David Cameron nudges Pakistan back towards focus on Afghanistan - Guardian

David Cameron is advising the newly elected Pakistani prime minister to revive relations with Afghanistan amid fears in Downing Street that its so-called "Af-Pak" strategy is losing momentum. - David Cameron nudges Pakistan back towards focus on Afghanistan
David Cameron and army divided over Afghanistan role after 2014

Wikileaks founder says Snowden info will keep getting published

(Reuters) - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Sunday that Edward Snowden made sure that the information he took about U.S. surveillance programs will continue to be published regardless of what happens to the former U.S. spy agency contractor. - Wikileaks founder says Snowden info will keep getting published
Ecuador's Correa says Snowden's fate in hands of Russia

EU confronts U.S. over reports it spies on European allies

(Reuters) -  A spokeswoman for the European Commission said on Sunday the EU contacted U.S. authorities in Washington and Brussels about a report in Der Spiegel magazine that the U.S. secret service had tapped EU offices in Washington, Brussels and at the United Nations.

EU confronts U.S. over reports it spies on European allies

Obama Visits Prison Where Mandela Was Jailed

CAPE TOWN — In the foreword to Nelson Mandela’s 2010 book of letters, President Obama wrote that “even when little sunlight shined into that Robben Island cell, he could see a better future — one worthy of sacrifice." - Obama Visits Prison Where Mandela Was Jailed
Unable to Visit With Mandela, Obama Honors His Legacy - nytimes
Johannesburg Center Is Helping to Preserve the Legacy of Mandela

Spying 'Out of Control': EU Official Questions Trade Negotiations - Der Spiegel

Senior European Union officials are outraged by revelations that the US spied on EU representations in Washington and New York. Some have called for a suspension of talks on the trans-Atlantic free trade agreement. By Claus Hecking and Stefan Schultz more... EU Officials Furious at NSA Spying in Brussels and Germany ...
Growing Alarm: German Prosecutors To Review Allegations of US Spying
Attacks from America: NSA Spied on European Union Offices

"فدرالي نظام افغانستان کې کار نه ورکوي

افغان ولسمشر حامد کرزی وايي، د فدرالي نظام طرح د افغانستان اوسني حالت سره سمون نه لري او دغه نظام به افغانستان د ملګ الطوایفي په لور یوسي.  - "فدرالي نظام افغانستان کې کار نه ورکوي
برتانیا پر افغانستان غونډه کوي
پاکستان افغان دیپلومات ته له طالبانو سره د واک وېشلوسلا ورکړې٬٬

Britain's Cameron pushes peace in Afghanistan

(Reuters) - The chance to end 12 years of grinding war in Afghanistan should be seized by those committed to peace, British Prime Minister David Cameron said in Kabul on Saturday. - Britain's Cameron pushes peace in Afghanistan
Britain's Cameron in thwarted Afghan peace talks push
Obama says managing Afghanistan exit is a priority

تاکید رهبران افغانستان و بریتانیا بر ادامه روند صلح

رئیس جمهور افغانستان در جریان نشست خبری با نخست وزیر بریتانیا گفته است: "می بینیم که کوشش هایی در جریان است که ملوک الطوایفی را از طریق طالبان و سپردن یکی دو جا به دست طالبان و باز(بعدا) از راه این ها ملوک الطوایفی را بر مردم افغانستان تحمیل کنند. این مسئله‌ای است که با دولت های بیرونی صحبت شده، امروز [وقت صرف] نان چاشت جلالت مآب صدر اعظم انگلستان در این مورد صحبت شد. البته ایشان اطمینان دادند که همچو چیزی در برنامه غرب نیست." - تاکید رهبران افغانستان و بریتانیا بر ادامه روند صلح
"فدرالي نظام افغانستان کې کار نه ورکوي

Taliban 'should join Afghanistan peace process'

The Taliban should engage in the political process if they want a role in Afghanistan's future, British Prime Minister David Cameron has said. - Taliban 'should join Afghanistan peace process' Taliban 'should join Afghanistan peace process' - YouTube

International forces will provide advice to Afghan military until 2020

International forces will provide logistical advice to the Afghan military up until 2020 after concluding that Afghanistan's national security forces will be unprepared for full operations when Nato combat troops withdraw from the country at the end of 2014. - Nato to aid Afghan military till 2020
David Cameron and army divided over Afghanistan role after 2014
'We should have talked to Taliban in 2002'

Revealed: secret European deals to hand over private data to America - Guardian

At least six European Union countries in addition to Britain have been colluding with the US over the mass harvesting of personal communications data, according to a former contractor to America's National Security Agency, who said the public should not be "kept in the dark." - Revealed: secret deals to hand private data to US - NSA

مقامات پاکستانی رئیس جمهور کرزی را مانع بزرگ پروسه صلح می دانند

یکی از این مقام های پاکستانی گفته است: "رئیس جمهور کرزی در تلاش به هدف اینکه نجات دهندهء افغانستان معلوم شود، افغانستان را مستقیماً به جهنم می فرستد." -  مقامات پاکستانی رییس جمهور کرزی را مانع بزرگ پروسه صلح می دانند
Pakistan sees Afghanistan's Karzai as obstacle to peace with ...
Analysis: Clashing visions weigh on U.S. drive for Taliban talks

EDITORIAL" The budget vs. Medi-Cal - latimes

Despite successfully signing the budget on time, Gov. Brown and the Legislature face challenges in providing healthcare to the poor. - The budget vs. Medi-Cal
OC Congressman Campbell announces he'll retire at end of term

