سوال مطرح مي گردد كه چه كسي زمان جنگ و صلح را براي افغانستان تعيين مي كند. - مذاكرات جريان دارد؛ ساعت زمان در دست چه كسي است؟

آیا پاکستان از حمایت طالبان دست بر می دارد؟

China reiterates support for peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan:joint statement

BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China reiterated its support for the peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan, according to a joint statement issued here Thursday.

China reaffirmed "the principle of non-interference into other countries' internal affairs, its respect for Afghanistan's independence,sovereignty and territorial integrity, its respect for the Afghan people's choice of development road suited to their national conditions," according to the statement. - China reiterates support for peaceful reconstruction in ...

China pledges military co-op with Afghanistan, Nepal
Pakistan says Taliban arrests have no links with Afghan reconciliation‎

Meanwhile, back in Kabul...- Foreign Policy

To be completely honest, I don’t know what to make of the 15 point peace plan offered by Afghan warlord/insurgent/former U.S. ally/Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, but my first thoughts are two-fold.

First, this isn’t an offer Karzai or NATO will or should accept. It calls for foreign troops to start withdrawing this summer (not gonna happen), and that “foreign fighters” (e.g., non-Afghan allies of the Taliban, or al Qaeda) "will not remain" after NATO et al leaves. Hard for me to imagine NATO leaving without more convincing assurances that al Qaeda will not be welcome back on Afghan soil. - Time to cut a deal with the Afghan warlords?

Insurgent Faction Presents Afghan Peace Plan - NYTimes.com
افغانستان و چشم انداز تيره حقوق بشري

'افغانستان از لحاظ مبتلایان به سل جایگاه دوم جهانی را دارد'

مقامهای وزارت صحت (بهداشت) افغانستان گفته اند که این کشور در میان کشورهایی که آمار بالای مبتلایان به بیماری سل را دارند، صاحب جایگاه دوم است
ثریا دلیل، سرپرست وزارت صحت افغانستان در روز جهانی مبارزه با سل وضعیت ابتلا و درمان این بیماری در این کشور را به شدت نگران کننده توصیف کرد
به گفته خانم دلیل ۹ هزار تن هر سال در افغانستان از اثر این بیماری می میرند. او افزود: "ما از وضعیت بیماری سل در افغانستان به شدت نگرانیم. افغانستان بالاترین رقم واقعات توبرکلوز (سل) را در جهان دارد." - 'افغانستان از لحاظ مبتلایان به سل جایگاه دوم جهانی را دارد'

ثریا دلیل: وضعیت بهداشت در افغانستان بحرانی است

Secular challenger Allawi claims Iraq election win

BAGHDAD (AP) -- A jubilant Ayad Allawi claimed victory for his secular, anti-Iranian coalition as final parliamentary returns Friday showed him edging out the bloc of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who angrily vowed to fight the results. Secular challenger Allawi claims Iraq election win

Secular challenger claims victory in Iraq election - Yahoo! News
Iraqi PM will challenge election results - Washington Times

Afghanistan's President: Partner Or Obstacle? NPR

Relations between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the international coalition seeking to secure and rebuild his country are rocky these days, with both Afghans and Westerners questioning whether Karzai is a partner or a liability. - Listen to the Story
Afghanistan's President: Partner Or Obstacle?

Afghan Detainees Make An Uneasy Journey Home
Karzai Meets Delegation From Taliban-Linked Group

An Insider's Perspective on Afghanistan - CSIS

Europeans Reach Deal on Rescue Plan for Greece - nytimes

BRUSSELS — After months of fractious debate, the 16 countries that use the euro agreed on a financial safety net for Greece, combining bilateral loans from those European nations with cash from the International Monetary Fund.

