Saturday, March 31, 2012

Britain says Afghan government must tighten up on corruption

KABUL (Reuters) - Britain does not believe the Afghan government it backs is taking the fight against corruption as seriously as it should, and future aid could be linked to anti-graft progress, a British minister said on Thursday. - Britain says Afghan government must tighten up on corruption
Britain says Afghan government must tighten up on corruption euronews

25 Ways to Make Travel Easier, Starting With a Single Shoe - WSJ

With travel, prior planning can save the day. -- Tips to Take the Hassle Out of Travel

French diplomat doubts Afghan attack claim

KABUL — A former French ambassador Saturday confirmed a plot to assassinate him and two other top Western diplomats in Afghanistan, but doubted whether the governor whose province they were in was involved. - French diplomat doubts Afghan attack claim
Afghan governor plotted to kill diplomats from the West

In Afghanistan, Businesses Plan Their Own Exits

KABUL, Afghanistan — America may be struggling to come up with a viable exit plan for Afghanistan, but Abdul Wasay Manani is sure of his. - Businesses May Flee Afghanistan After Troop Withdrawal
In Afghanistan, a Rush for the Exits - nytimes

Afghanistan presses for answers on long-term U.S. military bases

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghanistan wants the United States to clearly spell out what sort of military presence it will leave behind once most of its combat troops leave by the end of 2014, a senior Afghan official said. - Afghanistan presses for answers on long-term U.S. military bases

General warns of 'endless cycle' in Afghanistan

At the beginning of March, Major General Markus Kneip handed over the reins of the ISAF mission to his successor. This week he spoke to press in Berlin about his deployment to Afghanistan. - General warns of 'endless cycle' in Afghanistan

Clinton seeks tighter US-Gulf cooperation on Iran‎

US secretary of state says 'time running out for diplomacy with Iran'; expresses doubt over Iran's intentions of negotiating solution in wake of speculations of possible US, Israel military attack - Clinton seeks tighter US-Gulf cooperation on Iran‎
کلینتون: ادامه مذاکرات هسته‌ای با ایران، ۲۵ فروردین در استانبول

نقش کشورهای همسایه در افغانستان پس از

اظهارات اخیر محمود احمدی نژاد، رئیس جمهوری ایران، که خواستار خروج سریع نیروهای بین المللی از افغانستان شد و تاکید کرد که "با رفتن آنها" صلح و ثبات دراین کشور تامین خواهد شد، واکنشهای تندی را در افغانستان برانگیخته است. - نقش کشورهای همسایه در افغانستان پس از ۲۰۱۴
درباره انتقاد محمود احمدی نژاد از حضور ناتو در افغانستان چه فکر می کنید؟

Friday, March 30, 2012

South Asia's Separation Anxiety - National Interest

As the Obama administration ponders a more rapid withdrawal of American troops in light of the recent killing spree by a troubled staff sergeant, observers in South Asia see a bleak future as ethnic rivalries and unsettled scores continue to haunt the region. - South Asia's Separation Anxiety - National Interest

Al-Qaeda 'plotting another 9/11’ from Afghanistan

Al-Qaeda fighters have returned to Afghanistan and will use the country as a base to launch September 11-style attacks on Western cities, according to the American ambassador to Kabul. - Al-Qaeda 'plotting another 9/11’ from Afghanistan - Afghanistan

Judge Tosses HuffPo Unpaid Bloggers Suit

A New York district judge today threw out a $105 million lawsuit filed by former, unpaid Huffington Post bloggers who insisted they are entitled to a chunk of the blog's $315 million sale price to AOL. Judge Tosses HuffPo Unpaid Bloggers Suit
Judge Dismisses $105M Blogger Suit Against Huffington Post

$640 million Mega Millions jackpot hit in Maryland

Maryland sold one of the winning tickets for last night’s record-breaking $640 million Mega Millions jackpot, lottery officials said. - $640 million Mega Millions jackpot hit in Maryland
World record $640 million lottery numbers drawn - reuters

Al-Qaeda 'plotting another 9/11’ from Afghanistan

With the US preparing to withdraw the majority of its combat forces from Afghanistan next year, Mr Crocker warned: “If we decide we’re tired, they’ll be back. - Al-Qaeda 'plotting another 9/11’ from Afghanistan
Bin Laden fathered four after 9/11 - Afghanistan

Meet the Taliban transvestites: Rebels are captured dressed in drag

U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have assigned 'guardian angels' - troops who watch over their comrades even as they sleep - as part of a series of increased security measures to protect troops against possible rogue attacks. - Chief army officer in Afghanistan orders 'guardian ... - Daily Mail

We will pay a terrible price if we leave Afghanistan in the lurch - Telegraph

The regime in Kabul needs significant military and financial aid to hold off the Taliban after Nato's withdrawal. - We will pay a terrible price if we leave Afghanistan in the lurch
Afghan policeman drugged officers then shot 9 dead - Afghanistan

احمدی‌نژاد؛ مداخله‌گری و پاسخ استراتژیک

احمدی‌نژاد، رییس‌ جمهوری اسلامی ایران، در سخنرانی خود به‌تاریخ 26 مارچ در «کنفرانس همکاری‌های منطقه‌ای برای افغانستان» در شهر دوشنبه، مسوولیت کشتار‌ها و نارسایی‌های موجود در افغانستان را متوجه کشور‌های ناتو و به‌خصوص ایالات متحده امریکا نمود. به باور وی «ادامه اشغال افغانستان توسط کشور‌های ناتو موجب کشتار مردم و افزایش تولید و گسترش مواد مخدر در افغانستان شده است.» در این ادعا، احمدی‌نژاد که یک روز از قصر ریاست‌جمهوری افغانستان به مثابه مهمان و روز دیگر در یک کنفرانس بین‌المللی در باره افغانستان، مغایر با نزاکت‌های دیپلوماتیک و قواعد قبول‌شده سیاسی، کشور ما را اشغال‌شده و متحدان افغانستان را اشغالگر می‌خواند، تنها نیست. این زمین و زمینه قبلا توسط دستگاه‌هایی که خواستار مزدوری و ذلت افغانستان به‌دست همسایه‌های آن می‌باشند، آماده شده است.- احمدی‌نژاد؛ مداخله‌گری و پاسخ استراتژیک
پلان توزیع هفتاد هزار جلد پاسپورت در مركز و ولایات ساخته شد