Obama touts G-8 plan to reduce hunger in Africa

President Obama, in Senegal, calls food security 'a moral imperative.' But critics say the Group of 8's public-private investment program is problematic. - In Senegal, Obama touts U.S. initiatives to end hunger
Obama lands in South Africa, where Nelson Mandela remains critical

اختلاس میلیارد ها دالر در وزارت های دفاع و داخله

کابل:- بررسی های انجام شده در اداره عالی مبارزه با فساد اداری افغانستان نشان می دهد که ظرف دو سال اخیر، میزان فساد اداری در وزارت های دفاع و داخله به شکل بی سابقه ای افزایش یافته است. - اختلاس میلیارد ها دالر در وزارت های دفاع و داخله
سناتور امریکایی: تجهیزات اضافی در افغانستان به کشور های دوست ...
According to The Washington Post

U.S. watchdog raps Pentagon for buying aircraft for Afghan unit

(Reuters) -The watchdog - the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction - urged the Pentagon to suspend the $553 million Russian arms deal as well as a $218 million contract for 18 planes from a U.S. firm until plans were in place to fully recruit and train the Afghan special forces unit. - U.S. watchdog raps Pentagon for buying aircraft for Afghan unit

SIGAR: DoD Decision on Mi-17 'imprudent'

WASHINGTON — The government’s watchdog in Afghanistan feels the Pentagon made an “imprudent” decision to purchase 30 rotorcraft for an Afghan special unit, despite Pentagon officials having seen a draft report warning of major risks in doing so. SIGAR: DoD Decision on Mi-17 'imprudent' -- SIGAR Warns Pentagon Against Afghan Weapons Purchase
Report: Millions wasted on disappearing tractors, solar panels in - A report released Thursday

Dirty Wars author Jeremy Scahill: is journalism being criminalised? – video interview

Jeremy Scahill, author of Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield and featured reporter in the new documentary film of the same name, says under the Obama administration journalists are being intruded upon and whistleblowers are being charged with crimes. Scahill is also a national security correspondent for the Nation - Dirty Wars author Jeremy Scahill: is journalism being criminalised? – video interview

Senators accuse US of using 'secret law' to collect data - Guardian

A bipartisan group of 26 US senators has written to intelligence chiefs to complain that the administration is relying on a "secret body of law" to collect massive amounts of data on US citizens. - Senators accuse US of using 'secret law' to collect data - NSA
Senators' letter to James Clapper – full document

Afghanistan's new rich – in pictures - Guardian

A tiny elite in Afghanistan enjoys a lavish lifestyle, including glittering new apartments, shopping malls and celebrations at luxury wedding halls - Afghanistan's new rich – in pictures - Afghanistan
Kabul property boom confounds fears about Afghanistan's security

Accused Boston bomber to face 30 charges: prosecutors, AFP

The counts include using a weapon of mass destruction and causing death by bombing a public place. Federal prosecutors said 17 of the charges carry a possible death penalty.- Accused Boston bomber to face 30 charges:
Boston Bomb Suspect Cited Muslim Deaths as Motive, US Says (1)

Pakistan extends refugee status for over a million Afghan refugees that was set to expire

ISLAMABAD — The United Nations says Pakistan has extended refugee status for over a million Afghans living in the country. It was set to expire June 30. - Pakistan extends refugee status for over a million Afghan refugees that was set to expire

NSA Leaker's Father: Snowden Betrayed Government, Not The People - NPR

"He has in fact broken U.S. law, in a sense that he has released classified information," the elder Snowden told NBC News. "And if folks want to classify him as a traitor, in fact he has betrayed his government. But I don't believe that he's betrayed the people of the United States." - NSA Leaker's Father: Snowden Betrayed Government, Not The People

Edward Snowden's father: My son is not a traitor

Snowden said he has told Attorney General Eric Holder through his lawyer that his son will probably return home if the Justice Department promises not to detain him before a trial nor subject him to a gag order. He also wants his son to choose where a trial would take place.  Edward Snowden's father: My son is not a traitor

قطر کې طالب دفتر څرنګه مطرح او جوړ شو - BBC

د قطر پروسه او یا په دوحه کې د طالبانو لپاره د دفتر د جوړیدلو نظریه د طالبانو د استازو او د امریکا د متحده ایالاتو ترمنځ د اړیکو او مذاکرو په نتیجه کې په ۲۰۱۱ میلادي کال کې رامنځته شوه. -  قطر کې طالب دفتر څرنګه مطرح او جوړ شو
کرزی وايي د قطر ''دسیسه شنډه'' شوه
حامد کرزی: دسیسه دفتر قطر را خنثی کردیم

Forget Nato v the Taliban. The real Afghan fight is India v Pakistan - Guardian

Afghanistan's old ethnic conflict has become a proxy war for the bitter feud between the region's two nuclear powers - Forget Nato v the Taliban. The real Afghan fight is India v Pakistan - Afghanistan

Kabul property boom confounds fears about Afghanistan's security - Guardian

Afghan capital's skyline transformed by luxury high-rise buildings as new rich prepare to weather Nato's withdrawa - Kabul property boom confounds fears about Afghanistan's security
Freak Afghan hailstorm grounded scores of Nato helicopters

Obama: US will not engage in 'wheeling and dealing' over Edward Snowden - Guardian