Europeans Reach Deal on Rescue Plan for Greece
News Analysis: Germany Begins to Shed Its Role as E.U. Integrator

Experts debate merits of breast cancer screening

At a breast cancer conference Friday in Barcelona, experts discussed how to implement mammogram screening programs across Europe, balancing fighting cancer with the goal of targeting only those women who need to be screened. - Experts debate merits of breast cancer screening
Beta-blockers 'cut cancer spread' BBC News
WebMD - Daily Mail - Times Online

Reducing Breast Cancer Risk
Reducing Breast Cancer Risk - CBS News Video

Obama Completes Arms Control Deal With Russia

WASHINGTON — President Obama finalized a new arms control treaty with Russia on Friday that will pare back the still-formidable cold war nuclear arsenals of each country. - Obama Completes Arms Control Deal With Russia
Text: Administration’s Remarks on the Arms Control Treaty

Tighter Rules Fail to Stem Afghan Deaths at Checkpoints
Maliki Angrily Calls Results Fraudulent

Prince Charles visits UK troops in Afghanistan

Prince Charles – commander-in-chief of 10 regiments – said he had wanted to visit Afghanistan for a long time

The prince, who wore desert fatigues, also visited the capital, Kabul, "the only royal in living memory" to have done so, according to Clarence House. While in Kabul, Prince Charles also visited the Turquoise Mountain regeneration and traditional craft project, of which he is a patron. - Prince Charles visits British troops in Afghanistan

Prince Charles visits UK troops in Afghanistan - Video
US commander in Afghanistan bans burger and pizza bars at Kandahar base
Prince makes 'surprise' Afghanistan trip

Recount call as Ayad Allawi celebrates close win in Iraqi elections - Times

Ayad Allawi, the main challenger, won most seats in Iraqi parliamentary elections after securing a narrow victory tonight over Nouri al-Maliki, the Prime Minister, who immediately contested the results. Recount call as Allawi wins Iraq election

Iraq election: Result is only the beginning - Guardian

UNAMA chief meets HIA team - Pajhwok

KABUL (PAN): As President Hamid Karzai's peace initiative is gradually gaining traction, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Thursday met with a Hezb-i-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) delegation.

The six-member delegation handed over to the authorities what it called a list of suggestions aimed at ending the current crises in the conflict-devastated country.

Among other things, the HIA demands withdrawal of foreign ‎troops by the end of the year, a ‎ceasefire with rebels, a transfer of the security responsibility to Afghan forces and holding ‎presidential, parliamentary and provincial council polls next year. - UNAMA chief meets HIA team

Special Representative meets with Hezb-e-Islami delegation in Kabul
HIA-govt talks gain traction

دولت باید صدای اعتراضش را علیه پاکستان بلند می کرد

قضیه این است که پاکستان می خواهد طالبان از خود هیچگونه استقلالیت رای و نظر در این مذاکرات نداشته باشند تا به این ترتیب از یک سو نفوذ خود را بر طالبان حفظ کند و از سوی دیگر هم مهره های دلخواه خود را در حکومت آینده افغانستان بهتر جابجا کند

کاملا واضح است که فعلا دولت پاکستان تمام کسانی را که به جای ادامه جنگ به صلح معتقد باشند، به نام تروریست بازداشت می کنند، اگرچنین نبوده، افراد بازداشت شده قبلا هم در پاکستان بودند و حتی در ساحه مصونیت استخبارات پاکستان قرار داشتند و بازداشت فعلی آنان خودش به نوعی مداخله دیگر استخبارات پاکستان در امور داخلی کشور ما است. - دولت باید صدای اعتراضش را علیه پاکستان بلند می کرد

عکس العمل ها در آستانۀ سفر هیئت پاکستانی به واشنگتن - VOA
پیتر گالبریت: شرط موفقیت در افغانستان

Muslim women could be the key to ending extremism - csmonitor

Over the past decade, Western media have repeatedly portrayed images of Muslim women as victims. We have read about the Taliban publicly beating young

women who laugh in the street; we have read about the targeted killings of professional Iraqi women – doctors, journalists, lawyers – who represent an opposing view to an extremist agenda. Americans have so often seen Muslim women as silent victims that they probably conjure picturesque images of shapeless and silent figures in bright blue burqas as synonymous with “Muslim women.”