Coffee and your arteries -- Heart & Cardiovascular

Research on caffeine found that it may improve the function of arteries. -- Coffee and your arteries - MSN Health - Heart & Cardiovascular
Does Coffee Clog Your Arteries? LIVESTRONG.COM

Dreams Of A Mining Future On Hold In Afghanistan

Afghanistan faces the daunting prospect of a drastic reduction in foreign aid, which currently makes up about 90 percent of the country's revenue. Some have seen an economic life raft in geological surveys that indicate huge deposits of copper, iron, uranium and lithium in various parts of the country. But multinational mining firms have been slow to invest in Afghanistan — not least because of questions about stability after American troops draw down. - Dreams Of A Mining Future On Hold In Afghanistan - Quil Lawrence

Afghans Demands Intervention After 'Pakistani Taliban' Attacks

KONAR, Afghanistan -- Local Afghan officials have called for a military intervention in the country's northeast after scores of suspected Pakistani Taliban fighters overran several districts in Nuristan, a remote province bordering Pakistan. - Afghans Demands Intervention After 'Pakistani Taliban' Attacks
Afghans Demands Intervention After 'Pakistani Taliban' Attacks - rferl

Thursday, March 29, 2012

افغانستان قربانی رقابت های بی پایان قدرتها

تداوم جنگ و خشونت در افغانستان و مقاومت سرسختانه مخالفان حضور آمریکا در افغانستان این کشور را به میدان اصلی جنگ قدرتهای خرد و بزرگ منطقه ای و فرامنطقه ی تبدیل کرده است که بهای این رقابت های سخت را مردم مظلوم افغانستان می پردازد.- افغانستان قربانی رقابت های بی پایان قدرتها
افغانستان حق دارد با هر کشوری هرگونه روابط برقرار کند -- اهمیت نقش ملل متحد در انتخابات آینده

US general says new security protects US troops from Afghan ‘insider’ killings

WASHINGTON — U.S. military commanders in Afghanistan have assigned “guardian angels” — troops that watch over their comrades even as they sleep — and have ordered a series of other increased security measures to protect troops against possible attacks by rogue Afghans. - US general says new security protects US troops from Afghan 'insider' killings
NATO Convoy Hit By Major Attack in Afghanistan - nytimes

Former defense official gets prison over Afghanistan bribe

(Reuters) - A federal judge in Atlanta sentenced a former Defense Department official on Wednesday to a year and eight months in prison for taking nearly $100,000 in bribes from a company seeking a contract in Afghanistan. - Former U.S. official gets prison over Afghanistan bribe Reuters
Chief army officer in Afghanistan orders 'guardian ... - Daily Mail

Official Rejects Iran's 'Interference' In Afghan Affairs - rferl

KABUL -- The chairman of Afghanistan's Senate, Fazal Hadi Muslimyar, has reacted angrily to a speech by Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad during a regional conference in Dushanbe earlier this week. - Official Rejects Iran's 'Interference' In Afghan Affairs
Why Should Iran Decide for Afghanistan? The Daily Outlook ...

ACLU: FBI 'mosque outreach' program used to spy on Muslims - Kari Huus, msnbc

The FBI in San Francisco used a public relations program billed as "mosque outreach" to collect information on the religious views and practices of Muslims in Northern California and then shared the intelligence with other government agencies, according to FBI documents obtained by civil rights groups. -- ACLU: FBI's 'Mosque Outreach' Used to Spy on Muslims
FBI FOIA Docs Show Use of "Mosque Outreach" for Illegal Intel Gathering - aclu

Afghanistan's War on Women Detailed in New Human Rights Watch Report

The plight of Afghanistan’s women was supposed to improve with the Taliban’s ouster, but a new Human Rights Watch report shows the injustice persists, detailing the cases of 60 women and girls in prison for ‘moral crimes’ like premarital sex and fleeing abusers. - Afghanistan's War on Women Detailed in New Human Rights Watch Report - Daily Beast‎

The U.S. Mission in Afghanistan -- brookings.edu

On March 26, Foreign Policy at Brookings hosted General John Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, for a discussion of the U.S. and NATO mission in Afghanistan. - The U.S. Mission in Afghanistan - Brookings Institution
Hundreds of Afghan women imprisoned for 'moral crimes,' says new report

خجالت بکشید همدیگر را متهم نکنید -- شکریه بارکزی

از آدرس حکومت نمایندگی می کنند اما تعبیر نادرست از این نظام دارند. باور من این است که آنان باید متعهد به کشور خود شان باشند، نه وابسته به سازمان استخبارات نظامی پاکستان- خجالت بکشید همدیگر را متهم نکنید !
نشست چهارجانبه در تاجیکستان

Flawed Accountability in American Democracy

We constantly find new material to illustrate Winston Churchill’s observation that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried. - Flawed Accountability in American Democracy - National Interest
Why Should America Pay for Europe's Missile Defense? -- U.S.-Afghan Codependence

Pope meets Cuba's Fidel Castro, slams U.S. embargo

(Reuters) - Pope Benedict called for an end to the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba and met with revolutionary icon Fidel Castro on Wednesday as he ended a trip in which he urged the communist island to change. - Pope draws crowd, meets with Fidel Castro
"What does a pope do?" Fidel Castro asks Benedict

Supreme court ponders healthcare bill's survival without insurance mandate

Court considers Congress's role in future of healthcare bill as insurance mandate looks more likely to be found unconstitutional - Supreme court ponders healthcare bill's survival without insurance mandate -
Supreme court healthcare hearings day three – Wednesday 28 March

3 days of hearings over, 2 justices may be key

WASHINGTON (AP) — After three days of Supreme Court arguments, the questions justices asked the lawyers are the only tea leaves to read, however unreliable. That has led to the belief the fate of the health care law could lie with two justices. - 3 days of hearings over, 2 justices may be key

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

دیدبان حقوق بشر: زنان افغان بدون ارتکاب جرم زندانی اند

گزارش می افزاید زنانیکه در تلاش فرار از چنین بیچارگی اند همواره به داشتن روابط خارج از قید ازدواج متهم شده و به خاطر "جرایم اخلاقی" به زندان افگنده می شوند در حالیکه سوء استفاده کنندگان آنان آزاد استند.- دیدبان حقوق بشر: زنان افغان بدون ارتکاب جرم زندانی اند
Afghanistan: Hundreds of Women, Girls Jailed for ‘Moral Crimes’
“I Had To Run Away”

Asylum claims in industrialized countries up sharply in 2011

GENEVA, March 27 (UNHCR) – A report released on Tuesday by the UN refugee agency shows that new conflicts and a rising outflow from older crisis spots such as Afghanistan together contributed to a 20 per cent rise in asylum claims in industrialized countries in 2011. - Asylum claims in industrialized countries up sharply in 2011
Asylum claims in the West rose 20 pct in 2011-UNHCR News by ...