After weeks of high-stakes international tension to find and apprehend surveillance whistleblower Edward Snowden, US president Barack Obama indicated that he would not spend much geopolitical capital to make the former National Security Agency contractor stand trial in the United States. - Obama: US will not engage in 'wheeling and dealing' over Edward Snowden - The NSA files

NSA collected US email records in bulk for more than two years under Obama - Guardian

The documents indicate that under the program, launched in 2001, a federal judge sitting on the secret surveillance panel called the Fisa court would approve a bulk collection order for internet metadata "every 90 days". A senior administration official confirmed the program, stating that it ended in 2011. - NSA collected US email records in bulk for more than two years under Obama
How the NSA is still harvesting your online data - The NSA files

Retired US General Is Focus of Inquiry Over Iran Leak - nytimes

WASHINGTON — The former second-ranking officer in the United States military, retired Gen. James E. Cartwright of the Marines, is a target of an investigation into the leak of classified information about American cyberattacks on Iran’s nuclear program, a person familiar with the investigation confirmed Thursday night. - Retired US General Is Focus of Inquiry Over Iran Leak

Obama Seeks to Play Down Snowden's Import

President Obama sought Thursday to minimize the significance of a fugitive former national security contractor wanted for leaking government secrets, calling him a “29-year-old hacker” and suggesting that American frustration with China and Russia for apparently helping him evade extradition was not worth damaging relations with those countries. - Obama Seeks to Play Down Snowden's Import - nytimes

Senate, 68 to 32, Passes Overhaul for Immigration

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Thursday approved the most significant overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws in a generation with broad support generated by a sense among leading Republicans that the party needed to join with Democrats to remove a wedge between Republicans and Hispanic voters. - Senate, 68 to 32, Passes Overhaul for Immigration - nytimes
Bill to Expand U.S. Database to Verify Hires

The Failed States Index Rankings - The Fund for Peace

We are pleased to present the ninth annual Failed States Index. - The Failed States Index Rankings
The Failed States Index 2013  - Failed States Index - The Fund for Peace

سفیر امریکا: قرار بود دفتر قطر" دفتر طالبان افغان" ناميده شود

سفير امريکا در كابل مي گويد: توافق شده بو که دفتر قطر بنام " دفتر طالبان افغان" ناميده شود، اما برخلاف این توافق، پرچم طالبان بر افراشته شد و نام آن " دفتر سياسى امارت اسلامى" اعلام گردید.- سفیر امریکا: قرار بود دفتر قطر" دفتر طالبان افغان" ناميده شود ...
حامدکرزی: طالبانو ته به وروستیو پیښو ور ښودلې وي چې پردی کټ تر ...

Pak-India ties to benefit Afghanistan

NEW DELHI - US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan James Dobbins on Thursday said that improvement in relations between India and Pakistan will automatically improve the situation in Afghanistan. - Pak-India ties to benefit Afghanistan

US expects more Taliban attacks despite peace talks

U.S. and Taliban - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

The confusion over the US talks with the Taliban in Qatar last week suggests that the so-called "endgame" in Afghanistan may not really be at hand. Barely hours after the talks were announced, the Taliban broke the agreement by flying its flag and presenting itself as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.  Afghan President Hamid Karzai was furious, and Washington is now saying that Taliban's Qatar office will be closed if it does not abide by the terms agreed in the pre-negotiations.- U.S. and Taliban - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - C. Raja Mohan

The Reality of Afghanistan - George Friedman, Stratfor

In a civil war, the viability of the government is not a function of ideas such as legitimacy or international recognition. It is a function of your ability to reliably assert your presence in regions. There are tribes and other groups in Afghanistan that have a high degree of coherence. It is these entities -- not the Afghan government -- that can and will challenge the Taliban. There are a few possible outcomes, including total fragmentation, but the creation of a sustainable national government by the Karzai regime isn't one of them. More important, the United States doesn't believe it is a possibility either. Read Full Article
RealClearWorld - The Reality of Afghanistan
Why Is China Talking to the Taliban? - foreignpolicy/

فایننشل تایمز: حامد کرزی بخشی از مشکل افغانستان است

« چون حامد کرزی تنها برای خود تلاش نمی کند، او به منفعت گروپ های مختلف در افغانستان عمل می کند. فشار نهایت زیاد وجود دارد، طور مثال از جانب جنگسالاران سابق مانند اسماعیل خان و قوماندان سابق اتحاد شمال جنرال عبدالرشید دوستم که همه مخالف نظریهء مذاکرات با طالبان اند.» - فایننشل تایمز: حامد کرزی بخشی از مشکل افغانستان است
Karzai is part of the problem - Ahmed Rashid, FT

Exodus:: Afghan Diplomats Defect as Western Withdrawal Nears - Der Spiegel

No one wants to return to Afghanistan," said the employee, who added that they couldn't be faulted for wanting to stay away from"the situation in the country."According to recent surveys, most Afghans believe the country will sink into chaos and violence and expect that civil war will break out once Western forces withdraw at the end of 2014. For months, the Taliban and various other ethnic groups have been arming themselves in preparation for a fight for power in the country. - Diplomats Defect as Western Withdrawal from Afghanistan Nears  - Afghanistan
US-Taliban Talks in Doha: The West's Capitulation in Afghanistan