To be sure, they are among the victims. But as the United States works with Afghan locals to develop policy, it must consider this: In order to responsibly promote democracy and support human rights within countries working toward reform, women must be included in making policy decisions. - Muslim women could be the key to ending extremism‎

The Monitor's ViewThe veil, the Koran, and the Muslim women's movement
How do Muslims view women's rights?

General Assembly Recognizes 21 March as International Day of ...

Prince Charles visits Afghanistan war zone - CNN

(CNN) -- Britain's Prince Charles left Afghanistan on Thursday after a previously unannounced two-day visit there, a spokesman said.

The heir to the British throne spent a night at Camp Bastion, the main British base in Helmand province, before traveling to Lashkar Gah, the capital of the province. He also visited Kabul, the spokesman said. - Prince Charles visits Afghanistan war zone - CNN.com

Prince Charles visits Afghanistan - washingtonpost
- د بریتانیا ولیعهد د افغانستان درې ورځنی سفر پای ته ورساوه

Top UN human rights official in Afghanistan calls for repeal of amnesty law

25 March 2010 – The United Nations human rights office in Afghanistan today called for the repeal of a controversial amnesty law in the Asian country, saying that it green-lights impunity for serious crimes and continued rights violations.

“This law relieves Afghan authorities of their obligation to investigate and prosecute, on their own initiative, those allegedly responsible for gross violations of human rights,” Norah Niland, the Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told journalists today in Kabul. - Top UN human rights official in Afghanistan calls for repeal of ...

Human rights report press conference
United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
سازمان ملل: قانون مصالحه ملی افغانستان مایه نگرانی واقعی است

خبرگزاری صدای افغان (آوا) - سالانه 9000 نفر در افغانستان به دليل ...

U.S. Afghan exit puts trust in Pakistan - National Post

U.S. and Pakistani officials began to lay the groundwork for a possible exit strategy in the Afghanistan war yesterday as the two countries held an unprecedented "strategic dialogue" in Washington. - US Afghan exit puts trust in Pakistan‎

The Hindu : Opinion / Lead : Many U-turns and a full circle
AFGHANISTAN: Human rights under pressure‎

FT.com / Global insight - Pakistan's game of high stakes

China says it agrees with Afghanistan on politics - washingtonpost

BEIJING -- A top Chinese official reassured visiting Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday that Beijing won't take a position when it comes to Afghan politics.

A Chinese company has also pledged $3 billion to tap one of the world's largest unexploited copper reserves at Aynak in Afghanistan, and is favored to win the rights to iron deposits at Hajigak when bids are considered this year. China says it agrees with Afghanistan on politics

UN head in Afghanistan meets with militant group
U.S. works to win support of poppy farmers - USATODAY.com

UN expresses concern over Afghan amnesty law, calls for revision

Human rights report press conference - (UNAMA)

The lack of political commitment to the justice agenda is seen by the High Commissioner as an urgent concern exemplified by the Amnesty Law; it was gazetted in December 2008 but it only came to light at the end of last year. This Law relieves Afghan authorities of their obligation to investigate and prosecute, on their own initiative, those allegedly responsible for gross violations of human rights. It contravenes Afghanistan’s obligations under international law and it green-lights impunity and continued human rights violations. It ignores the grievances of victims and denies them access to justice. This Law also sends the wrong message to victims who have repeatedly called for justice and the removal of human rights violators from public office.

The Law is likely to undermine efforts to secure genuine reconciliation which is of course about bringing together different elements of a fractured society in a manner that allows them to overcome, or deal with, harmful and divisive policies, practices, and experiences. At the very minimum, there must be an acknowledgment of the grave injustices that have occurred if the long and notorious pattern of abuse is to end in this country. - Human rights report press conference
سازمان ملل: قانون مصالحه ملی افغانستان مایه نگرانی واقعی است
«قانون عفو مجرمین جنگی باید تجدید نظر شود»

UN to select two international experts for Afghanistan’s poll complaints body
Special Representative meets with Hezb-e-Islami delegation in Kabul

سازمان ملل: قانون مصالحه ملی افغانستان مایه نگرانی واقعی است

یک مقام سازمان سازمان ملل خواستار لغو قانون مصالحه ملی افغانستان شده و گفته که این قانون ناقضان حقوق بشر را در برابر قانون معافیت می بخشد