Language Deemed Offensive Is Removed From F.B.I. Training Materials - nytimes

That language and other passages considered offensive were removed from 876 pages of training materials about Muslims and Arab-Americans. - Training Materials Said F.B.I. Agents Could Bend the Law
FBI Pulls Offensive Counterterrorism Materials - NPR

Obama lawyer asks Supreme Court to save healthcare law

(Reuters) - The Obama administration's top courtroom lawyer made an impassioned plea on Wednesday for the Supreme Court to save President Barack Obama's healthcare law, capping three days of historic arguments that left it unclear how the nine justices would rule. - Obama lawyer asks Supreme Court to save healthcare law
White House: no contingency plan if healthcare law rejected

George Bush Sr expected to endorse Mitt Romney at Houston event

Mitt Romney continues to gain high-profile endorsements as Republican competitor Rick Santorum struggles to keep up - George Bush Sr expected to endorse Mitt Romney at Houston event --- Afghan women are being jailed for 'moral crimes', says report - Afghanistan
Cheney recovering after heart transplant: spokeswoman

AFP: Leaving Afghanistan is West's priority: think-tank

KABUL — The West wants to pull out of Afghanistan "with or without a settlement" and attempts to negotiate with the Taliban are unlikely to lead to lasting peace, a report by a respected think-tank said Monday. - AFP: Leaving Afghanistan is West's priority: think-tank

Speeding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan a mistake, analysts say

The American mission in Afghanistan, beset by a series of setbacks and tragedies, has reached perhaps the lowest level of support in the U.S., and in Afghanistan and Pakistan, since the war started after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. - Speeding the US withdrawal from Afghanistan a mistake, analysts say - Washington Examiner‎

درخواست آزادی زنان متهم به 'جرایم اخلاقی' از زندان‌های افغانستان

دیده‌بان حقوق بشر در گزارشی از شرایط رقت بار صدها زن افغان خبر داده که به دلیل فرار از خشونت خانگی بازداشت و به اتهام "جرایم اخلاقی" زندانی شده اند. دید‌ه‌بان حقوق بشر خواستار آزادی آنان شده است. - درخواست آزادی زنان متهم به 'جرایم اخلاقی' از زندان‌های افغانستان
Afghanistan: Hundreds of Women, Girls Jailed for ‘Moral Crimes’
“I Had To Run Away” - HRW

Hundreds of Afghan women jailed for 'moral crimes'

The I Had to Run Away report was released in Kabul on Wednesday. - BBC: Hundreds of Afghan women jailed for 'moral crimes'

Afghanistan: Hundreds of Women, Girls Jailed for ‘Moral Crimes’ - HRW

(Kabul) – The Afghan government should release the approximately 400 women and girls imprisoned in Afghanistan for “moral crimes,” Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. The United States and other donor countries should press the Afghan government under President Hamid Karzai to end the wrongful imprisonment of women and girls who are crime victims rather than criminals. - Afghanistan: Hundreds of Women, Girls Jailed for ‘Moral Crimes’
“I Had To Run Away”

افغانستان و نگرانی از بحران

گروه بین‌المللی بحران در گزارش تازه‌ی خود در مورد افغانستان، از چگونگی گفتگوها با مخالفان مسلح انتقاد کرده و گفته است که نبود یک استراتژی درست، ممکن است افغانستان را به‌سوی جنگ داخلی بکشاند. در گزارش این گروه پیشنهاد شده است که برای جلوگیری از احتمال جنگ داخلی در افغانستان، منازعات موجود در افغانستان باید با میانجیگری سازمان ملل متحد، حل شود.- افغانستان و نگرانی از بحران
ماجراجویی‌های یک رییس‌جمهور

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Asylum claims 'at highest since 2003' - Guardian

Afghans topped the list of asylum claimants to the world's richest countries in 2011, followed by Chinese and Iraqis, the UN refugee agency has reported. - Asylum claims 'at highest since 2003 UNHCR 2011 refugee statistics: full data -
Toulouse shootings: al-Jazeera decides against airing video

آیا حمایت از جنگ کاهش می‌یابد؟

پس از ده‌سال از حضور نیروهای امریکایی در افغانستان، اکنون حمایت از این حضور در ایالات متحده کاهش یافته و براساس تازه‌ترین نظرسنجی‌ها، به بالاترین میزان خود رسیده است. - آیا حمایت از جنگ کاهش می‌یابد؟
Support in U.S. for Afghan War Drops Sharply, Poll Finds
Some Afghans Worry About Diminishing US Public Support for War

Syrian government accepts UN-Arab League envoy’s six-point plan to end crisis

The Syrian Government has accepted the six-point plan put forward by the Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Kofi Annan, who described the move as “an important initial step” to end the violence and urged President Bashar Al-Assad to put the proposal into effect immediately. - Syrian government accepts UN-Arab League envoy’s six-point plan to end crisis
On International Day of Nowruz, UN officials call for renewed unity among cultures

Magic Johnson-led group is picked as Dodgers' next owner - latimes

The group, headed by the Lakers legend known for community involvement, agrees to pay $2 billion for the team. The sale, if approved, would end a contentious McCourt era for the storied team. - Magic Johnson group to buy Dodgers -- $2-billion sale would end troubled McCourt era

Romney criticizes Obama again over Russians, says president trying to cozy up to Kremlin

LOS ANGELES — Mitt Romney hit back at Russia’s president Tuesday and said President Barack Obama is trying to “ingratiate himself with the Kremlin” after the foreign leader suggested the Republican presidential front-runner was living in a bygone era and that all the candidates should “use their heads.” - Romney criticizes Obama again over Russians, says president trying to cozy up to
Medvedev slams Romney for anti-Russia comments