سازمان ملل: افغانستان همچنان بزرگترین تولیدکننده مواد مخدر جهان است

براساس گزارش تازه اداره مبارزه با مواد مخدر و جرایم سازمان ملل متحد، افغانستان همچنان بزرگترین تولید کننده تریاک در جهان است. --  در این گزارش که امروز در وین پایتخت اتریش منتشر شد، آمده که افغانستان در سال ۲۰۱۲ هفتاد و چهار درصد تریاک جهان را تولید کرده است. -  سازمان ملل: افغانستان همچنان بزرگترین تولیدکننده مواد مخدر جهان است
2013 World Drug Report

Designer drugs on the rise as demand for traditional drugs levels off, UN reports on World Drug Day

In terms of production, Afghanistan retained its infamous title of lead producer and cultivator of opium, accounting for 75 per cent of global opium production in 2012 of 236,320 hectares. - Designer drugs on the rise as demand for traditional drugs levels off, UN reports on World Drug Day
2013 World Drug Report

The Fatigue Solution - Jen Landa, MD, doctoroz

Fatigue Solutions : Reduce Interference of Gluten With Iron  ---
More than 25% of the population suffers from gluten sensitivities, but less than 1% is aware of the problem. If you feel bloated, gassy or constipated after a meal rather than energized, you may be gluten sensitive..... more, The Fatigue Solution

US commits to Afghan Taliban talks despite Kabul attack - BBC

"The enemies of the people of Afghanistan once again proved with their failed attack that they are against peace, stability and progress in Afghanistan," he said.

US ambassador James Cunningham said the attack had failed to achieve its goals and demonstrated "the futility of the Taliban's efforts to use violence and terror to achieve their aims". - US commits to Afghan Taliban talks despite Kabul attack
کاخ سفید: رئیسان جمهوری آمریکا و افغانستان به مذاکره با طالبان

Greenwald: Snowden’s Files Are Out There if ‘Anything Happens’ to Him - Daily Beast

Glenn Greenwald, the Guardian journalist who Snowden first contacted in February, told The Daily Beast on Tuesday that Snowden “has taken extreme precautions to make sure many different people around the world have these archives to insure the stories will inevitably be published.” Greenwald added that the people in possession of these files “cannot access them yet because they are highly encrypted and they do not have the passwords.” - Snowden's Plan B Edward Snowden has shared encoded copies of all the documents he took so that ...

Natalie Cole Takes Her Own Turn 'En Español' - npr

"I was pretty young, but because of that first record, Cole Español, we took our first trip — well, my first trip — to Mexico. And that was my first time ever traveling outside of the U.S. and really being around people who really just adored my dad because of this record. - Natalie Cole Takes Her Own Turn 'En Español'
Natalie Cole on new album, coming back from "rock bottom ...
Natalie Cole Official Website :: Homepage

سرک حلقوی در کابل ساخته میشود

به گزارش آژانس باختر، مشکلات ترافیکی درکابل به عنوان مشکل حاد اجتماعی و اقتصادی در پایتخت تبارز نموده و بخصوص تراکم وسایط باربری مسوولان را واداشته است تا مقررات ویژه را دراین راستا وضع نمایند. - سرک حلقوی در کابل ساخته میشود - Bakhtar News
ااستادان و محصلین معترض: وزیر تحصیلات عالی باید برکنار شود

US and Afghanistan reaffirm commitment to Taliban talks - Telegraph

US President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai have reffirmed their commitment to stalled peace talks with the Taliban just hours after militants attacked a CIA station - US and Afghanistan reaffirm commitment to Taliban talks - Afghanistan
Three guards killed as Afghan presidential palace attacked

Sustainable management of natural resources can bring peace to Afghanistan – UN report

24 June 2013 – Sustainable and equitable management of Afghanistan’s natural resources such as land, water, forests and minerals can contribute to peacebuilding in the country, according to a United Nations report released today.- Sustainable management of natural resources can bring peace to Afghanistan
Afghanistan needs sustained international support for transition to succeed

Obama, Karzai 'reaffirm' Afghan-led peace process with Taliban: White House

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday discussed stalled peace talks with the Taliban and "reaffirmed" their support for the process, the White House said. - Obama, Karzai 'reaffirm' Afghan-led peace process with Taliban: White House
Afghan Taliban attack in Kabul throws peace talks into further doubt

Putin rules out handing Snowden over to United States

(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Tuesday a former U.S. spy agency contractor sought by the United States was in the transit area of a Moscow airport but ruled out handing him to Washington, dismissing U.S. criticisms as "ravings and rubbish".- Putin rules out handing Snowden over to United States
White House urges Russia to expel Snowden without delay

Speaking too clearly can have a price for leaders

WASHINGTON (AP) — For U.S. policy makers, events that seem at first like positive developments can sometimes unexpectedly bite back. - Speaking too clearly can have a price for leaders
Why Russia won't hand over Edward Snowden

Editorial: We cannot ignore Afghanistan

Afghanistan is littered with the bones of soldiers from foreign countries. During the past 12 years, the blood of American soldiers has mingled in Afghanistan’s soil with the 19th-century blood of British Redcoats and 20th-century blood from what was then the Soviet’s Union’s Red Army. Others will likely fight and die there in the future. - Editorial: We cannot ignore Afghanistan
Taliban Attack Shows Militant Spirit Unbroken - AP

Angelina Jolie turns spotlight on Syria

(CNN) -- The world pays attention to Angelina Jolie when she's stepping out with partner Brad Pitt, writing opinion pieces and spurring debate about breast cancer or promoting her latest movie - Jolie gives voice to Syria refugees