این قانون حالا در کشور موجب نگرانی بیشتر سازمان‌های مدافع حقوق بشر و قربانیان خشونت‌ها شده است. نورا نایلند، نماینده کمیساریای عالی حقوق بشر سازمان ملل در افغانستان در نشست خبری در کابل نافذ شدن این قانون را مایه "نگرانی واقعی" خواند

و گفت: " قانون مصالحه ملی یک نگرانی واقعی است. این قانون یک چتر حمایتی برای کسانی است که مرتکب نقض حقوق بشر شده اند. این موضوع تنها در مورد افغانستان صدق نمی کند. موضع سازمان ملل این است که در هر کجای دیگر جهان که وضعیت مشابهی دارد، به بهبود اوضاع کمکی نمی کند. کمیسار عالی حقوق بشر سازمان ملل، جامعه مدنی افغانستان و سازمان‌های مدافع حقوق بشر خواستار لغو این قانون شده اند.» - سازمان ملل: قانون مصالحه ملی افغانستان مایه نگرانی واقعی است
"قانون مصالحه ملی" و چند پرسش
قانون 'مصالحه ملی' افغانستان نافذ شد

روزنامه‌های کابل: پنجشنبه، ۵ حمل؛ سفر کرزی به چین

Nuclear weapons reduction: US, Russia close to announcing deal

The nuclear weapons deal would replace the START accord of 1991. The apparent agreement comes just ahead of a White House summit on nuclear security in April. Christian Science Monitor

Russia, US near arms control deal - CNN
United States and Russia reach nuclear-arms deal Washington Post
New York Times - MiamiHerald.com

General Assembly Recognizes 21 March as International Day of

According to the preamble of the resolution on the International Day (document A/64/L.30/Rev.2), Nowruz, which means new day, is celebrated on 21 March, the day of the vernal equinox, by more than 300 million people worldwide as the beginning of the new year. It has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East and other regions. General Assembly Recognizes 21 March as International Day of ...

UN names March 21st, International Day of Nowruz

Pakistan says it is 'satisfied' with US pledges on aid delivery - washingtonpost

Pakistan said Wednesday that it was satisfied with U.S. pledges, made during a day-long strategic conference in Washington, to increase and streamline the delivery of military and economic aid and to "move from a relationship to a partnership."

"It's their choice," Qureshi said of the Afghans. "If they feel we can contribute, if we can help, we'll be more than willing." He said he had invited Afghanistan's foreign minister to Pakistan "for a detailed discussion on the reintegration/reconciliation process."

Clinton demurred, saying, "I agree with what the foreign minister said." Pakistan says it is 'satisfied' with US pledges on aid delivery

US Praises Pakistan's Antiterrorism Efforts Wall Street Journal
US and Pakistan promise to improve ties after mistrust BBC News
The Hindu - MiamiHerald.com - The Associated Press

جنرال برتانوی: ایران با طالبان و حزب اسلامی کمک میکند

دگروال ریچارد کمیپ قوماندان سابق قوای برتانوی در افغانستان میگوید ایران نه تنها به طالبان کمک میکند بلکه با حزب اسلامی و بطور غیر مستقیم با شبکه القاعده در جنگ شان با قوای بین المللی در افغانستان و عراق مساعدت میکند. - جنرال برتانوی: ایران با طالبان و حزب اسلامی کمک میکند

گاردین: جزیات مذاکرۀ حامد کرزی با شورشیان
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar: Ruthless Warlord, New Karzai Ally or Both?
The Hezb-i-Islami delegation presented a 15-point peace plan to Karzai,

اوغلو: خروج نیروها از افغانستان، ممکن نتایج وخیم در پی داشته باشد

With war and neglect, Afghans face water shortage

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan needs billions of dollars for dams and irrigation to feed and provide power for its growing population after decades of war, with future water supply a major security challenge, Afghan and foreign officials say.