Mitt Romney: Russia Is 'Our Number One Geopolitical Foe' - huffingtonpost

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney called Russia "without question our number one geopolitical foe" Monday on CNN. - Mitt Romney: Russia Is 'Our Number One Geopolitical Foe'
Finding a Role for the UN in Afghanistan - WORLD - FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Panetta: War strategy can't be guided by polls as survey shows most Americans oppose war

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says war strategies can’t be determined by polls, and the U.S. will continue with its plans for the Afghanistan war despite plummeting American confidence and approval in the war. - Panetta: War strategy can't be guided by polls as survey shows most Americans oppose war
Afghanistan: After the Withdrawal - International Crisis Group
Obama defends remarks on ‘flexibility’

After Trayvon Martin case, Iraqi woman’s death sparks ‘Million Hijab March’ - washingtonpost

Alawadi, an Iraqi-American mother of five, died after a brutal beating in California last week. Next to her body was left the note: “Go back to your country, you terrorist.” - After Trayvon Martin case, Iraqi woman’s death sparks ‘Million Hijab March’
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood faces sharp internal divisions over presidential race

Support in U.S. for Afghan War Drops Sharply, Poll Finds - nytimes

WASHINGTON — After a series of violent episodes and setbacks, support for the war in Afghanistan has dropped sharply among both Republicans and Democrats, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. -- Support in U.S. for Afghan War Drops Sharply, Poll Finds
At War Blog: Poll: Support for the War in Afghanistan Falls
Afghanistan: After the Withdrawal - International Crisis Group

احمدی‌نژاد: ناتو باید به افغانستان غرامت بپردازد

رئیس جمهوری ایران خواستار خروج سریع نیروهای خارجی از افغانستان و پرداخت غرامت از سوی دولت‌های عضو ناتو به این کشور شد.- احمدی‌نژاد: ناتو باید به افغانستان غرامت بپردازد
پایان همایش اقتصادی منطقه‌ای برای افغانستان در دوشنبه -- روزنامه های کابل: سه شنبه، ۸ حمل -- ماجراجویی‌های یک رییس‌جمهور

Conservative justices criticize individual mandate

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court's conservative justices appeared deeply critical Tuesday of the requirement that all Americans purchase health insurance, the constitutional issue at the core of the legal challenges to President Obama's landmark health care overhaul. Conservative justices criticize individual mandate
Skeptical Kennedy signals trouble for Obama's healthcare law

Interview: Amb. Ryan Crocker warns against war fatigue in Afghanistan

Ryan Crocker, US ambassador to Afghanistan, sees progress amid an extended 'rough' patch in relations. He also cautions against quitting Afghanistan too soon, citing Al Qaeda. 'If we decide we're tired, ... they'll be back.' - Interview: Amb. Ryan Crocker Warns Against War Fatigue in Afghanistan - csmonitor
Tajikistan eyes rail, energy links with Iran, Afghanistan Reuters

Billions in Cash Smuggled Out of Afghanistan Every Year - CNN

"It's hard to estimate exactly how much is going out of Afghanistan, but I can tell you in 2011, 4.5 billion was (flown) out of Afghanistan," said Khan Afzal Hadawal, deputy governor of the bank of Afghanistan. Billions in Cash Smuggled Out of Afghanistan Every Year

U.S. still committed to Taliban peace talks - Clinton

Sec. Clinton also cited "good progress" on the strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan that has been hamstrung by disagreements over prison transfers and night raids carried out by U.S. forces (Reuters). - U.S. still committed to Taliban peace talks - Clinton -- U.S. pays families of massacre victims - Foreign Policy
U.S. soldier to be charged with murder of Afghan civilians

Monday, March 26, 2012

It's 'Unbelievable To Me,' Says Wife Of Army Sgt. Accused In Afghan Killings

"I have no idea what happened, but he would not ... he loves children, and he would not do that," said Karilyn Bales. - It's 'Unbelievable To Me,' Says Wife Of Army Sgt. Accused In Afghan Killings -- U.S. Pays Compensation To Afghan Shooting Victims
Sgt. Bales Charged With 17 Counts Of Murder; Could Get Death Penalty

GOP Seizes On Obama Open-Mic Comment To Russian Leader

When your political opponent hands you a gift, take it. - GOP Seizes On Obama Open-Mic Comment To Russian Leader
Saudi Institute Seeks To Build A Bridge To The West - NPR

Justices Seem Intent To Get To The Heart Of The Health Care Law

The court on Monday heard the first arguments in a historic three-day session that could decide the fate of the Obama administration's signature domestic achievement. - Justices Seem Intent To Get To The Heart Of The Health Care Law
Reading Between The Lines Of Monday's Supreme Court Arguments

Leaving Afghanistan is West's priority: think-tank

The West wants to pull out of Afghanistan "with or without a settlement" and attempts to negotiate with the Taliban are unlikely to lead to lasting peace, a report by a respected think-tank said Monday. Leaving Afghanistan is West's priority: … AFP
Afghanistan: After the Withdrawal - International Crisis Group
هشدار گروه بین المللی بحران در مورد آینده افغانستان

Obama gets personal over killing of black Florida teenager

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama weighed into the controversial killing of a black teenager in Florida in very personal terms on Friday, comparing the boy to a son he doesn't have and calling for American "soul searching" over how the incident occurred. - Obama gets personal over killing of black Florida teenager -- Heat make "hoodie" protest over Florida teenager death

Obama says threat of nuclear weapons remains

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — President Barack Obama said Tuesday the threat of nuclear weapons remains a potent challenge for the globe to confront, telling foreign leaders that "the security of the world depends on the actions that we take." - Obama says threat of nuclear weapons remains
US, China, SKorea urge nations to lock down nukes

UN should take lead role in peace negotiations, ICG say - Herald Sun‎

AN international think tank has warned that US-led talks with the Taliban are going nowhere and has called for the UN to take the lead in peace negotiations to prevent Afghanistan from sliding into civil war. - UN should take lead role in peace negotiations, ICG says
Afghanistan: After the Withdrawal - International Crisis Group