Snowden remains in Moscow airport, is 'free man,' Russian president says

(CNN) -- Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who spilled U.S. surveillance secrets to the world, is a "free man" biding his time in a Moscow airport, Russian President Vladimir Putin told reporters Tuesday in Finland. - Putin: 'Free man' Snowden in

Taliban Launch Deadly Attack in Kabul - nytimes

KABUL — At least four suicide bombers launched a daring and sophisticated attack on the heart of the Afghan government early Tuesday morning, using at least two land cruisers similar to those used by international soldiers here, fake badges and vehicle passes, which allowed at least one to get inside the heavily guarded area, according to Kabul’s deputy police chief. - Taliban Launch Deadly Attack in Kabul
Presidential palace comes under attack in Kabul  - CNN

Taliban gunmen launch attack near Afghan presidential palace - latimes

KABUL, Afghanistan-- In a brazen attack on the seat of Afghan government power, gunman struck near the palace in Kabul early Tuesday, reportedly exchanging fire with bodyguards of President Hamid Karzai. - Taliban gunmen launch attack near Afghan presidential palace
Taliban Launch Deadly Attack in Kabul - nytimes
Pakistan attackers kill 9 foreign mountain climbers and their guide

US warns Moscow not to let Snowden escape

The Obama administration urged Russia not to allow the surveillance whistleblower Edward Snowden to leave the country, as his attempted escape to South America descended into confusion and farce on Monday. - US warns Moscow not to let Snowden escape - Edward Snowden
China blasts Washington as hunt for Snowden continues

Senators: NSA must correct inaccurate claims over privacy protections - Guardian

Two senators on the intelligence committee on Monday accused the National Security Agency of publicly presenting "inaccurate" information about the privacy protections on its surveillance on millions of internet communications. - Senators: NSA must correct inaccurate claims over privacy protections - The NSA files
Edward Snowden leaves reporters chasing shadows around an airport

Taliban Launch Attack on Afghan Presidential Palace - WSJ

The attack began shortly after 6:30 a.m., when a group of gunmen emerged from a small white minibus not far from the Salam Khana Gate outside the heavily fortified palace and opened fire on presidential guards. A group of reporters waiting by the gate for a scheduled press event with President Hamid Karzai were trapped near the gate as the guards returned fire. - Taliban Attack Afghan Presidential Palace
Taliban claims morning attack at Kabul's presidential palace - RT

Taliban raids presidential compound in Kabul

A raid on the presidential compound in the Afghan capital has ended with the deaths of all the attackers, according to police. - Taliban raids presidential compound in Kabul - aljazeera

Afghan presidential palace attacked  - BBC
حمله به کاخ ریاست جمهوری افغانستان

Rewarding radicalism at the expense democracy

Much of the news coverage following last week's opening of a Taliban office in Doha, Qatar focused on the reactions of the U.S. and Afghan governments. But what of ordinary Afghans? How did they view the group's press conference, and the subsequent fallout? Read More ».
Rewarding radicalism at the expense democracy  - FP

Ecuador’s foreign minister publicly reads Snowden asylum request letter

Ecuadoran Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño held a press conference Monday on former government contractor Edward Snowden’s asylum request. He was speaking from Hanoi, where he was on a trade mission. Here are excerpts, translated from Spanish by the Washington Post: - Ecuador's foreign minister publicly reads Snowden asylum request ...
NSA leaker’s whereabouts a mystery - washingtonpost

U.S. Rebukes China, Russia and Ecuador Over Snowden - nytimes

The Obama administration escalated its criticism on Monday of Russia, China and Ecuador, the countries that appeared to be protecting Edward J. Snowden, who is wanted on spying charges. - U.S. Rebukes China, Russia and Ecuador Over Snowden
Hasty Exit Started With Pizza Inside a Hong Kong Hideout
N.S.A. Leak Puts Focus on System Administrators
Excerpts From Snowden's Letter Requesting Asylum in Ecuador

Future of Afghan peace talks in hands of Taliban - U.S. envoy

(Reuters) - Progress in Afghan peace talks rests entirely on whether the Taliban are willing to come to the table, a U.S. special envoy said on Monday, describing their ceremonial opening of an office in Qatar as an attempt to "score a propaganda advance". - Future of Afghan peace talks in hands of Taliban - U.S. envoy
Police remove flagpole at center of Afghan, Taliban row

Kabul's reaction entirely justified: Dobbins

KABUL (PAN): US Special Representative James Dobbins on Monday acknowledged the Afghan government's angry reaction to the opening of Taliban's political bureau in Doha was fully justified. - Kabul's reaction entirely justified: Dobbins - pajhwok
Draft on president’s pay, privileges approved

Qatari Amir set to hand over power to son

The Amir of Qatar, His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, 61, informed members of the ruling family on Monday of his decision to hand over power to Crown Prince Shaikh Tamim after a meeting in Doha, the Qatari-owned television channel Al Jazeera said. - Qatari Amir set to hand over power to son
Afghanistan seeks explanation for Taleban office

10 ways you give up data without knowing it

It's a brave new world of information mining. Here are a few ways your data are already being collected and put to use, even if you don't know it. - 10 ways you give up data without knowing it - CNN
News: US urges Russia to expel Snowden
Are Afghans really ready?