Most of Afghanistan's precious water is allowed to flow out to its neighbors, a situation which must be changed quickly if the country is to sustain itself, deputy Water and Energy Minister Shujauddin Ziayee told Reuters recently. - With war and neglect, Afghans face water shortage
Defense secretary orders review of military information programs‎

U.S., Pakistan to discuss building on partnership :
US, Pakistan vow to improve ties

Britain expels Mossad agent over forged passport plot - Guardian

David Miliband said a police investigation found 'compelling reasons' to believe Israel was responsibile for the copying of British passports Link to this video

Israel voices regret at UK expulsion of diplomat
Israeli 'spy' expelled over cloned UK passports - Times

Saudi swoop on 100 'al-Qaida militants'

Pakistan comes with specific wish list for U.S. | Reuters

The 56-page document, set to be discussed in talks in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, also gives other priorities such as water and energy requirements for energy-starved Pakistan as it struggles with power cuts. - Pakistan comes with specific wish list for U.S. Reuters

Pakistan Comes With Specific Wish List For U.S - NYTimes.com
«هلیکوپتر ها، طیارات F-16 و بی پیلوت در لست 56 صفحه یی پاکستان»

Prime Time for Pakistan's Military‎
تلاش تازه پاکستان

U.S.-Pakistan Talks Target Skepticism

"To the people and government of Pakistan, the United States pledges our full support," she said. "You are fighting a war whose outcome is critical -- first and foremost, of course, for the people of Pakistan, but it will also have regional and global repercussions. And so strengthening and advancing your security remains a key priority of our relationship."

Clinton said the two countries face what she called "a new day" and credited President Barack Obama with treating Pakistan not as a client state but as more of an equal. U.S.-Pakistan Talks Target Skepticism

Afghan insurgents offer to make peace and act as go-between with ...‎
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar: Ruthless Warlord, New Karzai Ally or Both?
اوغلو: خروج نیروها از افغانستان، ممکن نتایج وخیم در پی داشته باشد

An Insider's Perspective on Afghanistan - CSIS

President Sarkozy promises to ban the veil in France - Times

France is to ban the full Muslim veil to protect the dignity of women, President Sarkozy announced today. "The full veil is contrary to the dignity of women," the President said. "The response is to ban it. The Government will table a draft law prohibiting it."

Until yesterday, Mr Sarkozy had merely said that the full veil symbolised the oppression of women and that it "has no place in France". - Sarkozy promises to ban the veil in France

Blackout as Israeli leader leaves White House
New Israeli construction plan undermines talks
Britain expels Mossad agent - The Guardian

حزب اسلامی به صلح می اندیشد یا به صندوق اعانه؟!

رويكرد حزب اسلامي به مصالحه و گفتگو يك چرخش بزرگ سياسي براي اين حزب به شمار مي رود. به نظر مي رسد كه چند عامل مهم در اين رويكرد نقش داشته اند. نخست اين كه تلاش هاي بخش عظيمي از حزب اسلامي كه اكنون در ساختار دولت افغانستان شامل مي باشند، زمينه را براي اين گفتگو فراهم كرده است. گذشته از اين، اين سفر در آستانه برگزاري جرگه صلح در ماه ثور آينده صورت مي گيرد

اين حزب درك كرده است كه نسبت به حضور حزب اسلامي حساسيت هاي كمتري وجود دارد. گذشته از اين، اين حضور چند دست آورد براي اين حزب مي تواند به همراه داشته باشد. نخست اين كه تمام پول هايي كه در كنفرانس لندن براي كمك به مصالحه به تصويب رسيد، به حساب اين حزب واريز خواهد شد. حزب اسلامي با توافق با حكومت افغانستان در ساختار حكومت نقش پررنگ پيدا خواهد كرد، و در انتخابات پارلماني آينده مانور بيشتري براي تصاحب كرسي هاي پارلمان راه اندازي خواهد كرد. حزب اسلامي اكنون با گذشت 9 سال دريافته است كه از طريق نظامي پيروزي براي آنان دشوار خواهد بود، زيرا 30 سال تمام اين حزب در جنگ به سر برده و از آدرس اين حزب جز جنگ چيز ديگري در ذهن تداعي نمي شود. اكنون اين حزب مي خواهد تغيير چهره دهد. حزب اسلامي به خوبي درك كرده است كه در جنوب خلاهاي بزرگي وجود دارد. در اين مناطق مردم هم از حكومت و هم از طالبان دل خوش ندارند. بنابراين حزب اسلامي در تلاش است تا با استفاده از اين خلاها بهره برداري مناسب سياسي نمايد. - حزب اسلامی به صلح می اندیشد یا به صندوق اعانه؟!