Europe no sanctuary for Afghan asylum seekers

Afghans hoping to escape violence and a lack of economic prospects at home face new challenges and new abuses in Europe. - Afghan asylum-seekers fear return home - aljazeera
Amnesty: Displaced Afghans neglected

Afghanistan: After the Withdrawal

Several international conferences on Afghanistan are trying to chart the country's future after the planned 2014 U.S. withdrawal. - Afghanistan: After the Withdrawal - International Crisis Group
US negotiation efforts with Taliban have failed: group - reuters

هشدار گروه بین المللی بحران در مورد آینده افغانستان

گروه بین المللی بحران در گزارش تازه ای گفته است که تلاش های صلح با طالبان به ناکامی انجامیده است. این گروه از وقوع جنگ داخلی در افغانستان بعد از سال 2014، هشدار داده است. گروه بین المللی بحران در یک گزارش 51 صفحه ای که روز دو شنبه، 7 حمل 1391/ 26 مارچ 2012، نشر شد، از «اقدام های ناامید کننده و خطرناک» حکومت حامد کرزی برای آوردن طالبان و شبکه حقانی به میز مذاکره، انتقاد کرده است. - هشدار گروه بین المللی بحران در مورد آینده افغانستان ...
هشدار گروه بين المللي بحران در مورد فروپاشي حکومت افغانستان ...

Graham: We don’t need GOP candidates creating their own Afghan ‘exit strategy’ - Keith Laing

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham (R) on Sunday criticized Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich for suggesting the U.S. might need to accelerate its withdrawal from Afghanistan and said his fellow GOP contenders should listen to the advice of military brass on the war. - Graham: We don’t need GOP candidates creating their own Afghan ‘exit strategy’
Senators call for halt to further Afghan troop withdrawals - Daniel Strauss

Popcorn packed with antioxidants, hidden health benefits

Pass the popcorn. A new study confirms that the hull of popcorn has some good nutritional qualities — assuming it's not smothered in butter, oil and salt. - Popcorn packed with antioxidants, hidden health benefits

Obama challenges N. Korea "to pursue peace"

Obama stood by his pledge for a globe without nuclear weapons, declaring flatly that the United States has more than it needs and can cut its arsenal without weakening its security or that of its allies. - Obama challenges N. Korea "to pursue peace"
On world stage, Obama confronts nuclear threats

رئیس جمهور آمریکا خواستار جهانی عاری از سلاح هسته ای شد

باراک اوباما، رئیس جمهور آمریکا که به کره جنوبی سفر کرده گفت، او خواستار جهانی عاری از سلاحهای هسته است.- رئیس جمهور آمریکا خواستار جهانی عاری از سلاح هسته ای شد
رئیس جمهور آمریکا به کره جنوبی رفت
خانواده قربانیان کشتار قندهار غرامت دریافت کردند

Afghans: U.S. Paid $50K Per Massacre Death - TIME

The sums, much larger than typical payments made by the U.S. to families of civilians killed in military operations in Afghanistan, come as the U.S. tries to mend relations following the killing rampage that has threatened to undermine the international effort here. - Afghans: U.S. Paid $50K Per Massacre Death -- U.S. pays $860000 to families of Afghan - CNN
BBC - Afghan massacre: Kandahar families given compensation
د پنجوايي د وژل شويو کورنيو ته خونبها ورکړل شوې

اختلاس 28 میلیون دالری وزیر داخله حکومت کابل

چپاول ده ها میلیون دالر اکنون دارد کار را به جاهای باریک می کشاند. این قضیه عملاً به یک معضل سیاسی مبدل شده است. در آن زمان از شیوع قضیه و افشای بیشتر جلوگیری صورت گرفت اما سوال این است که دوباره مطرح کردن جدی قضیه ریشه در اختلافات حکومتی دارد یا آن که ناتو پروژۀ رسوا سازی دزدی های بزرگ را در دستور کار خود قرار داده است؟ - اختلاس 28 میلیون دالری وزیر داخله حکومت کابل
پشت پرده دزدی هـای بـزرگ در کابل بانک

Sunday, March 25, 2012

World must not abandon Afghanistan after combat mission ends, says UK ambassador - Telegraph

British and American troops fighting in Afghanistan "should get out now" if the world's major powers are not prepared to continue backing the Afghan government after combat operations end in 2014, according to Britain's ambassador in Kabul. - World must not abandon Afghanistan after combat mission ends, says UK ambassador
$50,000 compensation for Afghan victims of US soldier - Afghanistan

SANDERS: The cost of a hasty retreat from Afghanistan - washingtontimes

Two recent, deeply intertwined acts of violence demonstrate the terrible burden hanging on the outcome of the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan and Pakistan. - SANDERS: The cost of a hasty retreat from Afghanistan

US pays $50,000 per death in Afghanistan shooting spree - csmonitor

Relatives received the cash in compensation for a March 11 shooting spree in Afghanistan. The US has charged Staff Sgt. Robert Bales of 17 murders in the case. - US pays $50,000 per death in Afghanistan shooting spree

سال جدید تعلیمی با صدا در آمدن زنگ مکتب رسماً آغاز شد

«این دشمنی با مردم افغانستان، زنده گی و دین شان اسلام است. اگر این ها ادعای افغانستان و آزادی افغانستان را دارند، افغانستان آزاد تنها و تنها به دست توانمند تعلیم یافته جوانش می شود. اگر آنان مکاتب را در کشور ما بسته می کنند برای آزادی کشور ما نیستند بلکه برای غلامی کشور ما هستند. آرزوی من این است، برادروار و با تواضع که مکاتب را این ها بسته نکنند.» - سال جدید تعلیمی با صدا در آمدن زنگ مکتب رسماً آغاز شد

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Afghanistan Shooting Rampage: Father Tries To Cope With Tragedy - Huffington Post

Wazir – who also lost his wife, five other children ages 2 to 15, his mother, his brother, his sister-in-law and his nephew – said he would travel to the U.S. for the trial if given the opportunity but the death penalty for just one man would not be enough.- Afghanistan Shooting Rampage: Father Tries To Cope With Tragedy - AFGHANISTAN
Afghan killing spree suspected to occur in two stages - reuters

انگلا مرکل و یوآخیم گاوک دو آلمانی شرقی در صدر قدرت

یوآخیم گاوک، رییس جمهورآلمان طی مراسم خاصی در رایش تاگ در برابر شورای فدرال و شورای عالی ایالات ‏آلمان سوگند وفاداری یاد کرد. او از مردم آلمان خواست که به خود اعتماد داشته باشند و در پیشرفت کشور سهم بگیرند.‏ - انگلا مرکل و یوآخیم گاوک دو آلمانی شرقی در صدر قدرت آلمان و جهان DW -- Who is Joachim Gauck?