Ron Paul: What We Have Learned From Afghanistan – OpEd - Rep. Ron Paul

We are leaving Afghanistan after 12 years with nothing to show for it but trillions of dollars wasted and thousands of lives lost. Afghanistan is a devastated country with a weak, puppet government—and now we negotiate with those very people we fought for those 12 years, who are preparing to return to power! Still we learn nothing.

Instead of learning from these disasters brought about by the interventionists and their failed foreign policy, the president is now telling us that we have to go into Syria!

Sadly, that is the story of our foreign policy. We have attacked at least five countries since 9/11. We have launched drones against many more. We have deposed several dictators and destroyed several foreign armies. But, looking around at what has been achieved, it is clear: it is all irrelevant. - And More, -  Ron Paul: What We Have Learned From Afghanistan – OpEd
US Revokes Passport Of Snowden

Editorial: More Overreach by the N.Y.P.D.

The revelation in 2011 that the New York City Police Department was spying on law-abiding Muslims rightly attracted scrutiny from the Justice Department, which announced last year that it intended to review the program.More Overreach by the NYPD - nytimes

Liberal activists show irritation with Obama over surveillance - latimes

"When he proposes cutting Social Security benefits, does nothing on jobs, does nothing on holding Wall Street accountable and now is spying on every American, that's not something he can ask people who wanted hope and change to rally around," said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. "There are many who spent so much time in 2008 and 2012 to elect this Democratic president, and [this] is not what we bargained for." - Liberal activists show irritation with Obama over surveillance

South Africa: Anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela’s condition has turned critical

JOHANNESBURG — Nelson Mandela’s health has deteriorated and he is now in critical condition, the South African government said Sunday. - South Africa: Anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela's condition has turned - AP

Edward Snowden asks for asylum in Ecuador - as it happened - Guardian

Edward Snowden has left Hong Kong: the NSA whistleblower, now sought by US authorities on espionage charges, departed the Chinese territory by commercial airliner on Sunday morning local time and is en route to Moscow, the South China Morning Post reported.
Snowden asks for asylum in Ecuador – as it happened - NSA files
Edward Snowden seeks asylum in Ecuador amid diplomatic storm

Afghan women's struggle for their rights will not stop now - Orzala Ashraf Nemat

Any deal from talks in Qatar with the Taliban that ignores Afghan women will fail to achieve a real, sustainable peace - Afghan women's struggle for their rights will not stop now  - Afghan women's struggle for their rights will not stop now
Taliban's unworldly moderates in Doha struggle for coherence in peace talks - Afghanistan

WikiLeaks Statement On Edward Snowden’s Exit From Hong Kong - UPDATED

Mr Edward Snowden, the American whistleblower who exposed evidence of a global surveillance regime conducted by US and UK intelligence agencies, has left Hong Kong legally. He is bound for the Republic of Ecuador via a safe route for the purposes of asylum, and is being escorted by diplomats and legal advisors from WikiLeaks. - WikiLeaks Statement On Edward Snowden’s Exit From Hong Kong  wikileaks.org

U.S. Afghanistan auditor tells of free-for-all as subcontractors demand money they’re owed

KABUL, Afghanistan — The U.S. government’s primary auditing agency for Afghanistan has found that subcontractors on U.S.-funded projects in that country frequently aren’t paid, resulting in a litany of problems that include delayed and unfinished jobs, death threats to company workers and allegations of corruption among Afghan police and judicial officials. - US Afghanistan auditor tells of free-for-all as subcontractors demand ...mcclatchydc

Government could use metadata to map your every move - McClatchy

WASHINGTON — If you tweet a picture from your living room using your smartphone, you’re sharing far more than your new hairdo or the color of the wallpaper. You’re potentially revealing the exact coordinates of your house to anyone on the Internet. - Government could use metadata to map your every move
Obama's crackdown views leaks as aiding enemies of US - McClatchy

Police remove flagpole at centre of Afghan, Taliban row

(Reuters) - Police have removed a flagpole from the Taliban's office in Qatar, an official said on Sunday, expunging the last visible sign of official decoration that riled the Afghan government and derailed nascent peace talks. - Police remove flagpole at centre of Afghan, Taliban row
Kerry presses Taliban to revive Afghan peace bid

Snowden on the run, seeks asylum in Ecuador

Moscow (CNN) -- Ex-National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden has asked for asylum in Ecuador, the South American country's foreign ministry announced Sunday as the United States urged countries to rebuff the leaker. - WikiLeaks: Snowden arrives in Moscow

سپينه ماڼۍ: اصلي خبرې د طالبانو او افغان حکومت ترمنځ کېږي

سپينه ماڼۍ وايي، چې د افغان د شخړې د هوارۍ په موخه اصلي خبرې د افغان دولت او طالبانو ترمنځ کېږي، خو ترڅنګ به امريکا هم له طالبانو سره د بندي امريکايي سرتېري او يو شمېر موضوعاتو په اړه خبرې وکړي.-  سپينه ماڼۍ: اصلي خبرې د طالبانو او افغان حکومت ترمنځ کېږي - benawa
توافق شده بود که ما از بیرق ونام امارت اسلامی خود استفاده کنیم: طالبان ...