Afghan Rebels Propose 'Peace' Plan
گاردین: جزیات مذاکرۀ حامد کرزی با شورشیان
Hezb-i-Islami delegation presented a 15-point peace plan to Karzai,

China, Afghanistan forge closer economic ties as new agreements are signed

BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China and Afghanistan took new steps Wednesday to further strengthen economic and trade links as new agreements were inked regarding aid, tax reduction and training. - China, Afghanistan forge closer economic ties as new agreements ...‎

ملاقات های رسمی حامد کرزی با مقامات چین آغاز شد
U.S. Plays Down Hopes For Afghan Reconciliation - NYTimes.com

Gulbuddin Hekmatyar: Ruthless Warlord, New Karzai Ally or Both?

US plays down hopes for Afghan reconciliation‎ - washingtonpost

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Wednesday the timing was still not right for reconciliation with senior Afghan Taliban leaders, acknowledging military pressure had yet to weaken the group enough. - US plays down hopes for Afghan reconciliation‎

U.S. Plays Down Hopes For Afghan Reconciliation - NYTimes.com
THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN Returns To The Tricycle Theatre

People: Angelina Jolie funds new Afghan girls school

With U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie's financial help, a new primary school for girls in Afghanistan is ready to welcome 800 students.

After visiting a refugee camp in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province in 2008, Jolie donated $75,000 toward the school's construction, according to a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report. - People: Angelina Jolie funds new Afghan girls school - The Denver Post

Angelina Jolie : Pictures, Videos, Breaking News

Afghanistan, the TAPI Pipeline, and Energy Geopolitics‎

As Western powers look for an end game in Afghanistan, that country’s role as a planned transit route for natural gas from Turkmenistan deserves scrutiny. The long-planned pipeline, named TAPI after the initials of the four participating countries (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India), has been prominently discussed in the Asian press but rarely mentioned in the West. The TAPI pipeline is geopolitically significant, but has major challenges that have not been widely discussed. - Afghanistan, the TAPI Pipeline, and Energy Geopolitics‎

Prime Time for Pakistan's Military‎
THE GREAT GAME: AFGHANISTAN Returns To The Tricycle Theatre

Legal Challenges to Health Care: Credible? Time

Less than an hour after President Obama signed the health-care reform bill into law, attorneys general from 13 states filed a lawsuit challenging the bill's constitutionality. Legal Challenges to Health Care: Credible?

Senate Republicans prepare for health care fight CNN

Women should exercise an hour a day to maintain weight, study says

The 60-minute-a-day recommendation, released online Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Assn., is aimed at women of normal weight who don't want to diet but do want to avoid gaining weight over time. Most Americans gain about 1.5 pounds a year between age 25 and 55. Women should exercise an hour a day to maintain weight, study says

New Exercise Goal: 60 Minutes a Day Wall Street Journal
Hour of exercise may be too much for busy US women Reuters
USA Today - AFP - WebMD - Chicago Sun-Times

UK expels Israeli diplomat in forged passports row

Mr Miliband told parliament there were compelling reasons to believe that Israel was responsible for the misuse of the passports, the originals of which belonged to people with dual British and Israeli citizenship. - UK expels Israeli diplomat in forged passports row

Israel brushes off Mossad agent's expulsion from Britain
Expelled diplomat Mossad spy says Israeli media euronews
CNN - Jewish Telegraphic Agency - CNN International - Washington Post (blog)