For Cheney, 71, New Heart Ends 20-Month Wait

Former Vice President Dick Cheney had a heart transplant on Saturday after 20 months on a waiting list, and was recovering in a Virginia hospital, a statement from his office said. - For Cheney, 71, New Heart Ends 20-Month Wait - nytimes
Cheney Undergoes Heart-Transplant Surgery - WSJ

AFP: West to pay Afghan military $4 bn a year: Karzai

KABUL — The West will subsidise Afghan security forces by more than $4 billion a year after US-led troops leave in 2014, President Hamid Karzai said Thursday, implicitly accepting a cut in the planned size of his military. - AFP: West to pay Afghan military $4 bn a year: Karzai
West to pay Afghan military $4 bn a year: Karzai

Republicans offer few details on Afghanistan plans

WASHINGTON—As Afghanistan seizes more of the political spotlight, the Republican presidential candidates are quick to criticize President Barack Obama's handling of the war but struggle to explain how they would change the strategy they would inherit. - Republicans offer few details on Afghanistan plans

رشید: پاکستان در آستانه اغتشاش و بی نظمی قرار دارد

احمد رشید مولف و ژورنالست برجسته پاکستانی در پنجمین کتاب خود زیر عنوان: پاکستان در آستانه اغتشاش و بی نظمی قرار دارد می نویسد، من ترس دارم که پاکستان در لبه نابودی قرار دارد و این حالت ناشی از یک سلسله حوادث بشمول حمله کشته شدن اسامه بن لادن است که منتج به خرابی روابط میان پاکستان و اداره بارک اوباما گردید. - رشید: پاکستان در آستانه اغتشاش و بی نظمی قرار دارد
کمک های ما بعد از 2014 با افغانستان دوامدار خواهد بود

The Post’s View: The good news in Afghanistan should come from President Obama

FACED WITH the difficult task of defending the U.S. mission in Afghanistan after a series of setbacks, Gen. John R. Allen underlined Tuesday some of the good news that has been overlooked recently. - The Post’s View: The good news in Afghanistan should come from President Obama
Sens. McCain, Lieberman and Graham: Steps to ensure success in Afghanistan

Michael Gerson: Obama’s ambivalent leadership on Afghanistan - washingtonpost

Pursuing the approach outlined by Obama’s national security officials will require an active, sustained campaign of public persuasion by Obama himself. While in government, I saw such campaigns. Obama is not currently engaged in one. - Obama’s ambivalent leadership on Afghanistan
Michael Gerson: Obama's Afghanistan policy has contradictions

Ten Dumb Things Said During Job Interviews

We've all experienced it. That sinking feeling that occurs when the job interview that was going so well suddenly goes off track. Maybe it's the expression on the hiring manager's face, or the awkward pause that ensues, but there is little doubt when it happens. - 10 Things You Should Never Say in a Job Interview

Friday, March 23, 2012

Afghan Father Copes With Aftermath - WSJ

An Afghan Villager Who Lost 11 Members of His Family Describes What He Found - Afghan Father Copes With Aftermath
Bales Charged With 17 Counts of Murder -- Lawyer Says Accused Soldier Has Memory Loss
EU Targets Bashar al-Assad's Wife With New Sanctions

Costly ‘Freedom’ in Afghanistan: On Morbid Wars and Logic - foreignpolicyjournal

When the US-led bombing campaign of Afghanistan commenced in October 2001, many commentators cheered. In a strikingly unequal war—with the world most advanced nations attacking the world’s poorest—the US wanted to teach al-Qaeda terrorists a lesson. The latter quickly disbanded and poured through neighboring borders across the region (the violent network is now being sighted in several Arab countries). Meanwhile, the Afghani people shouldered the brunt of the war. Tens of thousands have since perished in a vengeful war they had no part in creating. - Costly ‘Freedom’ in Afghanistan: On Morbid Wars and Logic ...

US soldier could face death penalty as he's charged with Afghan massacre - Telegraph

US Army Staff Sgt Robert Bales was charged on Friday with 17 counts of premeditated murder, a capital offence. - US soldier could face death penalty as he's charged with Afghan massacre - Afghanistan

Assad's relatives face asset freeze and travel ban as EU steps up sanctions - Guardian

The European Union has stepped up pressure on Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, by hitting his closest female relatives with new sanctions. The EU has barred his wife, mother, sister and sister-in-law from travelling in the EU and has frozen their bank accounts and other assets. - Assad's relatives face asset freeze and travel ban as EU steps up sanctions - · ·
Asma al-Assad: EU travel ban will not stop Bashar al-Assad's wife travelling to UK - Telegraph

Obama taps public health expert for World Bank

(Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday nominated a Korean-American known for his work in fighting HIV/AIDS in impoverished countries to lead the World Bank, a job emerging economies are contesting for the first time. - Obama taps public health expert for World Bank
College President Is Obama's Pick for World Bank Chief nytimes

U.S. soldier in Afghan killings faces 17 murder charges

(Reuters) - A U.S. Army staff sergeant was charged on Friday with 17 counts of premeditated murder and six counts of attempted murder over a shooting spree in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, U.S. military forces in Afghanistan said. - U.S. soldier in Afghan killings faces 17 murder charges
US Sergeant Charged with 17 Counts of Murder in Afghan Killings - nytimes

کلینټن: افغان میرمنې زمونږ د ملاتړ مستحقې دي

دامریکا او افغانستان دمیرمنو دمشترکې شورا لسمه کلیزه ولمانځل شوه په یو لړ مراسمو کې چې دافغانستان دباندنیو چارو وزیر زلمي رسول، دامریکا دباندنیو چارو وزیرې هیلري کلینټن او دپخواني ولسمشر جورج بوش میرمنې لورا بوش برخه اخیستې وې، دهغه لاسته راوړنو په هکله خبري وشوې چې په ګډه دغې شورا په تیرو لسو کلونو کې په افغانستان کې دمیرمنو دپاره ترلاسه کړي دي.- کلینټن: افغان میرمنې زمونږ د ملاتړ مستحقې دي
هيلري کلنټن طالبان دسولې دخبرو د درولو له امله ملامت کړل