Obama says FBI nominee Comey will balance privacy, security

(Reuters) - In nominating Jim Comey to be the next FBI director on Friday, President Barack Obama said the former Justice Department official will help strike a balance between the need for information on terrorist plots and respecting Americans' privacy. - Obama says FBI nominee Comey will balance privacy, security

U.S. seeks Snowden's extradition, urges Hong Kong to act quickly

(Reuters) - The United States said on Saturday it wants Hong Kong to extradite Edward Snowden and urged it to act quickly, paving the way for what could be a lengthy legal battle to prosecute the former National Security Agency contractor on espionage charges. - U.S. seeks Snowden's extradition, urges Hong Kong to act quickly Virginia court, home to spying and cyber cases, to hear Snowden case

US-Taliban Talks in Doha: The West's Capitulation in Afghanistan - Der Spiegel

In 2001, the West set lofty goals for Afghanistan, including implementing democracy, safeguarding human rights and fostering responsible governance. But the states contributing forces to ISAF gave up on achieving such goals long ago. The United States has signalled that the Taliban will be allowed to do what it wants as long as it refrains from allowing international terrorists to seek refuge in the areas it controls. - US Talks with Taliban in Doha Mark Capitulation in Afghanistan ... - World - Germany

NSA leaks: US and Britain team up on mass surveillance - Guardian

Twelve years ago, in an almost forgotten report, the European parliament completed its investigations into a long-suspected western intelligence partnership dedicated to global signals interception on a vast scale. - How US and Britain team up on surveillance - The NSA files - Glenn Greenwald
GCHQ monitoring described as a 'catastrophe' by German politicians - Surveillance

Kerry presses Taliban to revive Afghan peace bid

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry put the onus on the Taliban to revive stalled efforts to end Afghanistan's 12-year-old war and warned the militants on Saturday they might lose their new office in Qatar if the peace bid collapsed. - Afghan peace bid on hold over Kabul-Taliban protocol row
Afghan peace bid on hold over Kabul-Taliban protocol row
وزیر خارجه آمریکا در مورد برگزاری مذاکرات با طالبان ابراز تردید کرد

معاون والی نام نهاد طالبان برای نورستان کشته شد - Bakhtar

مسوول پولیس این ولایت می گوید که معاون والی نام نهاد طالبان برای نورستان بیشترین حملات تروریستی دراین ولایت را رهبری می کرده است. --  ولایت نورستان درشرق افغانستان باداشتن دوصد وپنجاه کیلومترمرزمشترک با پاکستان ، کماکان شاهد حضوروفعالیت طالبان مسلح ازجمله جنگجویان پاکستانی بوده است.  - معاون والی نام نهاد طالبان برای نورستان کشته شد
افغانستان، د امریکا متحد ایالتونه او طالبان د دوحې له خبرو څه غواړي؟  - تاند

Scrapping equipment key to Afghan drawdown

Military planners have determined that they will not ship back more than $7 billion worth of equipment — about 20 percent of what the U.S. military has in Afghanistan — because it is no longer needed or would be too costly to ship back home. - Washington Post
US contractors' failure to pay Afghans is causing grave problems ...

GCHQ taps fibre-optic cables for secret access to world's communications - Guardian

Exclusive:  NSA has access to vast quantities of email messages, internet histories and calls stored by GCHQ spy agency.  - UK taps fibre-optic cables for secret access to world's communications
NSA can use US data without warrant  - The NSA files

New documents reveal parameters of NSA’s secret surveillance programs - washingtonpost

Congress authorized the collection program amid a great debate about the degree to which the government was expanding its surveillance authority without sufficient protection for Americans’ privacy. - New documents reveal parameters of NSA's secret surveillance
Guardian: Leaked documents expose massive UK spying operation

U.S. charges Edward Snowden with espionage in leaks about NSA surveillance programs

Federal prosecutors have filed a sealed criminal complaint against Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who leaked a trove of documents about top-secret surveillance programs, and the United States has asked Hong Kong to detain him on a provisional arrest warrant, according to U.S. officials. - U.S. charges Snowden with espionage - washingtonpost

Some of My Best Friends Are Germs - MICHAEL POLLAN

As part of a new citizen-science initiative called the American Gut project, the lab sequenced my microbiome — that is, the genes not of “me,” exactly, but of the several hundred microbial species with whom I share this body. These bacteria, which number around 100 trillion, are living (and dying) right now on the surface of my skin, on my tongue and deep in the coils of my intestines, where the largest contingent of them will be found, a pound or two of microbes together forming a vast, largely uncharted interior wilderness that scientists are just beginning to map. - Some of My Best Friends Are Germs

Taliban Consider Canceling Talks With U.S. and Afghanistan - nytimes

DOHA, Qatar — Taliban leaders were debating on Friday whether to cancel peace talks with the Americans and the Afghan government because of criticism of their use of their flag and formal name at their new office here.  - Taliban Consider Canceling Talks With US and Afghanistan
Will We or Won?t We? State?s On, Then Off, Then On Again Taliban ...thedailybeast

Revealed: the top secret rules that allow NSA to use US data without a warrant - Guardian

Top secret documents submitted to the court that oversees surveillance by US intelligence agencies show the judges have signed off on broad orders which allow the NSA to make use of information "inadvertently" collected from domestic US communications without a warrant. - Revealed: the top secret rules that allow NSA to use US data without a warrant
Skype's secret Project Chess reportedly helped NSA access customers' data - The NSA files

Afghanistan: Obama Surrenders - frontpagemag

The U.S. entered Afghanistan to topple the Taliban from power and end their influence in the country. In light of that, these talks in themselves constitute an admission of failure. But these talks are far from the first of those. - Afghanistan: Obama Surrenders