Obama and Netanyahu play hardball over Israeli settlement plan The Guardian

کارشناسان حقوق بشر بين المللي وافغان انفاذ قانون مصالحه ملي را مردود مي شمارند

انفاذ قانون " مصالحه ملي" که مخالفان آن را معافيت جنايتکاران جنگي سه دهه اخيرازمجازات مي دانند، نه تنها به نظرقربانيان وبازماندگان آنها بلکه ازنگاه کارشناسان حقوق بشرنيز مردود است. - کارشناسان حقوق بشر بين المللي وافغان انفاذ قانون مصالحه ملي را مردود مي شمارند

خبرگزاری صدای افغان (آوا) - ساخت کابل بزرگ در ساحه ده سبز و باریک ...
پاکستان مي خواهد نقش قابل ملاحظه اي درمذاکرات صلح افغانستان داشته باشد
سفرکرزي به چين براي گسترش روابط اقتصادي- تجاري

Health bill included big Republican idea: individual mandate

The lawsuit calls this an "unprecedented encroachment on the liberty of individuals." It states the Constitution doesn't authorize such a mandate, the proposed tax penalty is unlawful and is an "unprecedented encroachment on the sovereignty of the states." Health bill included big Republican idea: individual mandate

14 states sue to block health care law CNN
White House, experts: Health care suit will fail AP
Obama signs health care bill: Who won't be covered?

ځانگړې مرکه: زلمى خليل زاد په نوي لمريز کال کې د افغانستان حالات ارزوي

ښاغلى خليلزاد باوري دى چې که ځينو برخو ته دقت وشي نو په افغانستان کې سوله ممکنه ده
ډاکټر زلمى خليلزاد پر پاکستان شک لا هم لري او گومان کوي چې تر څو پاکستان د افغانستان په باب نظر بدل نه کړي ستونزې به پر ځاى وي

دغه مخکينى لوړ پوړى ديپلومات وايي چې دى د افغانستان د ولسي جرگې په راتلونکو ټاکنو کې برخه نه اخلي خو هيله لري چې د کار خلک ورته بريالي شي . ځانگړې مرکه: زلمى خليل زاد په نوي لمريز کال کې د افغانستان حالات ارزوي

امريکا د کابل او حکمتيار ترمنځ د خبرو هرکلی وکړ
Pakistan army chief in US talks
مذاکرات پاکستان-آمریکا؛ برگ برنده پاکستان در منطقه؟

EU Ministers Discuss Afghanistan, Mideast, Eastern Neighbors

BRUSSELS -- Meeting in Brussels, the European Union's foreign ministers discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the Middle East peace process, and the bloc's eastern neighbors. EU Ministers Discuss Afghanistan

Pakistan Army Chief In U.S. For Talks
Afghan-Iranian weapons route found

Outcry In Kabul Over Afghans On Death Row In Iran

Afghan refugees in Tehran line up to vote in their country's elections. Some 1.5 million Afghan refugees are in Iran; more than 5,000 are thought to be in Iranian prisons.

Just how many, however, was never known until recently, when a delegation of Afghan lawmakers returned from Iran with news that thousands of Afghans are imprisoned there -- more than half of them on death row. Outcry In Kabul Over Afghans On Death Row In Iran

«در حاشیهء مسافرت حامد کرزی، نگاهی به روابط افغانستان و چین»

آژانس خبری رویترز در مورد تاریخ روابط چین و افغانستان می نویسد: ارتباطات تاریخی بین چین و افغانستان در قرن هفتم میلادی شروع شد و در آن وقت رهبر مانک های چین سوان ژنگ از درهء بامیان دیدن کرده و دو مجسمه بزرگ بودا را که بعداً در سال 2001 توسط طالبان تخریب شدند، تحسین کرد

روابط دیپلوماتیک بین دو کشور رسماً در سال 1955 بر قرار شد که این عمل افغانستان را یکی از اولین کشورهای می سازد که رژیم کمونیستی ماوسوتونگ را که جانشین حکومت ملت گرا در این کشور شد، به رسمیت شناخت. - «در حاشیهء مسافرت حامد کرزی، نگاهی به روابط افغانستان و چین»
Karzai Visits China 'With Gas Plans'
رییس جمهور کرزی کابل را به قصد چین ترک کرد