Thursday, March 22, 2012

US economy strong as the world falls behind - msn

Even China is showing signs of slowing, while Europe continues to struggle. - US economy vs. the rest of the world's: 3 perspectives - US economy strong as world falls behind
Global economy rattles investors -- America is on the rise again

Sustain success in Afghanistan - washingtonpost

The painful lesson we learned on Sept. 11, 2001, remains true today: What happens in Afghanistan directly affects our safety here at home. We abandoned Afghanistan in the 1990s, and the result was a fanatical regime that allowed its territory to become a base for global terror attacks, while inflicting medieval tyranny on the Afghan people, especially women. - Sustain success in Afghanistan - John McCain, Joseph I. Lieberman and Lindsey Graham

رييس جمهور كرزي محتاج بودن به جامعه جهاني را عدم تحصيل مي داند

رييس جمهور كرزي كه در محفل فراغت محصلان اكادمي نظامي سخن مي گفت افزود اينكه افغانستان به جامعه جهاني و كمك هايشان نيازمند است يگانه دليل ان نداشتن علم و تحصيل مي باشد.- رييس جمهور كرزي محتاج بودن به جامعه جهاني را عدم تحصيل مي داند
حامدکرزی: پیمان استراتیژیک با ایالات متحده امریکا مطابق به فیصله های لویه جرگه عنعه ای امضا خواهدشد

Accused of Terrorism: Turkish Reporters Struggle Against Repression - Der Spiegel

Turkey has sparked international criticism over its treatment of journalists who dare to criticize the government, with many jailed on terrorism charges. - Turkish Reporters Struggle Against Repression
Related articles, background features and opinions about this topic.

UK aid projects in Afghanistan must be overseen more closely, warns watchdog - Guardian

Spending programme worth £178m annually at risk of theft, fraud and corruption according to ICAI report -- UK aid projects in Afghanistan must be overseen more closely, warns watchdog -- Afghanistan corruption 'could see UK cut off security funds'

U.S. lacks "proof" on Afghan shooting: suspect's lawyer

(Reuters) - U.S. authorities lack proof of what occurred the night a U.S. soldier is suspected of killing 16 villagers in Afghanistan, the lawyer representing the serviceman said on Tuesday. U.S. lacks "proof" on Afghan shooting: suspect's lawyer -- Army sergeant faces 17 murder counts in Afghan killings
French intelligence questioned over shooter

Coroner says Whitney Houston accidentally drowned in bathtub

Singer Whitney Houston appears to have suffered a heart episode before accidentally drowning in the bathtub of a Beverly Hills hotel suite, according to coroner's officials who listed cocaine use as a contributing factor. - Coroner says Whitney Houston accidentally drowned in bathtub - latimes
Whitney Houston drowned, but how? – USATODAY
Whitney Houston's cause of death: Accidental drowning, cocaine ...

Staff Sgt. Robert Bales to be charged in Afghanistan killings - latimes

Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, accused of gunning down Afghan civilians in their homes March 11, will face 17 counts of murder, U.S. officials say. - U.S. soldier to be charged Friday in Afghan killings

Sustaining success in Afghanistan -- John McCain, Joseph I. Lieberman and Lindsey Graham

At the strategic level, our effort continues to be undermined by the perception that the United States will again abandon Afghanistan. This suspicion makes everything our troops are trying to achieve significantly harder. - Sustain success in Afghanistan
Senators warn against withdrawing early from Afghanistan

New counterterrorism guidelines permit data on U.S. citizens to be held longer - washingtonpost

EXCLUSIVE The Justice Department approves guidelines allowing the intelligence community to lengthen the time it retains information about U.S. residents, even if they have no known connection to terrorism. - New rules allow citizens’ data to be held longer
Man tied to French killing spree was on U.S. no-fly list, had jihadist history

UN gets new backing to support Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for security, governance

A resolution extending the mandate of the U.N.’s political mission in Afghanistan until March 23, 2013 was adopted unanimously Thursday. - UN gets new backing to support Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for security, governance

Gaddafi loyalists find no room for dissent - Tara Bahrampour

“We can’t talk,” said a 50-year-old housewife in the Tripoli suburb of Jila. She said she and her loyalist friends do not dare reveal their views in public. “If I go out now and say I like Gaddafi, they will arrest me maybe, or shoot me.” Like other Gaddafi supporters in this article, she did not want her name used because she feared retribution. - Gaddafi loyalists live in fear
Prisoners in Libya languish without charge - washingtonpost

Senators warn against withdrawing early from Afghanistan

They wrote, "We abandoned Afghanistan in the 1990s, and the result was a fanatical regime that allowed its territory to become a base for global terror attacks, while inflicting medieval tyranny ... If we quit Afghanistan again, and abandon the millions of Afghans who have risked everything to be our allies in the hopes of succeeding together, the consequences will be disastrous for both our peoples." - Senators warn against withdrawing early from Afghanistan
No drawdown: U.S. general supports 68,000 troops in Afghanistan in 2013

Women on Afghan peace council say they are sidelined

KABUL (Reuters) - Women members of an Afghan government council charged with seeking reconciliation with the Taliban have been sidelined from main consultations and are trying to forge a united voice within the council, one of the members said. - Women on Afghan peace council say they are sidelined
AFP: Clinton vows no Afghan peace without women

Libya Resists International Court’s Claim on War Crimes Case

Nick Kaufman, a lawyer in Jerusalem hired by Mr. Qaddafi’s sister Aisha, has complained that the Libyan interim authorities have blocked any communication with Mr. Qaddafi, preventing the designation of a lawyer who could represent him. - Libya Resists International Court’s Claim on War Crimes Case - nytimes

Afghan Officials Deny French Suspect Escaped Their Prison - nytimes

KABUL, Afghanistan — Countering reports that the suspect in seven killings in France was one of hundreds of men who escaped from an Afghan prison in 2008, Afghan officials said Wednesday that a man by the same name had indeed escaped then, but was a citizen of Afghanistan, not France. - Afghan Officials Deny French Suspect Escaped Their Prison
French Slaying Suspect Killed as Police Storm Apartment