World from Berlin: Obama Visit Highlights 'Genuine Trans-Atlantic Dissonance' - Der Spiegel

US President Barack Obama managed to achieve his primary goal during his one-day visit to Berlin on Wednesday: charming his hosts. But German commentators argue he was unable to bridge a growing gap between the two countries. more...
German Press Reactions to US President Obama Berlin Visit ...
Berlin Speech:

First family travels through Europe - Washington Post

No matter where in the world she goes, the first lady gets attention for her fashion choices - Michelle Obama travels in style
Michelle Obama's Travel Style: First Lady Wears Burberry Trench Coat Ahead - huffpost

Worst day of the year for Dow , S&P 500

The Dow Jones industrial average tumbled 353 points, or 2.3%. That marked the biggest one-day point drop since November 2011. Including Wednesday's losses, the Dow has erased more than 550 points in two days. Worst day of the year for Dow, S&P
Bond yields spike to 2-year highs -- Gold plunges to 2.5-year low

Global Sell-off Shows Fed Reach Beyond the US

Tumbling stock, bond and commodity prices around the world are demonstrating just how reliant the global economy has become on the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve.
Global Market Turmoil Shows Reach of Fed Beyond U.S. - nytimes
Two Economies in Turmoil, for Different Reasons

Pakistan, Afghanistan trade accusations at U.N. over extremist havens

(Reuters) - Afghanistan and Pakistan traded accusations in the U.N. Security Council on Thursday over the whereabouts of Islamist extremists on their porous border as the United Nations described increased tensions between the neighbors as "unfortunate and dangerous". - Pakistan, Afghanistan trade accusations at U.N. over extremist havens
Insight: Pakistan influence on Taliban commanders helped Afghan breakthrough

Afghan peace bid stumbles on Kabul-Taliban protocol row

(Reuters) - A fresh effort to end Afghanistan's 12-year-old war looked in trouble on Thursday after a diplomatic spat about the Taliban's new Qatar office delayed preliminary discussions between the United States and the Islamist insurgents. - Afghan peace bid stumbles on Kabul-Taliban protocol row
NATO chief hopes Afghan-led peace talks will start soon

The US Military Is Junking $7 Billion In Military Equipment On Its Way Out Of Afghanistan

The U.S. military is in the process of junking $7 billion worth of military equipment as it exits Afghanistan, Ernesto Londoño of The Washington Post reports - The US Military Is Junking $7 Billion In Military Equipment On Its ... au.businessinsider

Kerry calls Karzai to defuse tension over Taliban

US Secretary of State John Kerry has spoken by phone to Afghan President Hamid Karzai to try to defuse tensions. - Kerry calls Karzai to defuse tension over Taliban -- Kerry calls Karzai to defuse tension over Taliban - BBC
تماس تلفنی جان‌کری با حامدکرزی برای رفع تنش‌ بر سر دفتر طالبان
شورای عالی صلح: پایین کردن عنوان و پرچم طالبان از دفتر قطر کافی نیست

واشنګټن هم د اسلامي امارت د سیاسي دفتر په نوم موافق نه دی

افغان او امریکايي چارواکې وايي، دامریکا دبهرنیو چارو وزیر جان کري له ولسمشرحامد کرزې سره دچارشنبې په ورځ دوه ځل تیلفونې خبرې کړي او نوموړي ته یې ډاډ ورکړی چې؛ په قطر کې دطالبانو له سیاسي دفتر سره واشنګټن هم دافغانستان داسلامي امارت دسیاسي دفتر په نوم موافق نه دی. - واشنګټن هم د اسلامي امارت د سیاسي دفتر په نوم موافق نه دی
جین پساکې: امریکا له طالبانو سره د خبرو لپاره کومه نیټه نه ده ټاکلې
واکنش کرزی به دفتر طالبان – مخالفت یا سیاست؟ - صدای امریکا

Obama rejects criticism from Afghan government

BERLIN -- President Obama on Wednesday rejected criticism from Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s office that the U.S. had said one thing and done another while arranging informal peace talks with the insurgent Taliban movement. - Obama rejects criticism from Afghan government
Afghan president cancels security talks with U.S. - latimes

Michael Hastings death: Coroner still hasn't ID'd badly burned victim - latimes

Los Angeles police said they have yet to determine the cause of a fiery solo-car crash in Hollywood that apparently killed award-winning journalist Michael Hastings. - Obituaries
Video taken just after the crash shows a mangled car fully engulfed in flames

FBI uses drones inside U.S. for spying, director says

Outgoing FBI Director Robert Mueller tells lawmakers that the agency uses drones domestically 'in a very, very minimal way.' He also says the NSA spy program helps track terrorist plots. - FBI uses drones inside U.S. for spying, director says - latimes
Muslims sue NYPD over monitoring of mosques, congregants

Julian Assange says WikiLeaks helping Snowden gain asylum - nbcnews

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday said members of his anti-secrecy website have been in contact with lawyers of alleged National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden and are helping him seek asylum in Iceland. - Julian Assange says WikiLeaks helping Snowden gain asylum

IBD Editorials: In Afghanistan, Obama Repeating Big Vietnam Mistake

War On Terror: President Obama is practically engineering a silent coup against flawed Afghan President Hamid Karzai, with whom we replaced the Taliban in 2001. He's copying America's worst mistake of the Vietnam War. - In Afghanistan, Obama Repeating Big Vietnam Mistake