«امریکا از گفتگوی کرزی با هیات حزب اسلامی استقبال کرد»
Afghan Detainees Make An Uneasy Journey Home

President Obama signs landmark health bill into law - washingtonpost

President Obama signed a landmark health-care bill into law Tuesday, enacting a sweeping overhaul of the nation's $2.5 trillion health system after a year-long effort that he said shows the United States "faces its challenges and accepts its responsibilities." - Obama puts signature on landmark health-care bill
Virginia, other states sue federal government over health overhaul

Muslim body warns against hasty Afghanistan pullout

Pakistan movesto influence shape of postwar Afghanistan‎

Meetings in Washington, D. C., this week between a Pakistani delegation led by the heads of the army and the intelligence service and top administration officials aim to map the endgame of the Afghanistan conflict and shape the allegiances of a postwar government in Kabul.

They believe who rules in Afghanistan is a matter of strategic life or death for Pakistan. Pakistan movesto influence shape of postwar Afghanistan‎
Pakistan marches into Washington‎

Muslim body warns against hasty Afghanistan pullout‎

(Reuters) - The head of a major Muslim body said on Tuesday any hasty Western troop withdrawal from Afghanistan could have dire consequences.

Washington plans to start withdrawing by mid-2011, making this year a critical period for the outcome of the 8-year-old war. - Muslim body warns against hasty Afghanistan pullout‎

Hekmatyar's 'peace plan' calls for NATO withdrawal by 2011 - The ...

TEXT: Obama’s Remarks at the Health Care Bill Signing

Following is a transcript of the remarks by President Obama and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Tuesday before Mr. Obama signed a landmark health care bill into law, as released by Federal News Service: - Text: Obama’s Remarks at the Health Care Bill Signing
Obama Signs Health Care Overhaul Bill, With a Flourish - nytimes

Obama Signs Historic Health Reform Into Law
Wanted: User manual for health care overhaul AP

FOREX-Euro falls vs dollar on nagging Greece worries

NEW YORK, March 23 (Reuters) - The euro slipped against the dollar on Tuesday as investors worried that euro zone policy makers are unlikely to provide a rescue package for Greece at a summit later this week. - FOREX-Euro falls vs dollar on nagging Greece worries

Euro Declines on Speculation IMF Will Handle Greece Assistance BusinessWeek
Germany Seems to Signal a Compromise on Greece nytimes
MarketWatch - Reuters

Britain expels top Mossad agent over 'intolerable' passport cloning

AFGHANISTAN: Money well spent?‎

KABUL, 22 March 2010 (IRIN) - Afghanistan has been showered with foreign aid since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, but it has been an uphill battle for the government and its donor allies to prove it was all money well spent.

Donors spent US$36 billion in Afghanistan in 2001-2009 out of a total of $62 billion pledged in grants and loans, according to the DFR.

Among the dozens of donors, Sweden came out top in terms of covering the gap between commitment and action - translating 90 percent of its pledges into concrete funding, followed by the UK and the USA, while the Asian Development Bank ranked last at 60 percent.

The USA has been the single largest donor to Afghanistan over the past eight years, disbursing US$23.417 billion.

Over the past five years per capita donor aid has been $1,241 - far less than the amount spent in Iraq and Bosnia, according to the DFR, despite Afghanistan having some of the worst poverty and vulnerability indicators in the world.

Over $29 billion (77 percent of the total disbursed aid) was directly spent by donors with little or no government input; more than $15 of the $29 billion was disbursed directly by foreign military channels, according to the DFR.

Over half of the total disbursed assistance in 2002-2009 (about $19 billion) was spent on the security sector, particularly on strengthening the police and army, the DFR figures show.

Health received 6 percent, education and culture 9 percent and agriculture and rural development got 18 percent of the total $36 billion aid. - AFGHANISTAN: Money well spent?‎

Afghanistan lost without better governance The Japan Times Online
Outcry In Kabul Over Afghans On Death Row In Iran - Radio Free ...