Afghanistan: End Invasive Searches of Women Visiting Prison - Human Rights Watch

(New York) - The Afghan government should immediately end the practice of invasive vaginal searches of women visiting prisoners at Afghanistan’s largest prison, Pul-i-Charkhi in Kabul, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should issue a decree prohibiting invasive searches in any Afghan prison unless absolutely necessary in specific instances. - Afghanistan: End Invasive Searches of Women Visiting Prison
سازمان دیده بان حقوق بشر از تلاشی شدید جسمی زنان ابراز نگرانی کرد

افغانستان در سال 1390 | DW.DE

افغانستان سال 1390 خورشیدی را با افت و خیزهای سیاسی، نظامی و اقتصادی از سر گذشتاند. در یک چشم انداز کلی می توان رویدادهای رویداد های سال گذشته این کشور را چنین ارزیابی کرد: - افغانستان در سال 1390

The First Ladies Club: Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush for the Women of Afghanistan - abcnews

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former first lady Laura Bush may have been political opposites as first ladies, but they’re in lock step on one important issue: improving the lives of women in Afghanistan. - The First Ladies Club: Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush for the Women of Afghanistan

U.S. on track for Afghan deal by NATO summit: Clinton

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Wednesday it appears to be on track to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Afghanistan charting their future relations during or before a late May NATO summit. - U.S. on track for Afghan deal by NATO summit: Clinton -- کلنتن: به امضاء سند ستراتیژیک با افغانستان نزدیک شده ایم
AFP: Clinton vows no Afghan peace without women -- امریکا اجازه نمیدهد که حقوق زنان افغان دوباره پایمال شود

French Close In on Gunman - WSJ

TOULOUSE, France—French authorities publicly identified the suspect in a series of shootings of soldiers, schoolchildren and a teacher, characterizing him as an Islamist radical who had been planning to strike again Wednesday. - French Close In on Gunman -- French Interior Minister: Toulouse Suspect May Be Dead
Detainee Deal Stalls Taliban Talks

.روزنامه‌های کابل: دوشنبه، ۲۹ حوت

روزنامه‌های چاپ کابل در آخرین روز سال ۱۳۹۰ خورشیدی، بیشتر به بررسی تحولات افغانستان در سال گذشته و پیش‌بینی اوضاع این کشور در سال ۱۳۹۱ پرداخته و ابراز امیدواری کرده‌اند که این سال، سال خوبی باشد. - روزنامه‌های کابل: دوشنبه، ۲۹ حوت
کلینتون: کشتار قندهار برای من و رییس جمهور آمریکا بسیار دردناک بود

Salaries of police officers not paid in Nuristan province

Hundreds of Afghan national police service members have not received their monthly wages during the past five months in eastern Nuristan province, local officials said. - Salaries of police officers not paid in Nuristan province

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

نورستان: پنځه سوه پوليسو ته پنځه مياشتې معاش نه دى ورکړل شوى

په نورستان کې پوليسو ته د معاش د نه رسېدو اوازې څه موده وړاندې راپورته شوې وې، خو هغه وخت یې پخلى نه کېده، اوس د ولسي جرګې يوه نورستاني وکيل دا موضوع راپورته کړې او ويلي ېې دي چې ددغه ولايت ډېر شمېر پوليسو ورته تر هغه وروسته د معاشونو د نه ورکړې وويل چې په ولايت کې خبره وا نه ورېدل شوه.- د نورستان سلګونه پولیسو ته معاش نه دی ورکړل شوی
"د فرانسې قاتل د کندهار له زندانه نه دى تښتيدلى"

Do you think Afghanistan hasn’t changed since 1842? - reuters

With U.S. strategy in Afghanistan in disarray, one of the tropes we are likely to see with increasing frequency is the notion that Afghans are inherently ungovernable, too steeped in tradition to accept the “modernity” offered to them, and by extension, only have themselves to blame for failure. - Do you think Afghanistan hasn’t changed since 1842?

Blasts heard as French gunman siege enters second day

(Reuters) - French police tried to flush out a 24-year-old gunman suspected of killing seven people in the name of al Qaeda, with explosions and gunfire heard outside his apartment on the second day of a siege in the southern French city of Toulouse. - Blasts heard as French gunman siege enters second day
French shooting suspect not jailed in Afghanistan: governor

نوروز جشن قدیم آریایی ها -- دکتور محمد حلیم تنویر

نوروز باستانی یکی از جشن های طبیعی آریائیان است که از ۶۰۰۰ قبل تاکنون در سرزمین آریانا (افغانستان قدیم) تجلیل میګردد. نوروز در روز اول حمل سال هجری شمسی که آغاز فصل بهار است جشن ګرفته می شود.- نوروز جشن قدیم آریایی ها
نوروز چیست و چرا آن را جشن می‌گیرند؟ - غلام‌محمد‌ محمدی

Karzai's team clash over relations with US

Kabul, Afghanistan - The increasing influence of a conservative circle within President Hamid Karzai's palace has impeded progress in signing a crucial strategic agreement with the US to chart the relationship beyond 2014, officials and analysts have said. - Karzai's team clash over relations with US -- US general says Afghan mission 'on track'
Suspected French serial killer under siege

امریکا او افغانستان د سنتراتیژیکو همکاریو تړون ته نژدې شول

تاند(چهارشنبه/مارچ۲۲) د امریکا متحدو ایالتونو نن/چهارشنبه/ وویل، داسي ښکاري چې له افغانستان سره د ستراتیژیکو همکاریو تړون د لاسلیکېدو وخت رانژدې شوی وي. دا تړون د افغانستان او امریکا د اړیکو راتلونکی له ۲۰۱۴ وروسته په ګوته کوي.- امریکا او افغانستان د سنتراتیژیکو همکاریو تړون ته نژدې شول
هند وايي په افغانستان کې نورو هلوځلو ته اړتیا ده

Congress airs differences on when to exit from Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Leaders of the House Armed Services Committee differed Tuesday on how quickly to remove U.S. troops from Afghanistan, while the top commander of forces there said the U.S. campaign remains "on track" despite a spate of recent setbacks. - Congress airs differences on when to exit from Afghanistan